The Wrong Ways To Leave A Church: A Guide to a Respectful Transition
Written By: Oudney Patsika | CEO: Sona Headlines & Sona Solar Zimbabwe
In an era where new churches are sprouting like mushrooms, the decision to leave a congregation is becoming more common. However, how you leave matters. This guide, inspired by the wisdom of Evangelist Paul Saungweme, explores six common mistakes people make when leaving a church and how to ensure your transition is blessed and respectful.
Six Common Mistakes to Avoid
If you are leaving because you are angry at the pastor or another member, you are proving your immaturity. Offense is never a reason to leave a church. Jesus told us to go to the person who offends us (Matt. 18:15). Even if you are called to leave, you should never hold a grudge.
Some people get so angry, they want to hurt the church when they leave. Romans 12:19 says, "Beloved, do not avenge yourselves." Even if the pastor or church members are doing inappropriate things, it is not your job to punish them.
It's rude to walk out with no explanation. Your pastor deserves to know why. You can write a letter, but it's better to say it in person—and to include some words of thanks for the way the church has helped you in the past.
Proverbs 6:19 says God hates the one who "sows discord among brethren." Posting the details of your rant on Facebook only shows how petty and self-centered you are. Keep your judgments to yourself.
If God is calling you to switch churches, that's fine. But if you try to stage a massive walkout, you are undermining God's authority. Don't allow the enemy to use you as an agent of division.
If you leave a church and then quit church altogether, it is usually a sign of deep disappointment or an unresolved conflict. You should never, ever give up on church. It is God's family. No Christian should live in isolation.
The Right Way to Leave
Obviously, there are times when we must leave a church for legitimate reasons. Good pastors know they cannot hold onto people in a possessive way. Healthy churches remind people that the exit door is unlocked. Deuteronomy 28:6 says: "You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out." Pastors should bless people who leave—but members should leave in a respectful way that invites that blessing.
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Evangelist Paul Saungweme is a Zimbabwean evangelist, author, and founder of Jesus for Africa Evangelistic Ministries (JFAEM). Born in 1957, he gave his life to Christ in 1975 and later enrolled at the Africa Multination for Christ College (AMFCC) in 1979 to train as a pastor. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Food Technology from the University of Havana, Cuba, and a BSc in Psychology from Dallas Baptist University. After working in the corporate world, he left his job to pursue ministry full-time. Through JFAEM, Saungweme has focused on spreading the gospel to remote areas of Africa, while his international ministry has reached nations such as Indonesia, Nepal, and the Philippines. He also served as a prison chaplain for five years at Woodford Correctional Centre in Australia. Known for his large-scale miracle crusades, Saungweme has reported countless conversions and healings. He is the subject of the authorized biography Paul Saungweme: Journey of an African Mass Evangelist (2018). His ministry emphasizes taking the gospel to unreached areas, spiritual warfare, leadership, and equipping believers for evangelism and church planting. Working with pastors from diverse denominations, he continues to promote unity in the Body of Christ to focus on winning souls for God’s Kingdom.
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