One tough reality of being a pastor is when people you thought were supportive of your ministry leave the church. For a variety of reasons, people will leave your church. Yes, it often hurts. (Of course, it is not “your” church it is God’s church. For those who are going to correct me.)
Like when I was in the business world and lost a good customer it is hard not to take it personal. (And I realize the church is not a business – for those correctors.)
There are lots of reasons why someone might leave your church. Make any change and someone is not going to like it. Life changes and relationships often impact a person’s church attendance. Misunderstanding and unmet expectations cause some people to leave. Some people are choosing a different style of worship or different size church. There are a vast number of reasons.
The point of this post is addressing how we respond as pastors and church leaders.
5 Suggestions When People Leave Your Church:
1. Accept it happens
It actually happens in churches where everything seems to be working at the time. We shouldn’t be surprised simply because they do or think it can’t or won’t happen in the church in which we minister.
RELATED: Why Kids Leave Church When they Grow Up
2. Admit it hurts
God is in charge of numbers. I get that. People are responsible to God and not the church. I get that too. People may leave because it’s the best thing for them spiritually. I totally get that also.
The bigger issue is whether or not a person leaves “the” Church or “a” church. If they are attending another church, we should take comfort in that, but pretending it doesn’t sting a little is like saying you didn’t feel the band aid being ripped off your arm. You are human. It hurts. It is difficult not to take it personally. Depending on the circumstances or way it happens it may hurt more sometimes than others, but it always hurts.
