Q: I am personally battling an issue of restlessness, and by that I mean my soul is restless, my spirit seems restless and I am contemplating leaving my home church. Not because of the people or the size, but because I am seeking to go higher in God and right now I don’t feel the connect (fire) there that I once did. I love reading your articles, and this is my main concern. What should I do? —Norine
A: Dear Norine,I don’t know what to think about your “restlessness.” Perhaps the Spirit is leading you out of the fellowship you presently are attending. Perhaps you’re uncomfortable because of spiritual issues you’re unwilling to address or haven’t addressed.
Don’t be troubled by your feelings, however. Regardless of whether the Holy Spirit is convicting you or guiding you to a new place of fellowship, your heavenly Father has your best interests in mind. He loves you, and will continue to lead you as long as you act in faith. —Dan Vander Lugt
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jessie1 on February 20, 2014 at 1:48 pm
It cannot hurt to “test the waters” at other churches. As long as the church is Christ based, finding another avenue to a higher understanding of God can be a good thing. Sometimes I think a person can “outgrow” a church, or find that some beliefs of their present church no longer match their own . If your current church is not meeting your spiritual needs, go out there and “shop around”. It just shows you want a better relationship with God.
God Bless, Jessie
Tom Felten on February 21, 2014 at 9:39 am
Thanks for sharing these thoughts, jessie1. I appreciate your wise counsel to only consider churches that are truly based in Christ and God’s Word.
Mike Wittmer on March 3, 2014 at 9:31 am
I think there are reasons to leave a church, but it should be crystal clear. I’d encourage you to stay if at all possible. Share your struggle with the pastor, and see if there is a way you can stretch and grow there–even taking other believers in the body with you on your journey.