GUEST POST: I’m Thinking About Leaving My Church

on March 12th, 2010

I’m thinking about leaving my church.

I’m 22 years old. And I work with students at the church that I grew up in.

Now, when I say “grew up in”…I didn’t know Christ until I was a junior in high school, and this was where I met him. When I graduated high school, I didn’t go to college, and since I was staying at home, I decided to give back to the youth ministry that had given so much to me, and started working with 6th graders on Sunday mornings, and helping out with our mid-week youth worship service.

I’ve been doing this since for 3 years and I love it. Students are a fantastic bunch of people to work with, and Youth Workers might be the greatest group of people you’ll ever get to do ministry with. So. I love what I get to do at my church. But I don’t feel fed. I don’t feel the sense of community that my soul longs for. I am struggling and praying through whether or not I should leave this church, and start attending one here in town that I know offers those things. I am hurting over whether or not the students that I know and love at my current church are worth not getting what I feel like I need spiritually.

I know that I can work with students wherever I end up, but I’m talking about going from a 200+ student ministry to a ministry of about 30-40 students. Which honestly has some cons for me, as well as pros. But a big part of it is that I love these kids that I work with now. I’ve invested in them for the past four years. They’ve been a big part of my life, and I hope I’ve made an impact on them.

I’ve wondered if it’s just me. If I need a spiritual attitude adjustment. But the more I think and pray about it, I see that the things that God has put on my heart, are not necessarily what He has put on the hearts of church leadership here. And that’s ok. We don’t have to be going after the same things, because as long as we agree that salvation is through Christ on the cross, and only that. The rest is neither here nor there, honestly.

So am I being selfish? I don’t know. I know that I am not growing spiritually like I have in the past, and I know this is part of the reason why.  I don’t know if it’s reason enough to seek out a new community of believers.

Here’s the thing. I want your thoughts. And honestly, I’m sure I’m not the only guy (or girl) out there who is dealing with something like this. So, have you ever had to leave a church or ministry because you were giving a ton, but not getting much out of it for yourself? Is that a valid reason, or that that a line of selfishness to give yourself an out?

Anonymous would love to read your thoughts in the comments section of this post.


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Comments (17)

Ethan at 2:45am March 12

I think you need to express your thoughts and feelings to your boss. While “I don’t feel fed” is a common feeling, you must realize that mature Christians must learn to feed themselves. But what is it specifically about the church that you are not on board with? Theology? Methodology?

I can empathize with you, because I’ve been there myself. Fortunately, my two year contract was up, and I was off to another calling. But remember, that it’s just that – a calling. Be in the Word. Be in prayer. Seek counsel from other mature Christians, perhaps a mentor if you have one. Remember, we don’t need fleeces anymore to discern God’s will. Don’t leave unless God calls you somewhere else.

Saying a prayer for you…