Leaving your church

One of my favorite personal accomplishments has been staying at our church for 5 years now. This is after staying at our previous church for 6 years. I know that there are many people who have been doing youth ministry at their churches for much longer, but it seems like such a trend to jump from ministry to ministry. I began to think about why we leave ministries. Sometimes we have legitimate reasons for leaving, other times, not so much. So, I have come up with some (what I think are) legitimate and non-legitimate reasons for leaving your current ministry. Oh, and I didn’t include “God called me” as reason for leaving because that would open up an entirely different can of theological discussion worms.

Non-Legitimate Reasons:

1. Money: I understand that “we need money to survive”. I appreciate the fact that a church would pay me to do youth ministry. My issue is that all to often we are looking for the next big thing that usually carries the next big paycheck, and we are willing to jump from ministry to ministry to get it. I should say that there does seem to be a shift in thinking here, especially with young leaders who are willing to do with less so that the Kingdom may prosper. This is very encouraging to me.
2. Boredom: Have you ever been doing something for so long that it got boring? This happens in ministry all the time. At least it does to me. I get to doing the same things over and over again that I can do them in my sleep. The problem is that I get bored. I am no longer challenged or being creative. If this is you, leaving will only help for a short time. It’s time to dig deep into your well of creativity and search for ways to challenge yourself right where you are.
3. “This church just __________”: You all know what I mean. You feel like no matter what you do, the church you are in doesn’t get it, won’t change, is too messed up. We have all been there. This may not be your cue to leave. It may be your cue to persevere. Around the 18 month mark was the hardest time of my life here, but persevering has caused me to become a better youth pastor, a better leader, a better husband and a better person. I your church just (fill in the blank), stand strong. Hold on to God and continue to be obedient. It may be the best decision you make.

Legitimate Reasons:

1. Your passions have changed: The truth of the matter is that sometimes our passions for what we are doing change. Circumstances have caused new passions, or passions you didn’t know exist to stir up with in you. It could be that you have been given a chance to preach more for some reason and now you have a passion for preaching that you didn’t have before. Also, age has a big effect on this area of your life. As you get older, your passions may begin to change. It should be said that you don’t have to leave your current church to address your changing passions, but a change in job descriptions may be needed.
2. You are no longer able to do what is needed: What I mean here is that the ministry has changed in such ways that you cannot make what needs to happen, happen. This is a scenario that doesn’t happen all that often, but it can happen. It could be physical, educational or experience that is forcing you to make a change. The truth is that sometimes you are only on the same journey with a certain church for a certain amount of time.
3. Money: Okay, I know that I put this in the non-legitimate reasons as well, but the truth is that sometimes money is a legitimate reason to move on. I’m not saying that God can’t provide, but if you approach your church for a few extra bucks to make ends meet and they suggest that you “get a paper route” (which I know has happened), this may be an indicator of the kind of support you are/will be getting from the church. It may be time to find a place that will support you financially and spiritually.

Leaving your church is not an easy decision, and not one to make lightly. It should be covered in prayer and wise counsel. The truth is that all of these reasons, legitimate or not, may be an indicator that God is speaking to you. Are you listening?

Well, that’s my list. What do you think? Do you have any good or bad reasons for leaving?