One of the most promising yet dangerous things about new churches is that they are often formed by people who are dissatisfied with the churches they see around them.  I remember watching one of Rob Bell’s Nooma videos called “Sunday” in which he said that at times he would look around the church and say, “Is this really what God had in mind?”  Church planters are often people of extraordinary vision who see the great potential in a church that would commit itself to the purposes of God, and are discontented with how they see existing churches falling short of that ideal and settling into safe and predictable routines.  There are few things more exciting in the kingdom of God than a new church that is really stepping out in faith in the pursuit of God.

But there is a definite danger to this mindset as well.  If church planters are typically people of vision, dissatisfied with the churches they have come from or that they see around them, so are many of the people they will initially attract.  People of vision are often people with clear conviction as to how a church should be run and what it means to know God and follow Him.  And to people with clear convictions, a church plant often looks like the perfect place to bring their vision.  After all, the church plant is still new and flexible, and more likely to be open to their vision than an older, established church. 

Last week, I shared some of the history of NewLife, and this week I wanted to reflect on one of the greatest lessons learned from the way NewLife began and the subsequent history.  The lesson is this:  be very careful about church transfers, especially when they have come out of a church split or left with unresolved issues!  NewLife began in 1992, and I did not show up until 1997, but I know that the majority of the founders came out of churches going through unstable periods – some from Glastonbury Community Church, some from Pilgrim Baptist, others from First Congregational Church of Hebron, and still more from Church of the Living God.  It should not have been a big surprise that with such a beginning, NewLife would eventually have issues of its own that would cause many people to once again become dissatisfied and leave for greener pastures.

To those who are planting churches or pastoring small churches, I would counsel you to be wise and discerning about those who join your church out of difficult church situations.  First of all, the church leadership needs to be clear on its vision and theology and philosophy of ministry; otherwise, it is possible for strong-willed people with clear vision to come in and begin to shape the church to their liking.  Secondly, do not be so eager for growth that you just welcome everyone to your church unquestioningly without learning about their background, what church they have come from, and why they have left.  If your vision is clearly different than that of those entering your church, it may be best for them to move on and find a place better suited to them, even if it keeps your church small.  And thirdly, if someone is going to stick with your church, help them to deal with any unresolved issues they may have with a former church or pastor.  If the issues are not dealt with, you can rest assured that they will likely surface again.

And to those of you who are changing churches or thinking about changing churches, there is nothing necessarily wrong with moving on if you are not able to worship or serve at a church in the way you feel God would want you to.  But if you do move on, move on well.  Talk through your issues with the pastor or church leadership.  Try to reach some level of understanding, and agree to disagree where necessary.  And finally, do not badmouth them or gossip about them when you leave.  Instead, leave with dignity, blessing their work and trusting that God is the judge who in the end can sort out right from wrong.  As Paul writes in Romans 12:18, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Take the high road, for the sake of God’s good name.

I would love to hear your comments, if you have experience in this area that could help edify us. 

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