Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church?
 

Has anyone used a text message to quit a job, end a relationship, or leave a church? If so, why a text message? Is it ever acceptable to do this?

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

I would never do that.... what a cop out for someone to do so... is there a particular situation where you've experienced this?

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

Unfortunately.

In the past 2 weeks we've had two large families, one an associate minister, leave the congregation via text to my Pastor.

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

I have ended relationships with txts and emails. It's because I'm a coward. :-(
Don't plan to do it again tho! lol

it's not because your phone does not receive calls?

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

haha...it does now :-)

If you knew how many times I have drowned my phone you would understand. Just bought a new one two weeks ago because i drowned it again.

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

How is texting different than writing a letter? Letters have always been acceptable.

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

Follow-up question to the original:

If you were not on the staff of a church, are you obligated to provide any explanation for why you may stop attending? What makes you a "member" of one congregation or another?

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

In employment, letters of resignation have been acceptable for a long time. It's a paper trail that's generally required by HR. That is not the same as texting.

Valid question.

I don't believe a non-staff member has to provide any sort of explanation as to why they're leaving. Neither does my Pastor. He's said many times, both publicly and in board meetings, that people can come or go, they're not his to control or keep.

If involved on staff, he does ask that you make a commitment to that ministry, either 6 months or 1 year. And even if you feel you must leave before the 6 months or year is over, that's fine. In the several years I've been there, only a few other families have left. All were publicly thanked for their time, dedication and service; Pastor prayed a blessing over them, and encouraged the congregation to continue fellowship with them and if they wanted to come back, they were more than welcome.

There's a background story to this that I won't go into detail with. I'll simply say the non-staff family sent a text stating they would be leaving; then proceeded to call various church members trying to get them to join their new home church.

The associate minister was upset over the non-staff family issue, along with a separate, internal, ridiculous IRS issue and they sent a text stating they were leaving.

If you want to leave and you're not involved, just go. That's fine. If you're part of the staff, have the decency and respect to talk with the Pastor and let him know you're leaving.

Sending a text is just rude.

Re: Using Text Message to Quit a Job, Leave church
 

2Co_7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. :D