How to merge split churches: a case study

Kim K Simmons

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How to merge split churches: a case study

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Kim K Simmons. How to Merge Split Churches: a Case Study. Dallas Theological Seminary. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/c08dc5fb-17ea-45c7-a9b9-cde899d3c746.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

K. K. Simmons. How to merge split churches: a case study. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/c08dc5fb-17ea-45c7-a9b9-cde899d3c746

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Kim K Simmons. How to Merge Split Churches: a Case Study. Dallas Theological Seminary. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/c08dc5fb-17ea-45c7-a9b9-cde899d3c746.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

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Kim K Simmons

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Abstract

Churches frequently divide, sometimes for good reasons, but more often church splits occur because people disagree about personal issues or leadership behavior. Two churches that split fifteen years ago because of a dispute about leadership decided to merge again. This project uses the reconciliation of these two churches as a model for other congregations that may consider merging. Three major criteria--philosophical, relational, and physical--are crucial factors for a successful merger. Hindrances to unity stemmed from spiritual conflicts and a process requiring unanimous decisions. Conflicts involved leadership issues, power plays by individuals, personal preferences about worship, and conflict over Christian life teaching that led to tabling the merger and renewed division. The project outlines seven steps toward a successful merger that formed a new church, based on the experience of these churches and research in the literature.

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