Church Hopping

While talking with a preacher friend recently, we discussed the fact that some of the members of the two congregations for which we preach like to do something we call "church hopping." It's the idea where Christians, unsatisfied with the church of which they have aligned themselves, become restless and need what they call "a change."

I have been wanting to write an article about this for some time, but have not been able to find the words. I suppose that it has to do with the fact that it's discouraging to have "dissatisfied members." Add to that, I know that some will take offense to what will be said. Though I never seek to be offensive, the truth sometimes offends.

It would be nice if all Christians could just work together and for the common good. But sadly, there are some who will always be "me-centered" instead of "Christ-centered." Brethren, as long as that's the case we will never grow like they did in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago (Acts 2).

Before I go any further, please don't misunderstand. I am not saying that we are in error for visiting sister congregations from time to time--whether in our own community or around the world--how absurd. It would be ludicrous to suggest that attending another congregation while we're vacationing or working out of town is wrong. Add to that, from time to time our men are invited to preach on a fill-in basis at area congregations. There's nothing wrong with that either.

The problem is when it comes to the attitude of loyalty. With some folks, you can't tell what church they're members of--they "church hop" every Sunday. If the preacher makes them mad, or if the elders don't like their ideas, or if brother/sister so and so offends them then rest assured they are going to be worshipping somewhere else come Sunday. With that said, a passage of Scripture comes to mind:"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift" (Mt. 5:23-24).

Ladies and gentlemen, this passage says that if you have a problem with a brother/sister and think you can run away from it by "church hopping," then you're fooling yourself. Add to that, your worship is not acceptable before God.

I would like for you to consider with me an essay written by brother Steve Higginbotham. Brother Steve has written a "to the point" article on the subject we're discussing here. Please give this special attention, and if you're currently a "church hopper," then consider the harm that you're causing to the local body.

Have you heard about the man who was the only survivor of a shipwreck? He swam ashore to an uncharted island and lived there for the next five years. Finally, sailors spotted the smoke of his campfire and rescued him from the island. As they were leaving the island, one of the sailors and the rescued man stood on the back of the boat, gazing at the tiny island that had sustained this man for the past five years. The sailor interrupted the reflective silence by asking the man what the three huts were for. The man said, "the first hut was my home. The second hut was where I went to church. And the third hut was where I used to go to church before I got mad and left."

The sad thing about this story is that it is an accurate caricature of what so many people are doing today. When a person gets his feelings hurt, he leaves for another congregation. When a person is offended, he leaves for another congregation. When a person doesn't get his way, he leaves for another congregation. Instead of working through difficulty, being patient, practicing forgiveness and brotherly kindness, and being dependable, people use their membership, and the threat of leaving, as a form of bribery to get their way. When they don't get their way, off they go to another congregation to exchange their old problems for a set of new ones yet to be realized. Then the process begins again.

I wonder if much of the "church hopping" we see today would cease if people were more concerned about what they can contribute to a congregation rather than focusing upon what a congregation can do for them. I believe we would all be better off if we would focus "less on self, and more on Thee."

I particularly like what brother Steve had to say in that last paragraph. It reminds me of the need for more people in the church like Barnabas. You see, Barnabas was a plus person who added to the lives of others. May God help the Lord's church to be full of people like Barnabas who will build up the church through attendance and involvement. "Church hopping" is a discouragement to the elders, the preacher, and every member who wants to see the local church grow.