I ran across a woman who went to another church in our area. She and her husband began to get uncomfortable with small group studies, and also with some of their church teachings. They thought, after their eyes were opened to the misuse of the bible in these studies and in teachings from the pulpit, that discussing it in small group would be a good idea. From what the woman said, they were not trying to cause division but were attempting to point out errors as they had great faith in their church leadership. They brought things up to the leadership, as well as continuing to share their fears with the group. They were shocked the day they were asked to leave their church.
She said that in their next church it was five years before they really could trust enough to serve. They had been shunned by many in their former church, many who had been good friends before the issues were brought up. Some later did apologize to them, and some have left over time.
We had a different experience in that we did not share our issues with many people. We did tell some things to a few friends, and we’ve known a very small number who have left. We do feel though, had we been open to our small group or to more of the leadership we would eventually have been asked to be quiet or leave.
Being shunned hurts. When a person begins to understand how leadership teaches from men’s work rather than from the bible, or uses many methods rather than relying on God’s word and the Holy Spirit, it’s a hard thing to decide what to do. Do you share with others? Will you find someone who understands what your are saying? Will you be accused of being divisive? Will you be asked to leave?
I believe it’s of utmost importance that each person who encounters poor or bad teaching pray first. Spend time thinking how to handle things. Then, don’t worry about the consequences to you so much as what will your voice in this accomplish? Is it about getting even? If it’s about you and your pride, you really have to pause. If it’s about trying to restore people to truth and good doctrine, and you are hoping to help others in the long run, then move forward in wisdom. There are times for open mouths, and times for closed mouths.
We weren’t perfect as we proceeded, but we did try very hard to do the right thing. Looking back, I can see areas we could have improved upon BUT in the long run, I believe we did the right thing overall.
I feel for this woman I met who has gone through such pain in her former church. I pray for other men and women out there just trying to point out the errors and do the right thing.
It happens to pastors too. This article is a great resource.
I am a C...I am a CH...I am a CHRISTIAN 
One can often the character of a person, not by their friends, but rather, by what their enemies say of them.
My heart breaks everytime I hear of those who are abused by men who place their program above the plan of God.
One can often tell…
It is heartbreaking that people were asked to leave the church. By starting a small group to critique the move the church was going it could have been misconstrued as gossip or mutiny against the pastor/church. Was the pastor invited to this small group, or was it private? Are you sure they got kicked out because they started a small group? I have no doubt that what you say is probably true, but we need to be careful that we know all the facts.
Thanks for sharing that link as well to Pastor Joe’s story. There have been a few brave pastors who stood up to false teaching, and they apparently are rewarded by being asked to leave.
What you related is typical- and not an exception- with anyone who is concerned for the truth. I can attest to that, and many others have reported the same things.
To those wondering like Mike has asked here, I can at least testify that every possible channel was tried in my own experience. It does not matter. The leaders end up following Rick Warren’s model of throwing people out or shunning them to force them out, if there is any question whatsoever- no matter how politely said.
To please men, or to please God- that is the question for all of us in these situations.