My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (I Corinthians 1:11-13, 17)

There is no getting around the stark reality that leaders cause division within the Church. If it is any consolation, this is not a new problem that started to happen in the past few decades or even centuries. It goes back all the way to the early days of the early Church.

The church in Corinth is a perfect (?) example, as you can tell from the blunt words used by the apostle Paul in this passage and again in I Corinthians 3:3-15.

One of our churches went through a split a few decades back when the incumbent pastor took a good number of families with him and started up a new congregation at a location no more than 5 minutes from where we are right now. Some of our readers may have experienced something similar as well.

Of course, not all divisions lead to splits. Sometimes the schisms are present within a congregation itself. Trust me, I’ve been there.

In certain cases, there are factions within the congregation who still hold allegiance to former pastors or choose the theological leaning of a televangelist over that of their own leader. Today, there are church members who would rather listen to someone on the internet whom they do not know than the leader who is right in their midst L

Virtually everywhere I go, I am (mis)treated to sad stories of how a former leader in the Church was responsible for causing division. Sometimes it was a doctrinal position or a worship style or a policy change. Sometimes it was because of their moral failure, with sex and money being the top two culprits. Sometimes it was a clear abuse of pastoral authority.

In any event, leaders cause division. Members take offense. At times leaders take offense as well. It’s a big mess. Unforgiveness is in the air, bringing great joy to “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). Holy Spirit is grieved when “bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” are released into the atmosphere as manifestations of a divisive spirit. (Ephesians 4:30-31)

Needless to say at.one.ment within the Body is severely compromised.

Have you witnessed division within the Body of Christ that was brought about by a leader in the Church, dear friend?

Perhaps it happened in your own church. Or in another branch of the Vine.

On Day 17 of the Fast, shall we make a concerted effort to bring about at.one.ment within the Body where it has been breached by leaders?

If you have allowed a leader’s words or actions to generate offense in your heart, would you please forgive from the heart and remove it before it turns into a bitter root?

Also, would you pray for others, including leaders who have caused divisions, that they would repent and/or forgive as necessary? This way, we will accelerate the fulfilment of Jesus’ desire that we all may be as one as He and the Father are one.

Thank You for honouring this fasting directive.