[Biblemat] Req: Please share your advice

[Dudley Ross Spears]

Ron Stringer asked what might be done for those who want to leave the congregation because they claim that they don't feel loved, encouraged, happy, etc. These  also claim that they don't feel as if some are acting right toward them and are not treating them as brethren should.

It seems as if such Christians are either unaware of or unwilling to make the application our Lord gives in Matt. 5:22-24 and 18:15-18. Possibly offering to act as a go-between would be helpful in resolving personal conflicts between the parties involved. It is never right to impugn motives but it is often wise to be aware of the possibility that other factors are behind the desire to leave a local church. In such cases going the second mile in trying to show more love for those wanting to leave could prevent the loss.

Should efforts to get the parties involved to respect their obligations to each other from what the Scriptures tell us, I doubt there is much anyone can do. If you can get to the root of the problem, through understanding and praying together over the problem, the thing might be resolved. Otherwise, I have learned over the years that when folks make up their mind they are being slighted and not loved in a congregation, they will leave. Where they end up will likely be no better. There is a well known adage that you cannot fix a problem by running away from it.

Hope this helps. To Ron - Send me a photo or two of your family. I remember very fondly the time we spent together in Bowling Green. God bless you in your work there.

Dudley Ross Spears, drs4285 at bellsouth.net
Visit the Valley church at www.vscoc.org
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