It is a known fact that efforts in church planting and church growth have faced serious setbacks due to tribalism and ethnic divisions within the church. This issue must be addressed if we are to make lasting impact in advancing the Kingdom of God through church planting and expansion.
Let us consider a scriptural reference that sheds light on how the early church faced and overcame this same challenge:
“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word… And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly…” (Acts 6:1-7, KJV)
This passage shows that ethnic division arose in the early church between the Grecian (Greek-speaking Jews) and Hebrew believers. However, the apostles, through spiritual discernment and wise leadership, handled it promptly and spiritually. As a result, unity was restored and church growth continued.
UNDERSTANDING THE DANGER OF TRIBAL AND ETHNIC DIVISION IN THE CHURCH
- The Church is Both a Spiritual Organism and an Organization
Though the church is a living organism (the Body of Christ), it also functions as an organization. Therefore, administrative and relational issues like tribalism must be properly addressed. - It Often Starts with Leadership
When the church planter, founder, or leading pastor operates with a tribal or ethnic mindset, it creates a culture of exclusion and division. - It Can Come from the Founding Team
Sometimes, the people who begin the ministry with the visionary—such as board members, elders, or ministry heads—may carry tribal preferences, leading to internal conflict. - It Is a Form of Spiritual Racism
When one tribe dominates the leadership and marginalizes others, it creates a spirit of rejection and division in the Body of Christ. - If Not Handled, It Leads to Church Splits
If this issue is not dealt with in love and truth, it often results in conflict, divisions, and even church breakaways. - It Pollutes the Spiritual Atmosphere
Ethnic favoritism grieves the Holy Spirit and creates a toxic atmosphere that quenches revival and spiritual growth. - Properly Addressed, It Can Lead to Growth
As seen in Acts 6, when handled with the wisdom of God, tribal conflict can become a turning point that ushers in unity and multiplication. - It is a Tool of the Enemy
Satan uses tribalism as a demonic tool to attack the unity of the church, knowing that a house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25).
ROOT CAUSES OF TRIBALISM AND ETHNIC DIVISION IN THE CHURCH
- Uncrucified Flesh in Leaders
Some church planters or leaders have not allowed the Holy Spirit to deal with their tribal tendencies. They operate based on flesh, not Spirit, and promote only people from their ethnic background. - Use of Tribal Language in Ministry
Ministering in a tribal dialect in a multi-ethnic setting can make others feel unwelcome. This has led to churches being labeled as “Yoruba churches,” “Igbo churches,” etc., which contradicts the universal nature of the Gospel. - Native-Centered Church Planting
While being community-relevant is good, the church must not become a village club that ignores non-natives. A Bible-centered model must rise above ethnicity. - Ethnic-Based Appointments
When all key leaders in a church are from the same tribe as the founder (e.g., G.O., deputy, secretary, treasurer), and others are sidelined, division is inevitable. - Tribalistic Administration
When policies, resources, and leadership roles are skewed to favor a particular ethnic group, it sows seeds of bitterness and exclusion. - Overvaluation of Cultural Practices Over Scripture
When a church upholds cultural traditions more than Biblical values, it allows tribal culture to override Kingdom culture. - Internal Tribal Conflict
Sometimes, rivalry between leaders from different tribes (e.g., between the General Overseer and the Assistant) spills into the congregation, causing ethnic alignments. - Satanic Manipulation
The enemy can exploit tribal backgrounds as entry points to sow discord and derail the church from its divine mandate.
Recommended Reading
Wrong Foundations That Destroy Newly Planted Churches
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Preparing To Go Into Marriage…For Singles
BIBLICAL SOLUTIONS TO TRIBALISM AND ETHNIC DIVISION IN THE CHURCH
- Preach a Christ-Centered Gospel
The message of Christ must be for all nations, tribes, and tongues—free from ethnic bias. The Gospel must be inclusive (Revelation 7:9). - Carry a Kingdom Vision
A true church planter must see beyond his tribe and aim to disciple all nations (Matthew 28:19). - Use a Common Language in Worship
In English-speaking countries, preach in English. If necessary, use a qualified interpreter so everyone can be carried along. - Appoint Leaders Without Tribal Sentiment
Ministry leadership must reflect diversity and spiritual maturity—not tribal affiliation. - Prevent Formation of Tribal Cliques
Leaders and associates must not form ethnic camps or cliques within the church. - Teach and Emphasize Unity in Christ
Regular teaching on unity in the Body of Christ will help dismantle tribal mentalities (1 Corinthians 12:12-14). - Engage in Strategic Prayers Against Disunity
Prayer must be made to uproot every seed of disunity and bind the spirit of division at work. - Adopt a Spirit-led and Balanced Administrative Structure
A fair and transparent system ensures every tribe feels included and respected. - Empower Responsible Leaders from All Backgrounds
Give spiritual and administrative responsibilities to mature believers regardless of tribe or ethnicity. - Be Kingdom-Minded Always
Let every action and decision in ministry reflect the heart of God for unity, love, and global impact.
IN CONCLUSION
The church is the Body of Christ, not the body of any tribe or ethnicity. If we are to truly fulfill the Great Commission and raise a glorious church, tribalism must die at the foot of the cross. Let us be united in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and driven by the vision of the Kingdom—not the limitations of our culture or ethnic background.
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28