When Would I Split a Church?

by Floyd Chappelear
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 1, March 1993

There are a few things that God hates. One of them is "he that soweth discord among the brethren" (Proverbs 6:19). That should be a sobering thought. Being responsible for a division is a terrible thing.

On the other hand, what God desires for his children is to seek peace and unity actively. To accomplish this is no easy task, to be sure. In fact, the Lord says that we must be willing to "endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Harmony within a church may be difficult to achieve, but it is possible where men and women love the Lord and His church.

In view of the thoughts of the first two paragraphs, one is made to wonder what "issues" one would be willing to split a church over. From my perspective, there aren’t very many.

• I would never split a church over a matter of opinion (or one that I perceive as such).
• I would never split one over that which I regard as "semantics."
• I would never split one to keep a preaching job.
• I would never split one over a matter of faith that does not require me to violate my conscience.
• I would never split His people because of "respect of persons."

When faithful saints truly love God’s work and His people, they will do all they can to avoid splitting a church. What, then, does this say about those who have few qualms about splitting a church? ’Nuff said.