Why churches break: A Theology of Depravity
- Matthew Bohling
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
When we talk about dysfunction in churches, we often focus on the symptoms—conflict, power struggles, lack of growth, or unhealthy leadership. But in the latest episode of the Church Renewal Podcast, hosts Matt and Jeremy dive deeper, exploring the theological roots of church dysfunction and why the gospel itself provides the only true pathway to healing.
At its core, church dysfunction isn't random or accidental. It stems directly from humanity's fallen nature and our propensity to break relationships—with God, ourselves, and others. This understanding forms the foundation for approaching church renewal with both psychological insight and biblical wisdom. As Matt points out, "Family systems theory is useful for Christians because it's an observation of human behavior, not a solution for human behavior." This distinction is critical—we can learn from sociological and psychological observations without abandoning our theological framework.
Most congregations function much like extended families. With 90% of churches under 200 people and 80% under 100 people (with a post-COVID average of 64 attendees), it's no wonder that family dynamics play out in church settings. This size—comparable to a family reunion—makes it natural to apply family systems theory to understand congregational dysfunction.
Beginning before creation itself—in the perfect relationship of the Trinity. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit exist as distinct persons with unique roles and identities, yet function in perfect harmony. This divine relationship becomes the model for human relationships, as we are created in God's image to be relational beings. When the fall occurs, these relationships fracture, creating the dysfunctional patterns we experience in churches today.
How is the concept of "differentiation" related to spiritual maturity? Differentiation—maintaining your own goals and values while staying connected to others without giving in to surrounding pressures—finds its perfect example in Jesus Christ. Jesus knew who he was, whose he was, and what his mission entailed. This allowed him to resist external pressures while maintaining deep relationships—precisely what healthy church leadership requires.
Satan's ploy to create church dysfunction, his "pincer move” is also at play. First, he suggests God isn't good or trustworthy, encouraging us to take matters into our own hands. Then, once we've acted independently, he condemns us, suggesting we can't return to God because we've failed. This creates cycles of fear, guilt, and shame that manifest in over-functioning (controlling) or under-functioning (abdicating responsibility) behaviors in church relationships.
Therefore, the gospel itself is the solution to dysfunction. When the Apostle Paul addressed problems in churches, his primary diagnosis was always a "gospel problem." Understanding the gospel deeply and applying it broadly across all aspects of life enables us to overcome the fear, guilt, and shame that fuel dysfunction.
This theological perspective on family systems theory offers church leaders a fresh approach to understanding and addressing dysfunction. Rather than seeing church problems as merely behavioral or organizational, we can recognize them as fundamentally relational issues that require gospel healing. Season 4 of The Church Renewal Podcast will explore practical applications of these concepts in future episodes, equipping leaders to foster healthier church systems.
For anyone involved in church leadership or experiencing the pain of church dysfunction, this theological foundation provides both hope and direction. By returning to the gospel's power to restore our relationship with God, ourselves, and others, we can move toward the kind of differentiated, Christ-centered community that reflects God's original design.
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