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You may tell people not to worry what people think all you want but its easier said than done.
My experience is that people like to make severing ties w/ their former church 'formal' for two main reasons:
1. They don't want to be continually bothered by concerned church members that feel they should be attending when they arent
or.
2. They don't wan't to have any ties with teaching they no longer agree with or support. Most people who come to a realization that their church or preacher is condoning or preachings things that are not from the bible, do not want their to be any doubt as to their feelings.
This is probably true of some people, but when it comes to church attendance/membership, I walked away ten years ago, without explanation. The thing is, is that some folks will want a full-blown explanation as to why you are leaving, and can't be satisfied with anything less. Even then, many of them will take it as a personal affront that you "dared" to leave the sanctity of "hallowed ground".
This is all just my personal opinion, of course. The OP wanted suggestions, and that was mine. Certainly other people will feel more of a need for a formal "good-by", including an in-depth explanation, and that's up to them. I just never felt the need to offer such to anyone in the church, (unless it had to do with the reasons I offered in my previous post). Everyone is different, and their experiences within their chosen house of worship is different. Ultimately, after hearing each of our opinions, I daresay that Figs will do the "right" thing, whatever that may be.
When I tried to leave my church years ago,I wrote a resignation.
Later, I received a letter from the saints stating they discussed my resignation at their board meeting, prayed, and my resignation was declined!
Go into your closet and pray in secret. Churches are not for praying to God.
godspeed,
freedom[/quote]
I hope I am not chastized for getting off topic, but since you brought this up....I do not know what you mean by your last sentence. Since churches are the people, and they are to pray when in their assemblies, what do you mean?
As for the op, when we felt the need to move to a differant congregation, we let it be known to the brethren why we were doing so, except the last time, when we went back to our original congregation.
I only go into a church for a wedding or a funeral but for someone who attends church regularly and is not satisfied for some reason I don't think anything formal should be necessary. It would make more sense to me to discuss your feelings about why you were leaving with people you felt close to at the church. If you feel a bond and friendship with certain members they would certainly wonder why you stopped coming to church every Sunday so if it was me I would simply tell them how I felt about it. I don't see this like giving two weeks notice at a job or something of that nature because there's no obligation or commitment that you've agreed to perform and now you're wanting to back out of it.
[quote=Marianinark;3990999]I hope I am not chastized for getting off topic, but since you brought this up....I do not know what you mean by your last sentence. Since churches are the people, and they are to pray when in their assemblies, what do you mean? [quote]
The OP's comment came across like Church was where we pray, in a way that sounded like they couldn't pray anywhere but church.
THat is not what Jesus taught, in fact He taught to go within and ask in secret, seek in secret, find in secret, and then the reward (blessing) would be openly.
If I am not a member I just stop going.
If I am a pledging or tithing member, i send a note in lieu of check/pledge saying "I am going through a period where I am looking for a new spiritual home so am moving on" or something simple.
I phrase it as part of my spiritual path, or spiritual growth.
Besides I am the customer and can choose whatever business suits me.
Most churches are gracious because they may want me back, or don't want bad referrals.
Does anyone have any advice how to leave your church or synagogue? I would like to check out other places of service, but feel an obligation to let my current place of prayer know that I am leaving. Any suggestions? Thank you!
Walk out the front door, turn your back, and don't look back. You don't owe an explaination to anyone, not even God. God understands. If it doesn't, then it's not God.
You don’t owe any voluntary organization anything, and if you wish to leave or change you would be in your rights to do so.
If you feel uneasy about just leaving you could send a letter or just call and let them know. A letter might prevent any discussion or debate if that is an issue.
One Wednesday evening as I sat there expecting a prayer meeting and instead got a hate filled dialogue on the muslims, gays, etc, I looked around and saw that the front door was the best way to leave, so I did..
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Certainly other people will feel more of a need for a formal "good-by", including an in-depth explanation, and that's up to them. I just never felt the need to offer such to anyone in the church, (unless it had to do with the reasons I offered in my previous post). Everyone is different, and their experiences within their chosen house of worship is different. Ultimately, after hearing each of our opinions, I daresay that Figs will do the "right" thing, whatever that may be.
