Quitting “church”
I wrote this right before I left my church. I passed it out to a few people to explain a few things. Obviously it caused some trouble. Thought it might be interesting.
The church is the body of Christ on earth and I cannot and will not quit that Church, but after a long process of debate and questioning, I do not see myself participating in the institutional church any longer. This has been a long time coming starting in my youth and finally coming to a head now. I say that to let people know this is not a sudden or rash decision. I have felt dissatisfied with the organizational church for a long time now and am just now realizing I am not alone in my feelings and I have justification in these feelings. After much research, I have come to the conclusion that the best way for me to do “church” is to go back to the ancient way of the early church in Acts. Many of the traditions we have in the church today are not based on the Bible but in pagan rituals, and get in the way of our relationships between God and man. I know many people will not understand my feelings, but I cannot in good conscience continue through the charade knowing what I know. For the people who read this, please know I am not leaving a specific pastor or congregation or building but the idea of the “church” in general. I have been going to the same church for as long as I can remember so believe me when I say this has not been an easy decision as I see many of the members of that congregation as my family. I heard a saying that goes “If the devil can’t steal your soul he’ll just keep you busy with church work”, and I have found myself too busy with church work to really connect with God or His people. I want to strip away all that hinders.
I was also in the process of pursuing a minister’s license, but I no longer see the need for it because I believe we are all ministers in Christ and I don’t need a paper to legitimize my priesthood. The ministry I want to pursue deemphasizes a human hierarchy and emphasizes Christ as the head of the church. People seem to put more importance on the people in charge of the church when, in reality, we are all the same and Christ is to be the focus.
For years I’ve felt God calling me to a ministry and I believe it has slowly been revealed to me over time. I truly believe God has called me to a ministry outside of the church no matter how strange that may sound strange to the average Christian. The ministry I feel called to involves all sorts of believers of all ages and backgrounds coming together to minister to each other not just get ministered to. I want to gather together with all religious structure stripped away until there is only Christ. I know some people who go to church think that is the way God intended things to be, but I believe we think that way because we have never known any other way. We have been raised with this mentality, and after studying it, I want to run back towards the ancient way of doing things. I want true community and fellowship and not the way we have always done it. The fellowship and community we have is only when we are comfortable and only when we allow it. We pick who we hang out with and have dinner with and are comfortable with. I want an uncomfortable community where I learn to love those I might not normally pick to love. I want to get to the uncomfortable point of freedom in selling my possessions for my new family and the poor. I want to get to the point of dropping everything and helping one another like I would my real family. I am not giving up the fellowship of believers if that is what you are thinking. I am doing church differently and am not expecting anyone else to join me or even try to understand. Please know I am not doing this to divide. I hope this does however give you a glimpse into my heart and my reasons. I ask for your prayers as I will pray for you. If you have any questions or would like to talk please let me know. I would love to talk with anyone who is interested or concerned. Thank you and God bless.
The ancient way: Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and
breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church [fn] daily those who were being saved.