Harbors

"God has set up churches like harbors along the coast so that you may take refuge there out of the swirl of earthly cares and find peace and quiet." (St. John Chysostom)

A church hopper is someone who desires not to settle at any particular local church, but would rather hop from church to church to suit their yearnings. It is also someone who finds themselves at a different church every couple of years for reasons beyond relocation, doctrine, and philosophy of ministry. The term “church hopping” became familiar in the Christian community in 1988 with the chorus of Christian artist, Ray Boltz’s, song “Church Hop.”

Once there was a shepherd
I've been told
Had some sheep
Who wouldn't stay in the fold
Sunday morning, Wednesday night
Checking out every church in sight
Shepherd said
Kids we gotta have a talk
The wolves are gonna get you
If you're not in a flock

Chorus
Don't you be doing that church hop
Don't you be doing that church hop
Don't you be doing that church hop
Don't you be doing that church hop
Once you get started
You just can't stop
Don't you be doing that church hop

Some folks go where they get fed
They do
Some folks go where they feel led
Do you?
Some folks just can't
Make up their mind
Changing churches all the time
They want something hot
They want something new
They just can't find that perfect pew

Chorus

Some for the money
Some for the show
Preach about commitment
And they go, go, go
Doing that church hop
Doing that church hop
Once you get started
You just can't stop
Don't you be doing that church hop

Chorus

During my fifty-six years of life, I’ve been a member of nine churches. I’m guessing that I could be considered a church hopper. One thing I do know is that God had me in each church for a reason whether that was to serve (or to learn an important lesson). All these churches have been important stepping stones in my life. There are good reasons and different seasons for hopping.

We understand. But it’s possible to miss out on some of the best things local church has to offer. Some people take longer to make decisions and commit. Jesus loves you no matter where you go, when you go or why you go. Hopping is attractive, but only for a short period. Find the right family and commit to it. It’s not about control. It’s about maturity and surrender. We were designed for community and relationship. All the churches you visit are part of the Church of Jesus, the Bride of Christ.

Here are the positives of church hopping:

·        Church hopping allows for different needs to be met. There is not one church in the world that reaches every demographic. Some are missing a specific kind of small group or support group. So don’t be afraid to explore other communities that might have what you’re looking for in this junction of your journey.

·        Church hopping allows you to get a taste of a variety of churches. Christians can get so used to our current church lifestyle that all other expressions of faith seem wrong, or not even Christian. Get out and visit a Catholic mass, attend a Methodist meeting, or a fiery Pentecostal congregation. You might discover how much of Jesus is hidden in them.

·        Church hopping exposes the level of tribalism a local church might be in. If the faithful feel like the hopper was “sinning” by leaving, then you know that they see themselves as a tribe with a chief who controls something. As oppose to part of the body of Christ, working for His kingdom.

·        Church hopping keeps pastors humble, angry, or confused as to why another potential faithful has hopped. This leads them to seek God’s face, which is a very good thing for pastors to do.

·        Church hopping reminds the leadership team that humans are impossible to control.  After all the hugs, meals, and good sermons, the hopper leaves and you are reminded that no matter how many special programs a church has, humans are humans and they do what they think is best and that’s ok.

Here are the negatives of church hopping:

·        Church hopping makes gossip feel legitimate. You tell the new pastor of how bad the old pastor was. You’re trying to validate your leaving by assuring him that it won’t happen again because, “this church is so much better.” He pretends he does not want to hear it but this tickles his insecurities with fake assurance. The problem is that you end up looking like a gossip. And you might also end the judgments you were sowing. Move with grace, leave in forgiveness, and hold your peace.

·        Church hopping might steal the joy of deep connection. There’s already a good amount of pretending in church. It’s not until you start to really talk about your life when you finally start to be the church, a family of healing, a community of the broken, and a gathering of the grateful. Please, don’t miss out on this.

·        Church hopping takes away growth. It’s basic biology. A plant grows when it’s planted. If the roots are good and the soil is fertile, it has the potential to bear much fruit. Being part of a local church allows you to get deep into the ground. It’s the perfect environment for you to develop, get stretched, be shaken, and eventually become spiritually strong.

 “Church hoppers are like wandering dogs. If they are not regularly patted on the head, they will go elsewhere until they are.” (Steven J. Lawson) [i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “Hop Till You Drop - 5 reasons to avoid church hopping and commit to a local church” by Kaynenn Parker

·        “The Benefits of Church Hopping” by Carlos A. Rodríguez