I have friends who are always speaking badly about our church even though they attend regularly. They say the pastor is wrong in his interpretation of parts of Scripture. How should I handle this?


You should always confront people with love regarding the wrong things they are doing. If they refuse to change, I believe the Bible gives you two steps to take. First, you should tell your pastor and permit him to confront the person or people. Notice what the Bible says about this type of person:

Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, Knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
(Titus 3:10-11 NKJV)

If a pastor confronts a divisive man (one who causes division within the local church) twice, and he doesn't change, the church should reject or have nothing to do with this man. We are also told not to fellowship with this type of person.

Avoiding a divisive person is the second step that you should take.

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
(Rom. 16:17 NKJV)

This may seem harsh, but God is very determined to have unity in the local church. These people, if they are not happy, should find another church. They shouldn't stay at your church and cause division. If they can't find a church that is agreeable to them, or a pastor whom they can respect, then they are the problem and only God can change them.

You must avoid them until they change, so that their attitude does not permeate you. Even if they are correct in the way they see Scripture, their attitude and actions are wrong. Consequently, God will never be able to use them until they have a change of heart.

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