How to Leave a Church Well

Dec 18, 2025

Leaving a church can be tricky, but there are ways to do it gracefully. The hosts discuss the importance of prayer and self-examination before making any decisions. They highlight the significance of honoring commitments and resolving conflicts to maintain integrity. Understanding the impact of one's departure on relationships and planning ahead for a new church home is crucial. An exit conversation with leadership can provide closure and clarity, ensuring a respectful transition that uplifts rather than divides.

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INSIGHT

Don't Escape Conflict Or Secondary Issues

Leaving a church for someone else's sin, secondary disagreements, or personal offense is usually wrong and avoids necessary gospel work.
Grow through conflict, submit to authority, and fight for unity rather than hopping churches when uncomfortable.

INSIGHT

When Leaving Is Biblically Justified

The few biblically legitimate reasons to leave include a church abandoning the gospel or serious doctrinal dysfunction.
God may also call you to another church, but not as an escape from hard seasons.

ADVICE

Begin With Prayer

Pray diligently before deciding to leave a church and ask God for clarity about motives and calling.
Seek wisdom that prioritizes God's glory over personal preference.

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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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