I am one who strongly advocates for the importance of belonging to a local church and being an active member of the body of Christ. I believe that commitment to a church family is essential for spiritual growth, accountability, and fulfilling the Great Commission. However, I also understand that there are times when leaving a church may be necessary.

The question many wrestle with is: How do I know if it is time to leave?

Do you need all the signs before making that decision? Not necessarily. Some issues are severe enough to require an immediate departure, while others may need discernment, patience, and prayer to determine whether God is calling you to stay and build or transition to another spiritual home.

Let’s examine the key signs that may indicate it’s time to leave and how to leave in a way that honors God and does not hurt the church, yourself, or others.

When Is It Time to Leave a Church?

Leaving a church should never be based on impulse, offense, or personal convenience. However, there are legitimate reasons why someone might consider transitioning to another congregation.

1. Doctrinal Drift

If a church begins to stray from biblical truth—especially foundational doctrines such as the Oneness of God, salvation through repentance, baptism in Jesus’ name, and receiving the Holy Spirit—it is time to consider leaving. The Apostle Paul warned of false doctrines creeping into the church (Galatians 1:6-9). If the church is no longer aligned with the apostolic faith, your spiritual health is at risk.

2. Unrepented Sin in Leadership

If there is corruption, manipulation, or sin among leadership that is ignored or justified, it creates a toxic spiritual environment (1 Timothy 5:19-20). A church without accountability will eventually harm those under its care.

3. A Toxic Culture

A toxic church culture is one where:

  • Leadership is controlling or manipulative rather than shepherding in love.
  • Gossip, division, and strife are tolerated instead of corrected.
  • Legalism is enforced over a true relationship with God.
  • Spiritual abuse occurs, where people are shamed, manipulated, or guilt-tripped into compliance.
  • Leaders silence concerns or refuse accountability.

A church with a toxic culture will often spiritually drain rather than nourish its people. If you find yourself in an environment where fear, control, or judgment dominate rather than grace, discipleship, and love, it may be time to step away.

4. Church Becomes a Social Club Instead of a Mission

The church exists to make disciples, not just entertain or create a comfortable community. If a church loses its vision for reaching the lost, equipping believers, and making disciples, it may no longer be fulfilling its biblical mandate (Matthew 28:19-20).

5. Lack of Strategy in Its Mission

It is one thing for a church to be in a season of transition or growth, but it is another when it lacks any clear mission, vision, or strategy to fulfill its calling.

6. People Are Not Striving for Excellence

A culture of mediocrity is dangerous. While perfection is never the goal, excellence is a biblical principle (Colossians 3:23).

7. The Church Is Not Empowering People

A healthy church does not just gather people—it equips and empowers them to grow spiritually and serve in ministry.

8. If You Are Becoming Too Critical and It’s Eroding Your Self-Worth

If you find yourself constantly critiquing the church, its leadership, and its direction, it could be a sign of spiritual frustration rather than a real issue with the church.

9. It Becomes Complicated When You Have a Wife and Children

If you have a family, the decision to leave a church becomes even more complex.

  • Is your wife in agreement with this decision? A divided home over church matters can lead to unnecessary strife. It’s essential to be on the same page through prayer and discussion.
  • How does this affect your children? Children thrive on stability, and a sudden move can be confusing or even painful for them.
  • Are they being spiritually fed and discipled? If the children’s ministry is weak, can you supplement it at home?
  • Are they forming strong friendships in the church? Community matters for children’s spiritual development.
  • Will leaving disrupt their sense of belonging? If they are attached to the church, it is essential to have open conversations with them about the transition.
  • What example are you setting? If they see you leaving due to offense or unresolved frustration, they may internalize a pattern of leaving instead of working through difficulties.

If the church is truly harming your family’s faith, it may be necessary to leave. However, if the church is simply imperfect but growing, consider how you can work together as a family to build rather than abandon.

10. Repeated Efforts at Reconciliation Are Rejected

If you have made multiple attempts at reconciliation according to biblical principles (Matthew 18:15-17), but the situation remains unresolved, it may be necessary to consider moving on.

What If the Church Is a Young Church Plant?

This is a critical question. Many believers may struggle with staying in a young church that is still growing and working through its imperfections. If a church is in its early stages, it will naturally have areas where it lacks structure, spiritual depth, or trained leadership. However, leaving just because the church is still developing may not be the best decision. Here are some things to consider:

1. Are You Called to Help Build?

A young church is often fragile and in need of committed, faithful people who will help it grow. If God has placed you in that church, perhaps you are part of the solution. Instead of leaving, could you invest in strengthening what is lacking? Could you disciple others, pray for leadership, or serve in a way that helps the church mature?

