What is sheep stealing?

Answer

Sheep stealing is a term generally used to describe what happens when a church grows as a result of people leaving other churches. Many Christian teachers have suggested that churches should only grow through evangelism; that is, church growth should reflect the number of unsaved and unchurched people coming to the Lord for the first time. Pastors who aim to expand their churches by drawing members from other churches are accused of “sheep stealing.”

In a more positive light, sheep stealing has also been referred to as “transfer growth,” where Christians move their membership from a church they feel is not meeting their needs to a church they believe will be a better fit for them. Such transfers can happen for various reasons.

Is it unethical for a church to welcome attendees or members from other churches? Or, focusing on churchgoers, is it wrong to leave one church to join another in the same town? The answer is complex.

All Christians (“the sheep”) ultimately belong to Christ, the Great Shepherd. He taught that we are secure in His hands and that we cannot be “snatched” away (John 10:27-30). Even if we depart from one Bible-believing church to join another, there is no actual “sheep stealing” occurring. We are not being taken from Christ. We remain His sheep regardless of which “pen” we are in.

That being said, if a local church actively tries to entice Christians away from other Bible-believing churches with similar doctrines solely to increase their own numbers, it would likely face strong criticism from the Christian community, and rightfully so. This type of sheep stealing is unethical and appears to go against the Bible’s warnings about creating divisions among Christians. It is debatable how many churches are truly involved in such direct sheep stealing. Most churches h

To attract those who do not attend church, including both non-believers and Christians who have stopped going to church.

Some instances of what is referred to as “sheep stealing” may not actually be so. There are valid reasons for a Christian to leave one church that believes in the Bible to join another. Moving to a different city, for example, may necessitate finding a new church community to be a part of. It is also possible that a person’s own beliefs about specific doctrinal matters or worship practices may evolve over time, leading them to switch churches and seek out a congregation with similar beliefs. At times, a member may feel compelled to leave a church due to mishandled discipline, scandals, or interpersonal issues. Those who decide to change churches should be able to do so with a clear conscience.

Churches themselves can also evolve in their beliefs. Over time, denominations or local churches may alter their teachings on the nature of Christ, their perspective on the authority of the Bible, or their position on particular moral and social issues. If an individual believes that their church has strayed from being truly Christian, they would be justified in relocating themselves and their family to a church that remains dedicated to preaching the Word of God and upholding biblical principles. If one church’s appeal lies in its commitment to truth as opposed to another church’s departure from truth, it should not be accused of stealing members; it is simply nurturing its congregation.

In certain cases, what may seem like sheep stealing is actually church hopping. Immature Christians may become dissatisfied with a church over trivial matters. If the reason for switching to a new church is solely to find a younger crowd, more lively music, or a trendier atmosphere, then this movement of “sheep” from one fold to another is particularly self-centered. Instead of viewing the church as a place where we serve (Romans 12:3-8) and encourage one another, it is important to remember “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.”

« not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. », (Hebrews 10:25) In their search for a church that will best serve them or make them feel most comfortable, some individuals are known as “church hoppers.”

Certain members of the congregation allow themselves to be lured away by the latest popular church in town. Regrettably, some church leaders actively attempt to draw members from other flocks instead of reaching out to their community. Both scenarios are detrimental and do not promote selfless and Christlike service to others.