Statement #9: Restoration and Leaving Well

“Should the need arise to move from this body, I will consult with the elders in advance for the purpose of prayer, counsel, and closure and, if possible, unite with another like–minded church where I can carry out the spirit of this covenant until we are all united in heaven as we eagerly await the return of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Hebrews 10:23-25)

Once someone becomes a member of RRBC, they establish that this church (the other members of the church as well as the pastors) is the congregation they wish to join and partner with within their own spiritual life, growth, and ministry as a believer. This should never be understood to mean that a member of RRBC should remove themselves from the broader expression of the church (other churches and members of other churches). This would not be healthy nor biblical.

However, “church membership” does express that an individual has expressly committed themselves wholly and particularly to one church body and its leadership in regular worship, giving, spiritual growth, and ministry. Therefore, when someone joins the church in covenant, that individual expresses: “Jesus Christ is Lord”, “Raleigh Road is my church”, “these people are my people” and “these leaders are my leaders”.  

At RRBC, membership matters! Meaning, as a church member, others within the church (as well as the leadership) view you as possessing true understanding and salvation in the gospel, being men and women filled with the Holy Spirit, and part of the broader family of the church (universal). Membership also signifies those who have committed themselves practically and regularly to the overall life and witness of this church. Of course, this would become hindered and weak when such members begin to alienate or distance themselves regularly from the church.  

The key word in the statement above is the qualifier “faithful”. Webster’s dictionary defines faithful as, “being steadfast in affection or allegiance”, “firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty”. Simply stated, this means that anyone who wishes to become a member of RRBC signifies (through promise) a faithfulness to all that our church covenant articulates.  

“I will consult with the pastors in advance for the purpose of prayer, counsel, and closure if I sense that God is directing me elsewhere.”

 It is fully understood that there will be those unfortunate moments in the life of the church when current church members may need to depart our congregation (a move, God’s leading, or even differences). However, how this leaving is done (manner) and in what spirit (motive) is vitally important to the overall glory of God and our continual witness as God’s people (John 13:35). Which is to say, this last covenant promise should be understood as an act of love and care, rather than the often-mistaken desire for control or power on the part of leadership. Such a sentiment could not be further from the truth.  

Again, becoming a member of a church signifies not only who the sheep of that flock are, but also who the shepherds are for that flock/individual (church). Scripture is clear as to this important and heavy role given to elders/shepherds/pastors to those in their care. 

• Acts 20: 28 – “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.”

• 1 Peter 5:1-3 – “So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge but being examples to the flock.”

• Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

  
  

When someone is unfaithful in their regular involvement in the church, it makes it next to impossible for the church to further substantiate and give credence to one’s current spiritual state, maturity, walk, and witness as a believer. It also makes it impossible for the church to know how to pray and further care for such an individual.  

Therefore, it should be understood that God’s glory and the spiritual well-being/witness of those under the pastor’s care are the motives associated in our trying to contact and meet with those who have not remained faithful to RRBC as members of the church. Before it should ever be seen as an act of church admonishment/discipline, the desire to contact, talk to, and meet together is an outright kind, loving, and caring action of this church’s leadership for God’s glory and the individuals spiritual good.

Honestly, it is a sign of great health in the church where the whole of the membership is seen to practice such actions in the lives of each other well before it ever even need get to the attention of the leadership of the church (“one another’s” of scripture).  

Again, it may be understood that an individual may be praying or thinking of leaving RRBC, or even start the process of visiting other churches. However, such individuals will have covenanted to first speak with the leaders of this church before doing so. Why?

1. Restoration/Learning: So that we can first seek to shepherd such an individual. As in learn of what may be troubling them. Seek to bring resolution and resolve. Seek for reconciliation and understanding. Pray together. Learn from each other. 

2. Closure: If it is determined that someone is needing to leave under healthy or even unfortunate circumstances, we as leaders can at least have been a part of the process of someone’s decision and can further give testimony of someone’s faithfulness to the process and spiritual maturity. 

3. Sending Out: When this process is accomplished and done well, we as a church can pray for and even send such individuals out in love, blessing, confidence, and in full health.