s a clinical psychologist, I see cases of intergenerational trauma often. Unhealed wounds that regenerate to create patterns of disconnection. I am no stranger to this either. As a child, I struggled with self-esteem and emotional connection with my mother. While she was a good mother her love was demonstrated by her sacrifice for her family but not demonstrated through emotional availability thus, an invisible wall of separation was created in our relationship. As a parent myself, I became intentional and deliberate about self-reflection and self-awareness. I learned how to emotionally validate, listen with compassion, and love through my daughter’s mistakes. I was determined to break the cycle.

The church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, is designed to function as one body, with many members, each with a unique role, diverse yet unified, reflecting the beauty of God’s creation. However, when division takes root, it mirrors the psychological cycles of dysfunction that can pass from generation to generation. Just as unresolved division in the church leads to fragmentation and broken fellowship, we see this division in our relationships too. But God calls us to healing, inclusivity, and intentional restoration by breaking cycles of exclusion and separation.

When I think about a dysfunctional church, it’s the one with invisible walls of division between believers. These divisions and cycles of disunity cause certain voices (those who hold less power and privilege i.e. youth, women) to be silenced. But healing requires recognizing these fractures and intentionally working toward inclusivity and equity.

A healthy church grows when it embraces change, breaks cycles of division and unifies itself by a shared purpose. A conscious effort to change must be made by learning to listen, affirm, and embrace generational differences. True unity reflects the divine oneness of God and this is our calling as believers.