Why is it harmful to create cliques within the church?

Cliques within the church can be deeply harmful as they create divisions that hinder the unity of the body of Christ. As illustrated in Mark 9:38-39, the disciples struggled with pride and exclusivity, desiring recognition for their own group while dismissing others who were serving Christ. Such attitudes promote an atmosphere of competition rather than cooperation, isolating believers from one another. Instead of celebrating the work being done for Christ by all, cliques lead to an attitude of exclusion and a breakdown of genuine fellowship, which Christ desires among His followers.