AGROS MINISTRIES

Current thoughts & Trends - February 20,1977 (Article # 11836) "Understanding congregational splits: what can we learn?" by Fred Starke and Bruno Dyck. Christian Week, Oct 22,1996 (vol 10, No 13). Pates 8-9. Topic: Church Conflict, See also 11838,11683, and 11310.

In-depth interviews with more than 150 people in 24 congregations that had experienced a split revealed a common progression of events.

Disenchantment. It all begins with some members' exposure to "new" ideas, resulting in dissatisfaction with their current churches vision, direction, or structure. The new ideas may have to do with out-reach, worship style, doctrine, or the pastor's decision-making power.

Blessing. The pastor or some leader not part of the disenchanted group inadvertently endorses the disenchanted group's new ideas. At this point, the group becomes bolder in asserting the new ideas.

Taking sides. At first some new ideas are well received, but soon the group tries to push through a change that "goes too far," the congregation reacts, and factions form.

Digging in. The battle is now out in the open, each side pushing for adoption of its strategy The focus is not on minimizing differences, but on clarifying them.

Last straw. This is the "point of no return" and usually occurs at a congregational meeting. It's charac-terized by ultimatums, resignations, votes of confidence or nonconfidence in the leadership, and much emotional behavior.

New birth. Within a few days of the last-straw event, a breakaway congregation is formed, most often as an "unplanned reaction to the emotional events of the recent past.

Aftermath. The parent church is hurt and resentful of those whose leaving has "downsized" their church. People in the breakaway group are euphoric, looking forward to starting a new work. In time both groups move back toward an emotional "middle ground." Attendance and growth rates also tend to stabilize in time, so that the two congregations end up at about the same size.

Churches can learn many things from such splits, not the least of which is the importance of dealing with problems as they arise and while they are relatively small. Conflict should be managed, not just suppressed. It can become a positive creative force when handled properly.

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