On Being Planted Where You Grow

Often times I hear people give advice to church members looking to leave a church that they should "stay where they are planted." This to me is not the best way to address the problem.

The primary reason for the argument is John 3:8 which describes those who are born of the Spirit are like the wind whose direction is unknown. As the wind is not "planted," neither is the Christian.

The underlying issue is better expressed in a relational context with regard to commitment. Is there a commitment to the ministry in question? What are the factors that are eroding the commitment? Are these valid factors for moving on or should one stay?

In my opinion, these are often not easy questions to answer and like most other decisions there are good reasons to agree with either side of the aisle. Thus coming to a decision is one of faith. That decision should never be made in a coercive or "God said" atmosphere. If it is, it is probably best to go.