19/02/2025
ABOUT PEOPLE LEAVING “YOUR” CHURCH.
it’s important to accept this reality with grace and understanding that people come and go. Leadership in ministry isn’t about holding onto people but about shepherding them well for as long as God allows them to be under your care.
1. People Have Free Will
God has given every person the ability to make choices, including where they worship and who they follow as spiritual leaders. Even Jesus experienced people walking away from Him. In John 6:66, it says:
“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”
If people could walk away from Jesus—who was the perfect leader—then it’s clear that departures are not always a reflection of leadership failure. Instead, people make decisions based on their own spiritual journey, preferences, or personal circumstances.
2. Some Departures Are God-Orchestrated
Sometimes, God moves people to different places for His divine purposes. Acts 13:2-3 shows that even Paul and Barnabas were sent out from Antioch for a new mission:
“As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’ Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away.”
A person leaving a church may not be a sign of division or failure but a fulfillment of God’s plan.
3. A Pastor’s Job Is to Shepherd, Not Control
Pastors are called to lead, guide, and teach, but not to control people’s decisions. 1 Peter 5:2-3 instructs leaders:
“Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.”
A healthy ministry is one where people come and go freely, knowing they are loved and not manipulated to stay.
4. Focus on Those Who Remain
Rather than mourning those who leave, pastors should invest in those who stay. John 17:12 shows Jesus’ heart as a leader:
“While I was with them, I kept them in Your name. Those whom You gave Me I have kept; and none of them is lost except the son of perdition, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
Jesus focused on those God gave Him rather than being discouraged by those who left. Pastors should do the same.
Conclusion
While it’s natural to feel hurt when people leave, it’s crucial to remember that ministry is about faithfulness, not numbers. As long as you lead with integrity, preach the truth, and care for people sincerely, you have done your part. Trust that God is sovereign over who comes and who goes, and focus on shepherding those He has entrusted to you. Remember, you as a Pastor don’t own anyone. Bantu bakwa Lesa.!!!
