The Role of Ego and Leadership Struggles in Church Divisions

Churches, like any organisation, are susceptible to internal conflicts, but when pride and leadership struggles take root, they can lead to damaging divisions. One of the most significant contributing factors to church splits is ego — a powerful force that can disrupt the unity of even the strongest congregations. This week, we will examine how the clash of egos and leadership dynamics often results in church breakaways and explore biblical insights on how to navigate these challenges.

Scriptural Foundation:

The Bible speaks clearly about the destructive power of pride. In Proverbs 16:18, we read: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Pride can blind leaders to the needs of the congregation and can lead to unnecessary conflicts. On the other hand, James 4:10 offers a clear solution: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” Humility is the antidote to ego-driven leadership struggles, and it’s essential for church leaders to maintain a spirit of humility to preserve the unity of the church.

Leadership Struggles That Fuel Division:

1. The Struggle for Authority:

   - Description: One of the most common reasons for church splits is a power struggle between leaders. When associate pastors or other leaders feel overlooked or undermined, they may begin to seek more authority, leading to tension and division. These struggles often start subtly but can escalate quickly when egos come into play.

   - Example: An associate pastor who feels that their contributions are undervalued may begin to resent the senior pastor’s authority. Over time, this resentment can lead to open conflict, with the associate pastor attempting to gain more influence over the congregation, either by rallying support or by leaving to start their own church.

   - Real-Life Case: In a prominent Ghanaian church, a leadership struggle unfolded when an assistant pastor began to feel that his senior pastor was no longer suited to lead. Rather than submitting to the established authority, the assistant pastor began holding secret meetings with certain congregants. Eventually, this culminated in a breakaway, with the pastor and a group of followers forming a new congregation just a few miles away.

2. Unresolved Conflicts Between Leaders:

   - Description: Sometimes, church leaders fail to resolve personal disagreements, which can lead to division. When leaders don’t address their conflicts, those tensions can spread to the congregation. As factions form around different leaders, the church becomes divided, often leading to a breakaway.

   - Example: A senior pastor and an elder may have a personal conflict over church governance or ministry direction. Rather than addressing the issue through dialogue and prayer, the conflict is allowed to fester. The elder eventually leaves with a group of loyal followers, creating a division in the church.

   - Real-Life Case: In a well-known church in West Africa, unresolved conflicts between a senior pastor and the head of the worship team led to a significant rift. The worship leader, feeling unsupported, left the church to start a new ministry, taking several key members with him. The conflict was never resolved, leaving deep wounds in the original congregation.

3. The Influence of Charismatic Personalities:

   - Description: Charismatic leaders often attract large followings, and while this can be beneficial for a church, it can also be dangerous when unchecked. When a leader begins to rely on their charisma rather than God’s guidance, pride can set in. This leads to a desire for more influence, often at the expense of unity within the church.

   - Example: A dynamic speaker may begin to see themselves as indispensable to the ministry. They may believe that their popularity among the congregation gives them the right to challenge or undermine the senior leadership. In extreme cases, this can lead to the leader breaking away and taking a large portion of the congregation with them.

   - Real-Life Case: A high-profile pastor in Ghana, known for his powerful sermons, began to assert more control over the church’s direction. When the senior leadership tried to rein him in, he refused to submit. Eventually, he led a breakaway group, forming his own independent church, which grew rapidly due to his personal influence.

4. Ambition and Self-Glorification:

   - Description: Ambition is not inherently wrong, but when a leader’s ambition becomes self-centred, it can lead to destructive behaviour. Leaders driven by personal glory rather than God’s mission may seek to create their own platforms, regardless of the cost to the church’s unity.

   - Example: An associate pastor may feel that they are destined for greater things and that the senior pastor is holding them back. Rather than serving faithfully where they are, they become consumed with the idea of starting their own ministry, often causing division in the process.

   - Real-Life Case: In a church in Accra, an ambitious pastor felt stifled by the leadership structure and decided to break away to start his own ministry. His departure caused significant damage to the church, as many members left with him, creating division and conflict.

The Dangers of Ego in Church Leadership:

Ego-driven leadership struggles are incredibly damaging to churches. They not only divide congregations but also undermine the spiritual mission of the church. When leaders prioritise their personal ambitions over the well-being of the church, the fallout can be devastating. These divisions often lead to bitterness, resentment, and even disillusionment among church members.

How to Overcome Ego and Leadership Struggles:

1. Fostering Humility:

   - Solution: Church leaders must intentionally cultivate a spirit of humility. This means recognising that leadership is about serving others, not seeking personal glory. Leaders should regularly pray for humility and ask God to remove any traces of pride from their hearts.

   - Biblical Insight: In Philippians 2:3, Paul urges us to “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” When leaders place the needs of the church above their own desires, they create an environment where unity can flourish.

2. Resolving Conflicts Early:

   - Solution: Church leaders should commit to resolving conflicts as soon as they arise. This requires open communication, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to finding solutions that benefit the church as a whole. Leaders must be quick to seek reconciliation and slow to allow divisions to take root.

   - Practical Step: Encourage church leaders to meet regularly to discuss any tensions or disagreements. By addressing issues early, they can prevent small conflicts from escalating into major divisions.

3. Accountability Structures:

   - Solution: Churches should implement strong accountability structures to prevent leadership struggles from spiralling out of control. This includes having a board of elders or overseers who can intervene when necessary and provide guidance during times of conflict.

   - Example: A church in Ghana recently restructured its leadership to include a team of elders who meet regularly to provide oversight and accountability. This change has helped to prevent ego-driven conflicts from derailing the church’s mission.

4. Prioritising God’s Mission:

   - Solution: Ultimately, church leaders must remember that the mission of the church is to glorify God and advance His kingdom. When leaders focus on this mission, they are less likely to become consumed by personal ambition or power struggles.

   - Biblical Insight: In Matthew 20:26, Jesus reminds us that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant. Leaders who prioritise servanthood over personal gain create a culture of humility that resists division.

Closing Thoughts:

Ego and leadership struggles are among the most significant contributors to church divisions. However, by fostering humility, resolving conflicts early, and creating accountability structures, churches can prevent these struggles from leading to division. As leaders, we must continually examine our hearts and motives, ensuring that we are serving for the glory of God and not our own personal gain.

Prayer for Humility:

Lord, we ask that you would give us hearts of humility. Help us to lead with grace and wisdom, always seeking to serve rather than be served. Remove any traces of pride or selfish ambition from our hearts, and let us prioritise your mission above all else. May your Spirit guide us in all our leadership decisions, keeping us unified in purpose and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.