2. Spiritual Malnourishment—We Can Always Find Food Elsewhere

Some may feel spiritually malnourished in a young church plant because the teaching is still developing, or leaders are still learning to navigate deep doctrinal or pastoral matters. However, this does not always mean you must leave. You can supplement your spiritual diet by listening to solid biblical preaching and engaging in personal study while remaining faithful to your church family.

  • If the church holds to apostolic doctrine but is still growing in depth, can you be patient and allow it time to develop?
  • If the church is weak in some areas, can you seek outside resources for deeper teaching while still contributing to the local body?
  • If leadership is open to feedback, can you be part of encouraging growth rather than just pointing out weaknesses?

It’s important to differentiate between a church that is malnourishing people due to doctrinal neglect versus a young church that is growing but still maturing.

3. The Right Perspective on Church Growth

Every church starts somewhere. If the foundation is strong and biblical truth is upheld, then patience, grace, and a willingness to serve may be needed instead of leaving prematurely. However, if the foundation is weak or compromised, then it may be wise to seek a more spiritually stable environment.

What If There Is No Apostolic Church in My Area?

This is a difficult reality for many believers, but it does not mean you should compromise your faith or stop assembling.

1. If the Reason for Leaving Is Not Major, Stay and Pray

If your reason for leaving is not doctrinal or spiritually harmful, but rather personal preferences, small frustrations, or unmet expectations, I recommend you to stay and pray.

  • Pray for God to bring growth and revelation to the church.
  • Pray for your pastor and leaders.
  • Pray for your own attitude and perspective.
  • Pray for wisdom and patience to know if God is asking you to stay and build or wait for His timing to move.

2. Stay Rooted in Apostolic Truth

Even if there is no Apostolic church nearby, do not settle for a church that preaches false doctrine. Instead, find ways to remain connected to the Apostolic message through:

  • Online sermons and teaching from trusted Apostolic ministers.
  • Studying the Word of God diligently.
  • Staying in contact with Apostolic believers and mentors for spiritual encouragement.

3. Gather with Like-Minded Believers

If no Apostolic church exists in your area, you may be called to start something—a home Bible study, prayer group, or outreach effort.

How to Leave a Church the Right Way

If you have determined that it is time to leave, how you leave is just as important as why you leave.

1. Pray and Seek God’s Direction

Before making any decisions, spend time in prayer.

2. Seek Wise Counsel

Talk to a trusted spiritual mentor, pastor, or elder before making a final decision.

3. Have an Honest Conversation with Leadership

If possible, meet with your pastor or church leadership to express your decision respectfully.

4. Apologize and Make Things Right If Necessary

If you have gossiped, spoken ill, or caused division, take responsibility and seek forgiveness.

5. Be Careful What You Say About Leadership

Before speaking about your church, understand that what you say about your current leadership may hurt someone.

  • You may survive it, but those you tell may not.
  • Your words can shake someone’s faith.

6. Leave Without Hurting or Sabotaging the Church

  • Do not stir division or influence others to leave with you.
  • Resist the temptation to undermine the church as you exit.
  • Remember, the church belongs to God, and He is still working there.

7. Wish Them Well

  • Express gratitude for the time you spent there.
  • Bless the church in prayer.
  • Leave with grace and honor, not resentment.

8. Find a New Church with the Right Priorities

Leaving a church should not mean leaving the body of Christ. Find a church that aligns with biblical truth, discipleship, and strong leadership.

The Goal Is Spiritual Health, Not Church Hopping

Leaving a church is not about seeking comfort or avoiding challenges. The key is leaving well—without resentment, without gossip, and with a heart that remains submitted to God. Your departure should reflect Christ’s character, and wherever He leads you next, let it be a place where you can grow, serve, and be a part of His mission.

At the same time, it is not about shopping for the best church. As I often say, all pastors and communities are not perfect, and God will work through imperfect people to bring about His perfect will in your life. Unless it is a major issue, try to be patient and be a blessing.

One of the most important questions to ask yourself is whether it is God’s will for you to stay in your church. It can be especially difficult to make this decision when you are offended, your needs are not being met, or you are feeling disappointed. In those seasons, it is crucial to pray until you find the peace of God to guard your heart. Never make a decision when you are spiritually down.