Fractured Fellowship: Examining the Root Causes of Division within the Church

A Anato Swu

Satakha Town

The Church, envisioned as the unified body of Christ, has long stood as a beacon of hope, truth, and reconciliation. Yet today, this sacred institution finds itself increasingly fragmented. Across denominations, communities, and even within congregations, divisions persist—some subtle, others deeply entrenched. While external pressures have their place, a deeper examination reveals that the roots of disunity lie disturbingly within.

1. Doctrinal Disagreements among Theologians

At the heart of many schisms lie doctrinal disputes—interpretations of Scripture that diverge not only in nuance but in core theology. While diversity in thought can be enriching, it becomes divisive when theological disagreements morph into rigid ideologies. Scholars and leaders often cling tightly to their own theological frameworks, leaving little room for dialogue or discernment. Instead of fostering collective pursuit of truth, debates become battlegrounds for intellectual superiority, often neglecting the simplicity of the Gospel and the love it commands.

2. The Erosion of Humility and Respect among Church Leaders

Leadership within the Church was modeled by Christ as one of humility, service, and sacrificial love. Yet, in many modern contexts, leadership has been distorted into a struggle for recognition, power, and position. Church leaders, instead of esteeming one another in love (Romans 12:10), fall prey to criticism, territorialism, and subtle rivalries. When respect diminishes, so does unity. Without humility, even the most spiritually gifted leaders can become stumbling blocks rather than shepherds.

3. Absence of a Servanthood Spirit

Christ washed the feet of His disciples—the purest symbol of servant leadership. However, today’s church environment often reflects a corporate hierarchy rather than a Christ-centered community. The absence of servanthood has created a disconnect between pulpit and pew, where leaders seek followers rather than partners in ministry. Service becomes selective, humility conditional, and love transactional. This spiritual vacuum creates space for pride and performance rather than compassion and calling.

4. Clashing Egos among Leaders

One of the most grievous yet common roots of division is the clash of egos—where leadership becomes a platform for personal ambition rather than Kingdom advancement. Power struggles, competition for influence, and a reluctance to yield to one another have crippled many ministries. Even minor disagreements, when filtered through pride, can spark major conflicts. Churches split not over the essentials of faith but over personalities unwilling to forgive, listen, or yield.

5. Confusion and Disillusionment among Lay Believers

As these tensions simmer at the leadership level, their effects ripple down to the congregation. The lay believers—often seeking guidance, stability, and spiritual nourishment—are left confused and disillusioned. They witness leaders debating instead of discipling, correcting instead of connecting. For many, such internal conflicts lead to spiritual stagnation, a loss of trust, and ultimately, departure from the fellowship. The body is weakened when its members feel unsafe, unheard, or unvalued.

The solution does not lie in suppressing differences or conforming to uniformity but in returning to the foundation: Christ Himself. Unity is not the absence of diversity, but the presence of love, humility, and mutual submission. The early Church thrived despite differences because they were “of one heart and one soul” (Acts 4:32), united by the Spirit and committed to the mission.

Let the Church today remember that division is not just a structural issue—it is a spiritual wound. Healing begins when leaders choose servanthood over status, dialogue over dogma, and unity over ego. May the Church rise again—not as scattered parts—but as the living, breathing body of Christ, bound together by truth and love.