From Division to Unity: A Guide to Healing Church Splits

About the Book

I never wanted to be an expert on church splits. I never imagined that every church I pastored would have its origins in division. Yet, looking back, I see that God was preparing me for something greater—not just to lead congregations but to bring healing, order, and stability to churches that had been torn apart. Each church split I encountered was different. At Southside First Baptist in Kansas City, I pastored those who remained after a painful division. The challenge wasn’t just preaching and leading; it was helping people heal from the hurt of those who had left. At Prince of Peace in Peoria, I found myself in the opposite position—leading a group that had walked away from their former church. That experience taught me how difficult it is to build something new without carrying the baggage of the past. And when I founded New Cornerstone Baptist Church, it was another story entirely—a church born from division, but with an opportunity to create something fresh, something healthy, something rooted in unity rather than past wounds. Church splits leave behind deep wounds. Friendships are broken, trust is shattered, and bitterness lingers if it’s not confronted with grace. I’ve seen people walk away from the church entirely—not because they lost faith in God, but because they lost faith in His people. That’s why I’m writing this book. Not to assign blame, not to relive the pain, but to offer wisdom, healing, and a path forward for churches and pastors navigating the fallout of division. If you’ve ever been in a split—whether you stayed, left, or started over— you know the pain it brings. But I also want you to know this: division is not the end of the story. With God’s help, what was once broken can be rebuilt. What was once divided can be united. This book is about that journey. A journey From Division to Unity.

About the Author

Dr. Mark A. McConnell was born on February 7, 1963, and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, by devoted Christian parents. From a young age, his faith was central to his life, accepting Christ at the tender age of five. Dr. McConnell’s foundational spiritual upbringing was nurtured at Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the guidance of Dr. C.L. Bachus. He pursued higher education with a commitment to his calling, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, in 1986. He continued his theological education, receiving a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1989 and completing a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) in May 2002. Dr. McConnell has been blessed with a beautiful family. He married Paris McConnell, his steadfast partner and source of strength, on September 2, 1989. Together, they have three sons—Moses, Caleb, and Matthew—and are proud grandparents to Jayden and Jordan McConnell. Answering the call to preach, Dr. McConnell delivered his first sermon in May 1984 and was ordained in August 1985. His pastoral journey has included leading three congregations: Southside First Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri; Prince of Peace Baptist Church in Peoria, Illinois; and currently, New Cornerstone Baptist Church in Peoria, Illinois. His service extends beyond the pulpit, having served two terms as Moderator of the Central Illinois Baptist District Association in Peoria, Illinois. His involvement with the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois spans over 31 years, during which he has held significant positions, including 2nd Vice President of both the Baptist General Congress of Christian Education and the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois. Dr. McConnell’s dedication and unwavering commitment have led to his current role as President of the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois. His passion for this esteemed body is evident in his consistent participation, having never missed a board meeting, annual session, or Congress of Christian Education. He firmly believes that God has positioned him to lead and serve, fostering unity and growth within the convention. Dr. McConnell’s vision is clear: to uphold and advance the legacy of the Baptist General State Convention of Illinois, continuing its history as a leading force among state conventions. Through dedication and collective effort, he is confident that this convention will remain a beacon of leadership, faith, and service.