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 stage for understanding the different types of church breakaways.

Types of Breakaway Churches:

1. Peaceful Departures (God-Ordained Transitions):

   - Description: In these situations, the branch pastor or leader leaves the parent church peacefully with the blessing of the senior pastor. Both parties recognise that God is calling the leader to start a new ministry elsewhere.

   - Example: A pastor may feel led by the Holy Spirit to plant a new church in a different region or country, with the full support of the mother church. This type of breakaway strengthens the bond between the two ministries and often results in collaboration rather than conflict.

   - Real-Life Case: A church leader in Ghana who served faithfully for many years received a divine calling to start a new ministry in a neighbouring country. The senior pastor and church leadership prayed over the departure, blessed the leader, and continued to offer support from afar.

2. Contentious Divisions (Conflict-Fueled Breakaways):

   - Description: These breakaways are marked by unresolved conflict, mistrust, or rebellion. Often, an associate pastor or group of leaders leaves the church after a disagreement with the senior leadership, and the split is characterised by division, resentment, and sometimes even lawsuits or public feuds.

   - Example: An associate pastor may believe they deserve more authority or disagree with the senior pastor’s leadership style. These disagreements fester, leading to a breakaway where the departing leaders take a portion of the congregation with them, creating a schism in the church.

   - Real-Life Case: In the early 2000s, a popular African church experienced a highly publicised split. The breakaway pastor accused the senior leadership of mismanagement, and after leaving, he took hundreds of members with him to start a new congregation. The split caused deep wounds in both churches, and the conflict played out in the media.

3. Doctrinal Breakaways:

   - Description: This type of split occurs when a pastor or group of leaders leaves a church due to theological differences. The disagreement could be over core doctrines or issues like church governance, worship practices, or social issues.

   - Example: A pastor may decide to leave their parent church because they believe the doctrine being taught has strayed from biblical truth. Alternatively, a group may feel the church is not addressing social justice issues in a way they deem appropriate and form their own congregation to pursue this vision.

   - Real-Life Case: A breakaway church in Ghana formed when a group of leaders decided that their parent church's teachings on spiritual gifts were too restrictive. They left to establish a new ministry that embraced charismatic practices and emphasised the gifts of the Holy Spirit, leading to a theological divide between the two groups.

4. Leadership Succession Breakaways:

   - Description: Succession disputes often lead to church splits, particularly when a senior pastor retires or passes away. If the leadership transition is not handled carefully, multiple factions within the church may compete for control, resulting in a breakaway.

   - Example: After the passing of a beloved senior pastor, several associate pastors may vie for the position of senior leadership. If no clear succession plan is in place, this can lead to a bitter conflict, with one group leaving to start their own church.

   - Real-Life Case: In a well-known church in West Africa, the sudden death of the founder led to a power struggle among the church’s elders. Without a clear succession plan, the church eventually split, with one faction leaving to form their own denomination. The division was contentious and left deep emotional scars on the congregation.

5. Cultural or Generational Breakaways:

   - Description: Sometimes a church split is driven by differences in culture, worship style, or generational preferences. Younger members may feel disconnected from the traditional practices of the church and decide to form their own congregation that better reflects their values and worship style.

   - Example: A group of younger church members may feel that the parent church is too conservative in its approach to music and outreach. They leave to establish a more contemporary church that caters to a younger demographic, often with different worship styles and less formal leadership structures.

   - Real-Life Case: A church in Accra saw a large portion of its youth members leave to form a new congregation focused on contemporary worship and a more informal leadership structure. While the split was not openly hostile, it left the parent church struggling to engage with the younger generation.

6. Ambition-Driven Breakaways:

   - Description: This occurs when an associate pastor or leader, driven by personal ambition, decides to break away from the parent church to establish their own ministry. The departure is often characterised by a desire for more power, recognition, or financial gain.

   - Example: A leader who has grown popular within the church may feel that they are ready to lead their own congregation. Rather than submitting to the senior pastor’s authority, they leave to create their own church, sometimes taking a significant portion of the congregation with them.

   - Real-Life Case: In a church in Kumasi, a well-known associate pastor began to see himself as equally capable of leading a congregation. Without consulting the senior leadership, he left and established his own church just a few miles away, causing a rift within the original church.

Practical Solutions for Preventing Breakaways:

1. Clarity in Doctrinal Teaching: Ensure that all church leaders and members are on the same page regarding the church’s core beliefs. This reduces the likelihood of doctrinal splits and fosters unity around shared theological convictions.

2. Succession Planning: Churches must have clear and transparent leadership succession plans to prevent power struggles after the departure or death of a senior pastor. Preparing for the future ensures a smooth transition and protects the unity of the congregation.

3. Mentoring Future Leaders: Investing in the development of associate pastors and future leaders ensures that ambition is channelled in the right direction. When leaders feel valued and mentored, they are less likely to seek recognition through rebellion.

4. Cultivating a Spirit of Unity: Promoting humility, transparency, and open communication within the church leadership helps prevent the seeds of division from taking root. When conflicts arise, they should be addressed quickly and biblically.

Closing Thoughts:

Breakaways happen for many reasons, but they don’t have to result in lasting pain and division. By understanding the different types of splits, church leaders can take proactive steps to foster unity and prevent unnecessary division. Whether it's through strong mentoring relationships, open communication, or clear doctrinal teaching, churches can create environments where leaders and members thrive in unity.

As we move forward in this series, remember that every church has the potential to experience division, but every church also has the power to prevent it through God’s wisdom and guidance.

Prayer for Wisdom:

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment for church leaders everywhere. Help us to understand the causes of division and to take the necessary steps to prevent them. May your Holy Spirit guide us as we seek to foster unity within your body. Where there is ambition, bring humility; where there is conflict, bring peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.