When should we move?

For the Christian, is there a heirarchy of factors to consider when moving? I ask because I've seen a few of these 'I just moved, does anyone know a church in the area' threads. Should having a fellowship of believers be an afterthought when we relocate? Like I'm here now, oh yea, what about church?

I'm not trying to be condescending in anyway, but merely consider if we should perhaps live our lives and structure our moves based upon the Body of Christ. If we are all parts, can we just up and move to another part of the Body?
I'd like to believe that people pray and seek counsel before they move, but to see posts like these make me wonder if the Body of Christ was even considered.

For SI members, I have responded to SueMaria via Message. If you would like to discuss what a Christian should consider when moving, please do. If not, thanks for reading the thread.

i have considered the same things. i think that sometimes what you are saying it true of Christians. however, sometimes i think that we are called to certain places where it is hard. it can be said the other way that Christians migrate to large hubs where there are many Christians and are at ease as well. and sometimes life is just hard and Christians have to go to certain areas for life. so there are 2 sides to the coin I guess. I do personally think to myself though sometimes of the lack of Apostleship or even if there are Apostles of Christians coming under their government. For instance I attended the "Local Church" of Witness Lee and the people made it a thing to be part of the body at all times and to move and do ministry where the elders thought would be best. So, there was a government and leadership and submission. I think that maybe this can be good and right to a degree if done correctly. Another thing is this "Local Church" has made it a point to plant a Church in every city so as to be in the area of every place so as to have the flock together. So, it would seem the other way that the Church leadership itself has moved to where the flock is rather then the other way around. Whereas many Churches randomly choose to plan in random places they have done so with the widsom of being in certain areas. However, some Churches are called to certain areas as well. I mean I see some Churches that are right next to each other even from the same denomination sometimes. Lastly, I would remark that many are asking this question because there is a seeming great lack of true Churches and body life and even when they do exist it is hard to find them because there are so many Churches around and if they are not advertised and or are home based it becomes much more difficult.

My personal opinion is that when one considers moving to another location, the #1 priority is a brotherhood where one can fellowship with. Without it, I would not consider such a move. There are too many 'churches' out there which function little better then social clubs that do little more then keep people comfortable in their sins. This principle becomes much more important when you have a family. Being single goes provide one with more leeway but still, one needs to find a brotherhood - that is of utmost importance for edification and strengthening.

My thoughts...
ginnyrose

Giggles,

I recently came to a cross roads in my life a few months ago where I was considering moving to a couple different locations, or staying put. Ultimately after a bit of prayer, I decided to stay put, because I simply did not feel a release from the Holy Spirit to move from where I am right now.

Whatever you choose to do, make sure you do it out of faith, and not fear. Make sure whatever you do, that you ultimately stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Generally speaking though, I believe God gives us a lot of grace in areas such as this. When God put Adam and Eve in the garden to tend to it, He did not tell them anything about gardening. He allowed them to choose what to do while in that garden, only restricting them to the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Other than that one restriction, it appears they had freedom to do whatsoever their hearts desired. I think our present relationship with the Lord is the same.

Generally speaking, I believe God will bless you whether you stay or go. He allows you great freedom in this world that He's placed you in. There are definitely some restrictions, and some places He will make it clear that you are not to venture too. Paul wanted to go to Asia-Minor once to preach the gospel, but the Holy Spirit forbade him to do so... though later the Holy Spirit allowed him access to Asia-Minor.

Whatever you do, just trust in knowing that the Lord is your Shepherd. Seek His guidance, mind His rod and His staff, and you will do well. From there He will lead you.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.

Let that be the word of the Lord unto you: In "your ways" acknowledge Him, and "He will make your paths straight."

Also, in regard to fellowship, I recently left my church of five years. However, I've not had any problem finding great fellowship with other believers outside the boundaries of my previous church. And I didn't do that simply by showing up in a chapel somewhere. The Lord seems to be actively leading me to other Christians, and bringing other Christians into my life. Eventually I believe I will settle down in another Church. But the Lord is my Shepherd, and He will lead me and guide me to where I am to go next.

As it is, the two churches He's brought me to thus far, at each I've been given an opportunity to preach. One I visited in the mountains has asked me to come back to speak again sometime. All at the invitation of those from that church, without seeking out any invititation to preach myself. I'm excited where He's leading me and guiding me. Though I'm not tied down yet to any one local church, I still feel very much a vital part of the church of Jesus Christ in this area. Each place I've gone, the Lord has led me into green pastures thus far.

So, though where you attend church should be an important consideration when you move, I think you will manage to find fellowship anywhere you go, if you simply seek the Lord, and allow Him to direct your paths. He will bring people into your life, and you will be brought into the lives of other people. I believe that's simply the divine pattern. It might not happen as nicely as you want, and you may be brought through some fires in the process. But the Lord knows what He is doing. Just go along with Him, and be sure to say thanks along the way :-)