Here are some reasons churches may split: Some members may resist a prideful person in leadership; a church may not have an agreed-upon statement of beliefs or way to govern itself; leaders may be too inflexible with those who disagree, or they might be unresponsive to the needs of members, or some may hold prejudices toward certain groups-ethnic or otherwise. Church conflict is not new. The Apostle Paul had to deal with conflict in the church at Galatia. Back then, false teaching had fractured the church and created ill feelings among members. He wrote in chapter 6, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” He urged followers of Christ to practice the principle Jesus taught us that we should love one another, and do unto others what we wish them to do to us. The practice of old-fashioned love can do wonders in preventing church splits.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
