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Managing Conflict in the Local Church

Managing Conflict in the Local Church. By: Reverend Quintin Few, Sr. First Baptist Church of Suitland, Pastor. Objectives:. Help church leaders understand the need to manage conflict Identify escalating levels of conflict

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Managing Conflict in the Local Church

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  1. Managing Conflict in the Local Church By: Reverend Quintin Few, Sr. First Baptist Church of Suitland, Pastor

  2. Objectives: • Help church leaders understand the need to manage conflict • Identify escalating levels of conflict • Learn Biblical strategies to resolve conflict that bring glory & honor to Christ

  3. Conflict • A serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one (www.dictionary.com) • Fight, battle, or war (Merriam-Webster) • a: Competitive or opposing action of incompatibles : antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons) b:mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands (Merriam-Webster)

  4. The Need for Managing Church Conflict • The church is made up of redeemed sinners • The church is under the attack of Satan • The church is affected by influences of the world

  5. Five Levels of Conflict • LEVEL 1— A Problem to Solve • LEVEL 2— Self Protection • LEVEL 3— It’s About Winning • LEVEL 4— Fight or Flight • LEVEL 5— Destroy the Enemy

  6. LEVEL 1—A Problem to Solve • Tackling the problem • No personal attacks • Not digging up old problems

  7. LEVEL 2—Self Protection • Worried about saving face • Disputers keep records of wrong • Casting doubt or judgment on the other party

  8. LEVEL 3—It’s About Winning • People lining up to take sides • The soul motivation is to win • Language becomes vague

  9. LEVEL 4—Fight or Flight • Fighting for your position a. The fight centers on principles • No room for compromise • Fleeing the situation altogether • Unable to see any resolution in sight • Relationships are damaged

  10. LEVEL 5—Destroy the Enemy • Positions are locked in • The genesis of the problem is lost

  11. Strategies to Manage Conflict • Following Matthew 18: 15-33 • Collaborative problem solving • Seek an interventionist

  12. Following Matthew 18: 15-33 • Conflict cannot be resolved through avoidance • Establish the facts • Christ gives the Church the authority to resolve conflict • The church must practice unlimited forgiveness

  13. Collaborative Problem Solving Ground Rules: • Willing to take time to understand other’s point of view • Develop & maintain spirit of cooperation, NOT competition • Accept that differences are OK • Work towards mutual solution • Communicate clearly

  14. Collaborative Problem Solving, cont… Steps to Take: • Identify the problem or issue • Focus on the interest and needs • Deal with the offense as soon as possible • Invent options • Make the agreement • Reach a consensus

  15. Seek an Interventionist • When to use an interventionist • When parties agree on a mediator • When leadership has a desire for God’s glory 2. Importance of neutrality • Must be intentional • Interest is only to honor Christ

  16. Biblical Examples of Conflict Resolution • Old Testament • Abraham & Lot (Genesis 13: 5-10) • Moses & the tribe of Reuben (Numbers 32: 1-18) • New Testament • Paul & Philemon • Jesus (Mark 10: 35-44)

  17. Take Home Message… Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God” Matthew 5:9.

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