Preventing Church Division: How to Foster Unity and Strength

Preventing Church Division Bible passage: Matt.16:18, IITim.2:14-25 (NIV)

Preventing Church Division Introduction

The church of Jesus Christ cannot be subdued or defeated by persecution or any form of external aggression. However, history has shown that internal weaknesses or subversion—such as what occurred during the dark ages (AD 250–AD 1400)—can weaken the church and render it ineffective.

If left unchecked, this could lead to the demise of a gathering or body of believers. To prevent such situations, many warnings were given in the writings of Apostles Paul and Peter.

As the saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure” and “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

In this study, I have identified five key factors that can lead to the weakening of the church. These are discussed under the following headings:

• Disharmony
• Indifference, Apathy, or Insensitivity
• Sin
• Disloyalty
• Lack of Sound Doctrine

Let us explore each of these in detail.

1. Disharmony

The Importance of Harmony in the Church

The Bible emphasizes the significance of harmony in Acts 9:31. The Greek word for “rest” here is EIRENE, which refers to:

• Harmonious relationships between people
• Friendliness and freedom from molestation
• Proper order

When harmony exists in the church, it produces the following benefits:

Edification:

• Spiritual growth
• Strengthened faith and a desire to know God more
• Opportunities for teaching and learning

Walking in the Fear of God:

• Loving God and His people more
• Humility

Comfort of the Holy Spirit:

• Being filled and controlled by the Spirit
• Receiving revelations from God

Multiplication:

• Love and oneness among members
• A desire to be more like Jesus
• A testimony that the world notices and takes seriously (Acts 4:13; 11:26)

How the Devil Attacks Harmony In The Church

To disrupt harmony, the devil often employs a “divide and rule” strategy. For example:

• In the Garden of Eden: The devil caused Eve to change roles with Adam.
• In the Church in the Wilderness:
• Gossip: Miriam and Aaron gossiped about Moses, resulting in a breach (Numbers 12).
• Strife: Contention and struggles among brethren (Proverbs 13:10; 17:19).
• Bitterness: Cruel and biting words (Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15).

2. Indifference, Apathy, and Insensitivity

Turning Hearts Away from God

The devil uses indifference, apathy, or insensitivity to turn people away from God’s agenda. For instance, in Numbers 13–14, the ten spies brought back an evil report, which discouraged the people and turned their hearts against God and Moses.

When people become apathetic, they:

• Stop following God wholeheartedly
• Pursue their own agendas instead of God’s

3. Sin

The Consequences of Sin

Sin separates people from God, cutting off His presence and allowing the devil to take over. 

As seen in Numbers 14:10–45, sin leads to:

• A lack of prayers being offered
• A spiritual void that weakens the church

4. Disloyalty

The Dangers of Disloyalty

Disloyalty, bitterness, and strife can destroy the unity of the church. James 3:16 (KJV and NIV) warns that where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.

5. Lack of Sound Doctrine

The Role of Doctrine in Church Stability

When greed and unforgiveness take root, people reject sound doctrine, opening the door to calamity. Numbers 16:41–50 and 17:1–13 illustrate how a lack of sound teaching can lead to chaos and destruction.

How the Devil Sows Discord

To create disharmony among brethren, the devil uses the following tactics:

• Gossip: Spreading rumors (Proverbs 20:19; Ezekiel 36:3; Romans 1:29).
• Strife: Contentions, struggles, or fights—whether verbal, emotional, or physical (Proverbs 13:10; 17:19).
• Bitterness: Cruel and biting words that harm relationships (Acts 8:23; Hebrews 12:15).
• Unforgiveness: A refusal to forgive others, leading to confirmed anger and a determination for revenge (Matthew 5:44–45; Luke 11:4; Colossians 3:8–14).

Preventing Church Division Conclusion

Where do you stand, and what is your contribution to the church? Are you fostering harmony, love, and unity, or are you allowing discord, apathy, or sin to take root?

The church of Jesus Christ is called to be a beacon of light in the world. Let us strive to preserve its unity and strength by addressing these challenges head-on.