I read your advice every day. It helps me when I doubt myself.
I have written you about my rural church, and the power struggles that were going on there. We had long-term members, who I would say are “traditionals”, and a new pastor that wanted to “update” our church with a contemporary service. The pastor systematically purged the church board of anybody that didn’t agree with him, even expelling some families from the congregation. Then, he sought out contemporary artists who played “modern Christian” music.
I asked him if he was transitioning the church to purpose-driven/emergent teachings, and he assured me he wasn’t. But when he “invited” new members to become board members, I grew concerned. These strangers started dictating how things were going to be run, even shouting at people, I felt compelled to leave that church.
Now, we are looking for a Bible-based church that preaches sound doctrine, but it’s alarming to me that so many evangelical churches are conforming to the world. I’ve prayed about it, but no prospects yet. What would you advise?
The body is being sorted again to separate true believers from those who only claim to be. This is in agreement with God’s word that in the last days there would be a falling away. (2 Thes. 2:3) Even among so-called evangelicals there are those whose hearts are not true. Matt. 7:21-23 tells us that some who say that Jesus is their Lord and perform miracles in His name won’t make the cut, because the Lord will look into their hearts and find them false.
Deciding to leave a fellowship we’ve enjoyed in the past is never easy, and we all have to make these decisions for ourselves. If you feel the Spirit moving you to leave where you are, then you can rest assured that He’s also sending you somewhere else. Keep praying and He’ll reveal your destination to you. When you get there you’ll find yourself rewarded for your faithfulness.