Types of Breakaway Churches – From Peaceful Departures to Contentious Divisions
Not all church splits are created equal. While the term "breakaway" often carries negative connotations, the reality is that there are various types of departures from a church. Some are peaceful and ordained by God, while others are contentious and leave a trail of pain and division. This week, we’ll explore the different types of breakaways and examine real-life examples to help us understand how they unfold. Scriptural Foundation: In Acts 15:36-41, we read about the separation between Paul and Barnabas. Their disagreement over John Mark’s suitability for ministry led them to part ways, but this did not result in long-term hostility or bitterness. Instead, both men continued their ministries in different directions, demonstrating that not all separations are destructive. However, the Bible also warns us about divisions rooted in selfish ambition and rebellion, such as the story of Absalom’s rebellion against his father David in 2 Samuel 15 These contrasting stories set the ...