Why pastors should teach reasons to stay or leave

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock talk about how to leave a church well—in a way that honors Christ, loves His people, and protects your own spiritual health. Drawing from H.B. Charles Jr.’s article, “When It’s Time to Leave a Church,” they walk through practical steps for transitioning from one church to another with humility and integrity.

In this episode, they unpack 7 ways to leave a church in a healthy, biblical way:

1. Pray

• Seek the Lord earnestly before making any decisions.
• Ask for wisdom, clarity, and a heart that desires God’s glory above your preferences.

2. Examine your motives

• Be honest about why you want to leave.
• Evaluate whether your reasons are rooted in conviction, calling, or frustration and hurt.

3. Review the commitments you’ve made

• Remember membership vows, ministry roles, and responsibilities.
• Think carefully about how to finish well and hand off your areas of service.

4. Deal with unresolved interpersonal conflict

• Don’t use a church transfer to avoid biblical reconciliation.
• Whenever possible, seek peace, forgiveness, and restored relationships before you go.

5. Consider how your departure will affect others

• Reflect on how your decision impacts your family, friends, small group, and church leaders.
• Aim to leave in a way that builds up the church rather than causing division or confusion.

6. Know where you’re going before you leave

• Don’t drift into churchlessness.
• Identify another faithful, gospel-preaching church where you can plug in, submit to leadership, and serve.

7. Have an honest exit conversation with your pastor

• Meet with your pastor or elders to share your decision respectfully.
• Express gratitude, share concerns graciously, and invite them to pray for you as you transition.

This episode is especially helpful for:

• Believers wondering how to leave a church well
• Members processing a potential church transition
• Pastors and leaders shepherding people through church moves

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• “When It’s Time to Leave a Church” by HB Charles

Listen in for pastoral, practical guidance on leaving a church biblically, guarding unity, and honoring Christ and His bride even in seasons of transition.

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