Can a Church Split be Prevented?
It’s human nature to want to avoid conflict. As ministry leaders, servants of our congregations, and stewards of God’s Word, we want to see reconciliation, forgiveness, healing, and growth. But the sad reality of our human condition is that this is sometimes out of our reach or control. If you’re facing a potential church split, use these tactics to face the situation.
1. Name the tension early (but calmly).
Unspoken conflict grows in the dark. When leaders avoid naming reality, people create their own narratives.
- Acknowledge that something is wrong without assigning blame.
- Use language like: “We are experiencing real disagreement, and we’re taking it seriously.”
- Avoid ultimatums, threats or “if this happens, we’re done” statements.
As Peter Scazzero often teaches, “Unaddressed emotional issues eventually sabotage spiritual maturity.” Naming tension is a spiritual act.
2. Slow the pace of decisions.
Splits accelerate when leaders push major changes while trust is eroding.
- Pause big initiatives, votes or restructures if possible.
- Delay irreversible decisions.
- Ask, “Is this necessary right now, or can it wait?”
Andy Stanley puts it bluntly: “Direction, not intention, determines destination.” Slowing down can change the destination entirely.
3. Bring in outside, neutral voices early.
Internal leaders are rarely seen as neutral—even when they’re trying to be.
- Invite a trusted denominational leader, coach, or mediator.
- Give them real access, not just a ceremonial role.
- Let them observe meetings, not just hear reports.
- Invite their questions and answer candidly.
Outside counsel doesn’t signal weakness; it signals seriousness.
4. Tighten communication—not control.
Poor communication fuels fear. Over-control fuels rebellion.
- Increase consistent communication, not reactive updates.
- Share what you know, what you don’t know, and what process you’re following.
- Repeat yourself more than feels necessary.
Thom Rainer often warns, “Silence from leadership is interpreted as indifference or incompetence.”
5. Watch the hallways, not just the meetings.
Splits rarely happen in meeting rooms alone. They happen in side conversations.
- Pay attention to parking-lot meetings, text threads and prayer-group chatter.
- Gently but firmly confront gossip when you hear it.
- Equip small-group leaders with talking points so misinformation doesn’t spread.
Unity is guarded more in informal spaces than formal ones.
6. Care for the leaders themselves.
Burned-out leaders make brittle decisions.
- Require rest, prayer and reflection for pastors and elders.
- Don’t let leaders process their emotions publicly.
- Create private, safe spaces for venting and grief.
- As Eugene Peterson reminded pastors, “The work of spiritual leadership is done mostly in hidden places.”
7. Prepare for both outcomes—quietly.
Wise leaders hope for reconciliation while preparing for separation.
- Document decisions and agreements.
- Review bylaws and governance structures.
- Consider contingency plans for staff, finances and facilities.
Preparation is not a lack of faith; it’s stewardship.
8. Lead with repentance, not just authority.
In pre-split seasons, people are watching how you lead more than what you decide.
- Publicly own mistakes where appropriate.
- Model humility instead of defensiveness.
- Pray prayers of confession—not just protection.
Nothing diffuses spiritual tension like authentic repentance.
A Hard But Hopeful Truth
Not every church split can be avoided. Some are the result of irreconcilable visions or deeply entrenched conflict. But how you lead in the months before a split will determine whether it becomes a spiritual wound or a painful—but redemptive—transition.
