Weathering the Storm
of a Church-Split

The central duty of elders under Christ is to watch in behalf of the souls of fellow Christians under their oversight, while striving to do all things according to the “good and perfect will of God” (Heb. 13:17; Rom. 12:21). During the years since the New Testament Church began, there have been times when elders failed in various respects to measure up to their responsibilities. Even in the first century there were elders who betrayed the sacred duties entrusted to them, and led the way into apostasy (Acts 20:29-31). As not everything in the past has been right with the church, so, not everything is right with all churches today. Some things in and of themselves are not Biblically wrong, but in some settings of worship they are not expedient and cause much confusion. We must insist that we do things in an orderly manner (1 Cor. 14:40).

The work of elders is not accomplished as much by ‘affirmations of authority’ as by right attitudes and relationships. Success tends to center around attitudes of trust and confidence; relationships of watchfulness, care and kindness. Successful efforts hinge not alone on wanting to do right, but in seeing to it that what is right also appears to be fair and right along all lines. One of the main duties of the whole body of Christians is to take thought for things “honorable among all men” (Rom. 12:17).

Our colleges are graduating students who think they know more than anyone else in all matters. And they are very knowledgeable. They are full of zeal; but they fail to have wisdom. And, churches have been too quick to appoint men as elders who are not seasoned in judgment calls. Some men are fearful of angering people; therefore, they become so permissive that soon things happen that everyone knows is unscriptural.

One of the most difficult tasks ever, is to go through a split of the church where elders are attempting to lead the flock. A split in the church is gut wrenching and heart breaking. There are members who develop lack of respect for the God given organization of the church. Social life and kinship with the members sway some of the elders; and without unity in the eldership, there is no stopping the inevitable.

It has been eleven years since we had our split. Until then there was only two congregations in our county. At the time of our split, we could have prevented it; but, to do so would have been to compromise Biblical principles and would soon lead to more and more liberal practices. You can see by now that the eldership in our congregation was divided.

One of the most troubling dilemmas is, do we fellowship one with the other in church activities and social activities etc. After eleven years, there are

people in both congregations that have HEART problems of anger with each other. And then there are some who were leaders in the split who are now more matured and want to make things right.

The following are excerpts from just one of their leaders dated September 7, 2006:

“Dear ……… and ………:

I wanted to take the time to write to you a letter of apology that is long overdue. I want to ask your forgiveness for the way in which I left. It has taken me almost 11 years to mature spiritually to the point of understanding my sin and I have asked God to forgive me. As a part of that healing process, it is also important that I apologize to you two as well.

When I left, I did so with an attitude of spiritual arrogance and personal pride. You were and are God’s elect. Regardless of my level of agreement, the decisions were yours, not mine, to make. I did not act in an appropriate manner.

I wanted to make sure that I took the opportunity to apologize on “this side of the Jordon,” rather than wait to discuss it with you in Heaven. I look forward to worshiping and fellowshipping with you and all of God’s Children one day as we spend eternity praising God and His Son for the gift of salvation.
Your Brother,
…………….”

A split in the Lord’s church is something that is impossible to go back and cure all the damage that it has caused. We are taught, however, to forgive and to love one another. When elders have such problems, they should do everything in their power to unite their eldership and approach the dilemma with love, but firmness.

Though hearts are saddened to lose members in a split, the comfort comes from the fruit that produces as the results of pruning. Our congregation has reaped more fruit and blessings from God than we could have imagined. The only way to weather a storm of division is with God’s Word, proper Love, and willingness to forgive.

Wayne Nash
Fayetteville, Georgia)