Fewer Church Splits, More Church Plants
Many churches are wrestling with new ways to interpret Scripture – ways that will lead to significant changes in leadership, worship, or what the church sees as core teaching. Here are a few realities that will happen when leadership decides to go in a new direction.
Everyone will not agree. Some of your flock (probably a significant portion of your flock) will not agree with the new direction. They will maintain a more traditional view of Scripture. It will not matter how clearly you explain the new insight; they will not see it. You are convinced that God desires your church to move in new directions; they will remain convinced God does not want his people moving that way. This will happen. They love the Lord just as you do.
Some people will not be able to continue being part of your community of faith. It will violate their conscience and their view of Scripture. Just as it would violate your conscience to not change things. They are going to leave. It will happen.
You are still family. They are part of the flock you are tasked with getting to heaven.
So here are some suggestions. But I want to be clear: I am not arguing whether new directions should or shouldn’t happen. But I hope I can offer food for thought when it does happen.
Be firm in your convictions. If you believe God is calling you to move in a direction that will cause some to leave your community, then you must be convinced you are right. Be clear that the new direction is where the church is headed.
Study the issue with everyone, not just among the leaders. Explain the why behind the decisions. Be able to articulate the opposing view. You can explain why you don’t agree, but it does let people know all views have been discussed.
Acknowledge that some will not be able to go along with the new decision. Remember that it is not a matter of whom loves God the most or who is smart enough to see what God really means in Scripture.
Acknowledge that change will result in some leaving. They will always be welcome back, but all must do as they believe God would have them do. Emphasize that the leadership still considers all as part of the family of God, including those staying as well as those leaving.
Offer to sponsor a church plant for those who leave, including some financial support for a reasonable period.
No more church splits.
Will it work to keep arguing about who is right, who loves the Lord more, and who is really following the Spirit? Or to keep losing lots of members and seeing the spiritual damage done. I doubt it. Only God knows.
But I sure would like to see churches try to plant more churches instead.
