When to change churches?

Yes. Church is too far to drive. Doctrinal issues. Biblical issues.

 

When you hear a clear voice saying "this is not where you're supposed to be."

 

That voice may be subjective. If the Holy Spirit is speaking to someone about changing churches then He will back it up with scripture. Far too many in this day and age think that they hear God tell them to do this and to do that, but its not backed up with scripture and its just themselves speaking.

 

Either for the reasons of maintaining biblical faithfulness or a change in geographical location.

 

Look I love my church. Strong on the DOG and a strong Calvinist church. However I completely disagree with their evangelism theology. Should I change churches? Of coarse not because I have nothing biblical against them. Far more biblical support for contact evangelism over friendship evangelism. But it's not as if they are unbiblical I just see more support for evangelism with strangers.

 

If the Holy Spirit sends you some where else (China, Russia, NY City, Cyprus):

Acts 13
2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

HankD

 

When God calls you to service elsewhere.

 

Thank you for this post. This has been something I've observed and dealt with personally and was hoping to find some solid common ground. People will change churches if the wind changes directions and usually it's no more than a few miles down the road. Reasons include, programs, music, service time, church popularity, and the list goes on. I've heard Christian talk shows discuss changing to better suit family needs and worship styles. My opinion was always to stay unless there was a doctrinal divide or deviation from scripture, or if a pastor made unbiblical decisions or had cavalier and unbiblical methods. I think I would continue to hold to that but also add that a change might be needed of the distance is just too great. I drive an hour each way, which equates to about 35 miles each way, and sometimes it's just plain difficult. It's not even my own community anymore but I am being used and that carries a lot of weight for me. But as already mentioned, scripture isn't exactly running over with details on this issue.

 

Do people make to much of the issue of what particular local church you belong to, or even the denominational logo on the sign outside? As we read in the book of Acts there is one single church meeting in different communities as the Gospel spread. These days there are multiple denominational and non denominational churches yet the majority of them are united in the Christian Faith and Message, I suspect that in the heavenly kingdom there is no segregation between people and who knows, the people in the mansion next door to you could be with the AOG!