I have to admit that I can't think of any biblical texts pertinent to the question. Maybe people never left churches in the first century. There's plenty about 'counting others as better than ourselves' and 'why not rather be wronged' that may apply to various situations, but I've never noticed any over-arching principle.

That being said, these kinds of situations seem like the answers and advice vary greatly depending on a couple of different questions. Are the differences theological, or biblical/interpretive, or personality-driven? There is often a combination of these, but the mixture and depth of disagreement play a major role in what kind of advice I would give to someone in that situation.

For me, the dividing line is that I'm supporting the actions of the church with my membership and attendance, whether or not I vote against the majority in any particular action. When the church is taking actions that a person cannot, in good conscience, associate themselves with, then its time to move on.

Is this a quandary caused by congregational rule? In a church where the elders appoint pastors, this situation would fall under into a discussion of submission and pertinent Scriptures.

Why would they even think of it? Schism used to be a sin.

I would have to concur with Brent that the circumstances surrounding the removal would have a lot to do with it. I grew up in a church that was led by congregational rule (independent non-denom church) that split twice when certain pastors either were asked to leave/fired. I do see the point of not being associated with the decision, but if everyone left that church (that disagreed with the decision), would they see their error (if it was simply on unbiblical terms as it was in my personal experience)? And if the next President that is elected is not the guy I chose, do I leave the country so as not to be associated with the choice?

Leaving the church does make a statement, but I am not sure that leaving outright, without approaching the majority, is the right thing either. Congregational rule can be problematic, and if the gospel and correct understanding of how elders are to lead is not understood, it makes it worse.

Just as an illustration, the church I grew up in had that very problem a few years ago. It was a historically congregation-led church, but the pastor had instituted a board of trustees that were a little like elders in function. That aside, a group of men and vocal women rose up against the pastor. The pastor, on counsel from others in ministry, called for a vote on whether the congregation would continue to support him as God's called man for the church. This was done with the caveat that if the dissenters lost, the pastor would stay and church discipline would come. They did lose, and the church immediately voted overwhelmingly to remove membership from the dissenters. This removal of membership would only be temporary if said dissenters would commit to going through membership classes and recommit to the membership covenant, submitting to the pastor's authority. Of course, few if any were willing, and left instead, causing trouble in the community in the process.

I give this as an actual example, not as a defense of it, but in order to get everyone's thoughts and biblical support/criticism.

Hi Bro Thabiti,

I think Mark D’s advise to pastors--preach & pray, love & stay--has some applicability to church members also.

1 - Preach the gospel: not from the pulpit but from the pew. Preach it to yourself, to one another and to the watching world as they see your commitment to the gospel and the supremacy of Christ in all things in your life--before your own desires. We are God’s epistle when we display the truth in us--particularly as a body. (2 Cor 3:2-3; Matt 5:6; 1 Pet 2:9,12)

2 - Pray: for yourself, for one another, for your pastors/elders. As you pray, Christ becomes the focus and your personal will fades. None of what we are called to do and be (as Christ’s reflection in this world) can be done without the power of the Holy Spirit. (Jas 5:16; 1 Thess 5:25; 2 Thess 3:1; 1 Tim 2:8)

3 - Love: we reflect Christ’s character most truly when we do not return evil for evil but continue to love even when we are hurt or don’t get our way. (Phil 1:9; Rom 12:9; 1 Jn 3:11; Heb 10:24; 13:1; 1 Pe 1:22; 1 Pe 3:8).

4 - Stay: we are in covenant with one another as Christians in one body; what God has joined let us not put asunder with bruised feelings or anger. Christ loves His church and gave Himself for her (corporately) so should we love her more than individual members or particular preachers/pastors (for who is Paul or Apollos?). Many of God’s commands to us as Christians is given in the context of “one another” so under these circumstances especially we display the glory of God in keeping faith in our covenant with one another. (Eph 3:14-20; 4:12-16; 1 Cor 12:12-27; Rom 12:5; Col 3:15)

Thanks for the opportunity to consider this very important question brother!

--grace and peace to you in Christ.