Church Quote by Richard Coles
“I completely understand why people would find the Church intolerable. I'm not the least bit surprised when people seek to leave it, though I miss them and I wish they'd stay. But I sometimes think you leave to come back, and that's certainly true in my case.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Guardian, 2015
Leaving a religious community can be driven by personal conflict, yet some hope to return later.
In simple terms: Leaving a church may be temporary for some.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal journeys and support.
Themes
faith
community
identity
belonging
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
personal
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church departure
- returning to faith
- family discussions
- counseling
Key Concepts
spiritual crisis
reconciliation
social ties
Questions to Reflect On
- What draws you back?
- What support helps during transition?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone returns, and some may feel abandoned.
![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
