"Joe" is asking an important question. We discuss it often at The Kettering Fellowship. My concern is that there is much advice given by many who have never had to decide about when it is time to stay and stand. There are times when the Glory of God and the purity of His Church requires that we stand firm and face whatever consequences may come. The problem is deciding when it is that time. When we follow the path of standing for the gospel real lives and Churches are affected. People will be hurt and relationships will be damaged. These are not reasons to reject our responsibilities. However, they are reasons to be certain that we are standing for the cause of Christ and not the cause of our egos.

I have lived through it. The pain is intense and the scars remain long after the healing. I would absolutely do it again in the circumstances I was facing. The touch of God's grace is never as sweet as it is when you have been struck down standing for biblical truth. Nonetheless, it is a calling that one best not seek and pray for deep conviction before accepting.

My prayers are with you "Joe"

1) If there is a church with members and elders why does it need to be replanted? Sound like digging up a tree and sticking it back in the same hole--it doesn't need to be done and it may kill the tree.
2) Some have looked at separation and some of the problems in Fundamentalism and decided that separation is never good. Separation for the sake of the Gospel is often necessary. It just always needs to be linked directly to the gospel not at three removes.
3) The whole idea of the Gospel is very fuzzy in modern American Evangelicalism. It is not surprising that people who seem committed to the Gospel end up showing that they really aren't. This is why we need to personally make sure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to all our relationships. We have to stop assuming others are on the same page and lovingly confront them with the Gospel as we need to daily confront ourselves with it. Then we will know who really stands with us and we can reason with them if they start heading off into the tall grass.

Joe,

It SHOULD hurt. But you are doing the right thing. If someone from the "new church" asks you why you left, tell them you had different views about the Gospel. If they want to know what they are, tell them. But season all of that with love and grace. Pray continually for these people to see what is really going on and not be blinded by the evil one. You may be surprised how God works in their lives 3 months, 6 months, 2 years from now.

Your sorrow for these people will probably remain in your heart in some capacity. But it should further you all the more to disciple your sheep well and to love them. God will use this tragedy for His good purpose.

I will pray for you.

Just a couple of thoughts in this situation:

1) if this other "adopting" church teaches what you say, then I'm not sure it can really be considered a true church. At the very least, it cannot be considered heathy by any stretch of the imagination (See Mark Dever's book: 9 Marks of a Healthy Church). If this is the case, then loving, caring yet stern warnings need to be given to those who are going in that direction. I'm not sure anything need be said to the "adopting" church unless they have asked for input into this "merger". But the sheep who are being led into a den of wolves need to be warned.

2) I too, am uncertain why the existing church needed to be adopted out or to start a church plant all over again. If there was at least one godly elder (it's unclear in my mind: is Joe an associate pastor? or just another elder?), he should take what remains of this true flock, shepherd them, have them pour hearts out in prayer before God to send them another senior pastor/shepherd and continue on with the work God has given them.

Just my thoughts.

I have questions. Is "Joe" in a position of influence? Does he have an opportunity to speak to the issue. Is he an Associate Pastor or Elder? If not, he may not have enough of a platform to speak to this issue enough to make a difference. If he has place of influence and is able to address the issues then he needs to take the bible in hand and do just that. I know how power stuggles sometimes take place in churches. I was asked to resign in two churches I pastored. One because of racial prejudice (my daughter was dating a young black man). The other because I confronted the sin of a couple who were very influencial in the church. And what happens is that the influential people get everybody on there side by not telling the complete truth or sidetracking everyone with a side issue. And... that's how it works in many small churches. Although, looking back, I could have probably done some things differently and maybe avoided some of these problems. If I were in "Joes" position I would pray for God to work in hearts and use every opportunity to speak to people both personally and corporatly, if possible, and help them to see what the true gospel is, and how important preaching is, and how important biblical Christianity and biblical ministry is. I know this must break his heart to see the people he loves go the wrong way and not able to discern the truth. There may come a time to leave, but I would give it my best shot to make it work with the help of the Lord. My prayers are with you as you courageously stand for the Lord.
Robin