I have heard and seen people who left the church of Christ for one reason or the other. They each gave the reason ‘Why I left the church of Christ.’ I will point out why they left and the reasons why they should have stayed.
Some of the reasons why people left the church of Christ are:
- The misconception of the term ‘church,’
- Elders and Preachers’ attitude,
- Matters of opinion,
- Worship pattern – (Items of worship),
- Seeing Christianity as a religion, and
- Members’ behavior
The Misconception of The Term ‘Church’
The church is not a physical building as some today describe it as a building and point to it as the church. Often, we heard people say, “I’m going to church,” “our church is located 1-mile downstreet,” etc.
All these are misconceptions. Some members of the church of Christ, especially those that got converted from other churches, also refer to the church as building, because of their previous background but after they have been taught the truth, they hold to it and stopped referring to the church as the meeting hall.
Also read: What Does Walk in Love Mean [Ephesians 5:2]?
However, some who ever – learning but not be able to come to the knowledge of the truth… (2 Timothy 3:7), continue to refer to the church as building making many novice – babies in Christ to draw a wrong conclusion about the church of Christ biblical stands about the word – ‘church’ when they found out through their personal research that the church is not a building.
Elders and Preachers’ Attitude
Some good numbers of people have left the church of Christ, because of the attitudes of the appointed elders and preachers in those various congregations.
Some elders and preachers have forgotten why they were appointed by the church. They turned to serve their own interest instead of the interest of Jesus Christ for His church – Acts 20:28.
These attitudes do not speak for the whole church. These are their respective errors. These errors should not be counted for the whole church to make someone leave the church of Christ.
As a member of that congregation, you have the duty to join other faithful members to handle the issue and discipline such elders and preachers for their misconducts in the church as Paul and other Christians have done in the first century Christianity – Galatians 6:1-2, Galatians 2:11-14 .
Matters of Opinion
Some of these people who left the church of Christ did so, because of some members’ opinion. These sects of people could be prominent and influential people in the church. Must of the time, their opinion stands still.
However, when you look into the issue with your spiritual understanding, you might see that their opinion has not in any way conflict the biblical principles. Since this opinion does not align with their interest, their only decision is to leave the church of Christ.
These kinds of people have failed to recognize that they have been admonished to comprehend with a fellow member in these matters – (Ephesians 3:18), except that opinion is biblically wrong, then try to admonish and restore the straying soul with the spirit of meekness – Galatians 6:1.
Worship Pattern – (Items of Worship)
The worship pattern, (Items of Worship) for Christians is not specifically explicit in the Bible. But the command to worship is explicit.
From the Bible, we learnt that God wants us to worship Him in truth and in spirit. The earlier Christians in the first century met to worship – Acts 2:42:
- Studying the Word of God – Apostle’s doctrine
- Having fellowship with God and with one another
- Partaking of the Lord’s Supper – Breaking of Bread
- Praying always
Acts 20:7 said the disciples came together to break bread on Sunday – (first day of the week) and Paul exalted them to stand fast in the faith.
So, the order of the items of Worship:
- Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26:26-27, I Corinthians 11:23-30,
- Giving – I Corinthians 16:1-2,
- Teaching – Matthew 28-18-20,
- Sermons – 1 Thessalonians 5:11-19,
Announcement, etc has no specific order. Anyone can come first or last. The only thing that matters here is, it is done in spirit and in truth – John 4:23 -24.
So, when you get this full understanding that the items of worship are all practiced by the earlier Christians and commanded to be observed by Christians today, you won’t bother about the order – which come first or last. And this won’t make you to draw unnecessary conclusion that leads you to leave the church of Christ.
Seeing Christianity as a Religion
Christianity is not a religion but a way of life of the people who follow Jesus Christ foot-steps. In Antioch, the followers of Christ were first called Christians, because the people saw them doing the things that Jesus Christ did – Acts 11:26.
So, see Christianity as a way of life and not as a religion. Keep living the Christian life patterned after Jesus Christ that will help to keep you in the body of Christ.
Members’ Behavior
Members behavior follow the same procedure as discussed in the elders and preachers’ attitude. So, follow the same principle.
Conclusion
The body of Christ – (church of Christ) belongs to Jesus Christ and not a man. God is adding people to the church daily – Acts 2:47. Just as the Ark belongs to Noah. Those outside the ark perished when the flood came, so it will be on the last day or when you die (inevitability) – Revelation 20:15.
Salvation Call
We are ready to help you to become a Christian and God will add you to the church of Christ and write your name in the book of life. Send us a message.