I believe with Mac that the church is far from perfect. I believe that in fact some churches do more harm than good, and should probably not even be called churches.

I believe that churches need to change, and that we have a responsibilty to work to restore the church to biblical models.

Its just that in a local congregation where there is division (for example one half wanting to raise their hands in worship and the other half thinking its demonic) there are times when leaving and joinging another church can actually be LESS divisive.

If someone attending our church explained to me that they wanted to have their child baptised, I might explain my own views to them, but eventually I guess that they may well be better served by attending a church down the road.

I am concerned that each local expression of church should have a reasonably consistant vision. As a member, the goal is to assist in furthering that vision. There is of course some room for personal disagreements PROVIDED they are not serious enought to introduce a running sore in the church.

Actually different churches each faithfully representing their own interpretation of how God wants us to be can work together, learn from each other and reflect Gods glory better.

I believe that if each church starts where it is at and trys to become more biblical in its beliefs, structures and purposes, then we will all become more like Jesus.

Deciding whether to be in a church is about deciding whether whatever differences you may have with a leader are important enough to stop you submitting to their authority. Sometimes even differences of style or values can make it painful in the extreme to remain in a church.

But we do all need to be in a church, so I am not advocating withdrawal from all churches. Find the best one, and work WITH the leaders (not against them!) to make it even better.

O and one more thing, if you ever find the perfect church don't join it- you will ruin it!