The Impact of Breakaway Churches on Church Members

When a church experiences a breakaway, it isn’t just the leaders or pastors who are affected—church members often feel the deepest impact. Their sense of community, trust, and spiritual growth can be shaken, sometimes causing long-lasting effects. In this post, we’ll explore how church breakaways affect the everyday lives of congregants. Through stories and testimonies, we’ll gain insights into the emotional, spiritual, and relational toll of such events, while also highlighting how healing and growth can occur even after a division.

Emotional and Spiritual Turmoil

For many church members, a breakaway can feel like a family split. Churches often become spiritual homes where bonds are formed, and when a break happens, members are left feeling hurt, confused, and abandoned. For some, the pain is compounded by the sense of betrayal when leaders they trusted are at the centre of the division.

Story of Betrayal: Sarah’s Experience

Sarah had been a faithful member of her church for over a decade. When her pastor suddenly left to start a new church and took a significant portion of the congregation with him, she felt blindsided. "I felt like I had lost my spiritual home," she recalls. "The division wasn’t just about losing a leader; it felt like a betrayal of trust. People I considered family suddenly weren’t there anymore." Sarah struggled with feelings of abandonment, questioning why she was left behind and why the church couldn't stay united.

The Spiritual Fallout 

This sense of loss often leads to spiritual disillusionment. Church members who witness or are caught in the middle of a breakaway may start questioning their faith, the integrity of their leaders, or even God’s purpose in their lives. They may struggle to find another spiritual home, leaving them isolated and spiritually stagnant.

Navigating Relational Divides

Breakaway churches can cause rifts not only between pastors and congregants but also among members themselves. Friendships and fellowship bonds are tested, with some members choosing to follow the new church while others remain with the original congregation. This division can cause long-lasting relational damage.

Testimony of Friendships Torn Apart: James’ Story

James was part of a tight-knit small group in his church. When his pastor decided to break away, half the small group left with him, while James and a few others remained loyal to the original church. "It was painful," James shares. "I lost close friends because they couldn’t understand why I didn’t follow the pastor. It felt like I had to choose sides, and the friendships that had been built over years were suddenly gone."

These experiences often lead to a sense of mourning over lost relationships. Church members like James are left to navigate feelings of loneliness and division, often struggling to repair these broken connections in the aftermath.

Healing and Restoration

Despite the deep wounds that breakaways can cause, many members find healing and restoration, often through forgiveness and rebuilding trust. For those who stay behind, healing can come from a renewed sense of purpose in the church, a focus on Christ’s mission, and the strengthening of new relationships. For those who move on to the new church, healing often comes through finding a fresh start in a new spiritual community.

Healing Through Forgiveness: Ruth’s Journey

Ruth experienced deep hurt after her church split, but she eventually realised that holding onto bitterness was keeping her from moving forward. "I was angry for a long time," she admits. "But then I realised that forgiving the leaders who caused the division was the only way I could heal. Once I let go of that anger, I was able to reconnect with my faith and rebuild my spiritual life."

For Ruth and many others, the path to healing begins with forgiveness and the decision to focus on God’s work, rather than the pain of division. Rebuilding trust with leaders and fellow members can take time, but it’s possible through prayer, counselling, and a renewed commitment to unity.

The Opportunity for Growth

While breakaways are often seen as negative, they can also provide opportunities for growth. For some, the split forces them to take ownership of their faith in new ways. They may step into leadership roles, deepen their prayer lives, or find new ways to serve the church. Others may learn the value of resilience, trusting that God can bring good even out of division.

A Story of Growth: Emmanuel’s Transformation

When Emmanuel’s church split, he found himself questioning whether he should stay or go. Instead of leaving, he chose to stay and help rebuild the original church. "The split pushed me to grow in ways I never expected," he says. "I had to rely on God more than ever before, and I realised that my faith wasn’t just tied to a pastor or a church, but to my personal relationship with God."

For Emmanuel, the breakaway became a turning point in his spiritual life, leading him to deeper faith and greater involvement in his church community. His story highlights how, even in times of division, personal growth and spiritual renewal are possible.

Practical Steps for Healing After a Church Breakaway

1. Seek Support: Church members going through a breakaway should seek emotional and spiritual support. Whether through counselling, prayer groups, or close friendships, finding a safe space to express hurt and confusion is essential.

2. Choose Forgiveness: Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrong actions, but it is a necessary step toward healing. By forgiving those involved in the split, members can release bitterness and begin to heal.

3. Focus on Christ: In the midst of division, it’s important to refocus on the core of the faith—Jesus Christ. The church is built on Him, not on individual leaders or congregations. By keeping eyes fixed on Christ, members can find peace in the storm of conflict.

4. Rebuild Trust Slowly: Trust is often shattered during a breakaway, but it can be rebuilt. Whether staying in the original church or moving to the new one, it’s important to be patient with the process of trust-building and to seek leaders who demonstrate integrity and transparency.

Closing Thoughts:

Church breakaways leave deep scars on the hearts of the members involved, but they also present opportunities for growth, healing, and renewal. By focusing on forgiveness, seeking support, and keeping Christ at the centre, members can navigate the pain of division and emerge stronger on the other side. The stories shared this week show that while breakaways are difficult, they are not the end of the journey. With God’s help, church members can heal, rebuild, and continue to grow in their faith.