HOW TO BE A BETTER QUITTER...

As a pastor, I've heard dozens of reasons for why people want to quit. From why they want to quit a specific ministry to why they want to quit coming to my church (I know it's not "my" church, but you know what I mean). I know what creates a positive outcome and what doesn't. Here's some tips.

When quitting a certain ministry, evaluate how the ministry will be impacted without your efforts. If you're feeling "burnt out" talk to the ministry head about that. If you're going through difficult times in your personal life - don't quit. It is better to pour yourself out serving than to give yourself extra time to focus on your problems. When it is at all possible, continue to serve. I know I'm a pastor so you probably think I'm just bias about wanting help. But I understand that we are all called to serve God's people and it's my responsibility to remind you of that.

When quitting the church, if your reason is "I'm just not getting anything out of it," you have a warped perspective on church. It doesn't exist for you to get something out of it. It exists for you to be a part of a community of believers and for you to bring something to it. And no matter what your reason, be a quiet quitter. There is little to no good that comes from sharing your gripes about a community of believers with whom you don't want to build into. Of course, you want your opinions and "suggestions" to be considered, but when your quitting, you've made the statement that you are unwiling to work at a relationship, unwilling to put forth the effort to bring about change. It just comes across as complaints. So just leave quietly and with love. We are all called to love one another above all things. That's how the world will know that we are Christians, by loving one another.