MEDITATIONS FOR THE NEW WEEK: RICK RENNER’S “THE RIGHT WAY TO JOIN OR TO LEAVE A CHURCH” January 19–25th 2026

MEDITATIONS FOR THE NEW WEEK: RICK RENNER’S POWERFUL TEACHINGS ON “THE RIGHT WAY TO JOIN OR TO LEAVE A CHURCH”

January 19–25, 2026 — A Week to Reflect on Your Covenant with the Body of Christ 🔥📖

Dear Renner Ministries Family and Friends,

Welcome to a brand-new week — and what a timely word the Lord has released through our beloved teacher, Rick Renner! This week on Renner TV (weekdays at 8:30 AM CT and 7:00 PM CT), Apostle Rick is diving deep into a vital new series titled “The Right Way To Join or To Leave a Church.”

As Pastor Rick powerfully declares:
“Friends, becoming a member of a church is very, very serious — it’s a long-term covenant, not a casual relationship.”

In a generation where many treat church like a social club, a convenience, or an optional add-on to life, this series is a divine wake-up call. Church membership is sacred. It is a covenant commitment — a binding, long-term relationship rooted in Scripture, modeled after God’s covenants with His people. This week, let us meditate deeply on these truths, allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts, and align our lives with God’s design for His Body.

1. Church Membership Is a Sacred, Long-Term Covenant

Pastor Rick emphasizes that joining a church is not like signing up for a gym membership you can cancel when it gets inconvenient. It is a covenant — a solemn, binding agreement before God.

Throughout Scripture, God relates to His people through covenants:
– With Abraham (Genesis 17) — a perpetual promise.
– With Israel at Sinai (Exodus 19–20) — a commitment that shaped an entire nation.
– With us through the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 8:6–13) — the new covenant written on our hearts.

In the same way, when you commit to a local church, you enter a spiritual family relationship. You say, “I am planted here. I will serve, give, pray, and grow here — through thick and thin.” It’s not casual dating; it’s marriage-level commitment to the Body of Christ.

Meditate on This Quote from Rick Renner:
“Becoming a member of a church is very, very serious — it’s a long-term covenant, not a casual relationship. In this series, I will teach you what it really means to be a part of a church congregation and how you can wisely join — or, if necessary, leave — with honor and maturity.”

Scripture to Ponder This Week:
– Psalm 92:13–14 — “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age…”
Being planted produces flourishing and fruitfulness. Casual attendance produces shallow roots.

2. Don’t Drop Out — Stay Connected, Especially When It’s Hard

One of Rick Renner’s classic teachings that aligns perfectly with this series is his exhortation from Hebrews 10:24–25:
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

In his article Don’t Drop Out of Church, Rick explains the Greek word for “forsaking” (egkataleipontes) paints a picture of someone who feels outside the group, depressed, and trailing behind spiritually. Ironically, that’s exactly when many believers pull away from church — when they need encouragement the most!

The purpose of gathering is exhortation (parakaleo) — coming alongside one another like a coach or commander rallying troops for battle. We remind each other of past victories, speak truth over defeats, and stand together.

Powerful Quotes from Rick Renner:
– “Have you noticed that when Christians need encouragement the most, it’s often the time they start running from church? They isolate themselves when they’re in their greatest need!”
– “Stay in fellowship, and don’t forsake the assembling of yourself together with other believers. If you’re feeling ‘out, down, and behind,’ confess that to someone you trust spiritually and let that person pray with you.”
– “We are stronger together!”

This week, ask yourself:
– Am I tempted to pull away because of discouragement, offense, or busyness?
– Who can I reach out to this week who has been missing from church?

3. How To Behave in the House of God — Reverence and Maturity

Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:14–15, Rick teaches that we must know how to behave in the house of God, which is “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

The Greek word for “behave” (anastrepho) means to conduct oneself with reverence and order. It is mandatory (dei — a divine necessity), not optional.

Disruptive behavior — whether from children running wild, adults texting during preaching, or loud side conversations — hinders the move of the Holy Spirit and disrespects the corporate anointing.

Key Points from Rick’s Teaching:
– Teach children (and new believers) reverence early.
– Mature believers have a responsibility to gently correct and model proper conduct.
– The house of God is for corporate worship, growth, and advancing God’s Kingdom — not for casual distraction.

Meditative Challenge:
Examine your own heart this week: Do I enter God’s house with reverence? Do I prepare my heart to hear the Word and receive from the Spirit? Am I a blessing or a distraction to those around me?

4. Practical Wisdom for Joining a Church

While the full series is unfolding this week on Renner TV, here are biblical principles Pastor Rick often teaches (and will surely expand upon):

• Pray and seek God’s direction — Don’t join impulsively because of emotions, charisma, or convenience. Ask: “Lord, where have You called me to be planted?”
• Look for sound doctrine and spiritual covering — Is the Word taught accurately? Is there genuine fivefold ministry and accountability?
• Commit fully — When you join, bring your tithes, talents, and time. Be faithful in attendance, serving, and giving.
• Build relationships — Connect in small groups, serve on teams, and let pastoral leadership speak into your life.

5. The Right Way To Leave — If God Truly Leads

Sometimes God does lead people to transition. But it must be done with honor:

• Seek God’s clear confirmation — Not because of offense, boredom, or “greener grass.”
• Communicate maturely — Speak to leadership privately, express gratitude, and receive blessing for the next season.
• Leave in peace — Don’t sow discord or division. Bless those you leave behind.
• Transition quickly to new covering — Never stay “unchurched” long. Isolation is dangerous.

As Rick has taught in related programs: Church loyalty matters, but if departure is necessary, do it well — with grace, gratitude, and God’s peace.

Daily Meditations & Prayer Points for This Week

Monday: Meditate on covenant. Declare: “Lord, I honor my commitment to Your Body. My church relationship is a sacred covenant.”
Tuesday: Read Hebrews 10:24–25. Reach out to one missing believer with encouragement.
Wednesday: Examine reverence. Pray: “Father, teach me to behave rightly in Your house.”
Thursday: Pray over your pastors and leaders. Ask God to strengthen the local church worldwide.
Friday: Reflect: “Am I planted and flourishing, or drifting?” Commit afresh.
Saturday: Watch or re-watch this week’s Renner TV episodes. Take notes on new revelations.
Sunday: Go to church expecting God to speak. Bring someone with you!

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for the timely word through Your servant Rick Renner. We receive fresh revelation about covenant, commitment, and reverence in Your house. Heal any wounds from past church experiences. Plant us deeply where You want us. Give us grace to join wisely, stay faithfully, and — if ever needed — leave honorably. Let us flourish in Your courts and bear lasting fruit. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Tune In This Week!
Renner TV — Weekdays 8:30 AM CT & 7:00 PM CT
Also available on renner.org, YouTube, and app.

Stay planted, stay committed, and watch God do exceeding abundantly in your life!

With love and expectation,
A Fellow Believer Inspired by Rick Renner Ministries
#RickRenner #RightWayToJoinOrLeaveAChurch #ChurchCovenant #PlantedInTheHouse #RennerMinistries