Expert: Marilyn - 7/20/2010

Question
There are 2 scriptures addressing leaving a congregation. one is if you leave, leave quickly and quietly, the 2nd is if you decide to stay, you must take a stand and speak out re that which is wrong. Can you tell me the excate scripture and where it is located

Answer
Hello Georgann;

I admit, I haven't found the Scriptures you are asking about. Here are the ones dealing with leaving congregations which I netted during my research:

People described as moving around freely: Aquila moved from Rome to Corinth, Acts 18:1-2, then went to Ephesus with Paul, Acts 18:18. Later, he is found in Rome again, Romans 16:3, and Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19.  Apollos obeyed a request he go to Corinth from Ephesus, 1 Corinthians 16:12. Paul desperately wanted to go to Rome, Romans 15:23. Paul left Troas because he wanted to be with Titus, 2 Corinthians 2:13. Barnabas, who introduced Paul to the apostles, Acts 9:27, later went to be with him in Antioch, Acts 11:25. Barnabas went home to Cyprus, Acts 4:36. After many years of service, Barnabas went home again to Cyprus with his cousin, John Mark, Acts 15:39. Paul returned to Tarsus for a break, Acts 9:30; 11:25.

John Mark was labeled a "deserter," Acts 15:38, but proved a devoted missionary. Barnabas reached out to John Mark and encouraged him. Later Paul and Peter both spoke well of John Mark, 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13.

Believers who find themselves in unhealthy churches can still achieve much for God as the letters to the churches in Revelation point out. However, Jesus encouraged people to not follow the blind Pharisees, who were the "church" leaders of that day, Luke 6:39; Matthew 15:1-14; Matthew 16:12; Matthew 23. My husband I were deeply wounded by a "pastor" several years ago; sometimes there are wolves in the flock.

Guard your heart and your walk with God: Proverbs 3:5; 1 Timothy 4:16; Philippians 3:12-16; Timothy 3:1-5; Ephesians 5:11; Titus 3:9-10. Paul chose to avoid an unhealthy situation: 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4.

In Acts 15 Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways after a disagreement.

Jesus even commanded, "When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another," Matthew 10:23.

Unfortunately, Christians can end up persecuting one another.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marilyn