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Navigating Church Conflict: Healthy vs. Dysfunctional Dynamics

Explore the distinction between a healthy and dysfunctional church, addressing misconceptions, issues of sin management, and the importance of restoration and compassion in congregation dynamics.

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Navigating Church Conflict: Healthy vs. Dysfunctional Dynamics

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Are We a Healthy or Dysfunctional Church? Much assistance from Good Saint Care by Dr. Kent Spann

  2. The “perfect” vs the “healthy” Church • There is a large misconception about the Church • Many state it this way, “The Church is full of hypocrites” • This misconception is based on the belief that the Church should be full of sinless people • Is 53:4-6, 64:6; Rom 3:23; 1Jn 1:8-10, 2:1-2

  3. The “perfect” vs the “healthy” Church • The Church is a perfect creation full of imperfect individuals • Paul shares some of the difficulties we as Christians carry with us to the Church • Gal 6:1-2; 1 Cor 6:11 • Some have stated it this way, “If you find a perfect Church, please don’t join it because you will ruin it!”

  4. The “healthy” Church vs the “dysfunctional” Church • The problem isn’t that the Church is imperfect; the problem is the Church often becomes dysfunctional • Some examples of how a dysfunctional Church deals with sin and the burdens of others and itself • The “blame game” • Gen 3:12-13 , 17; Prov 19:3; Jam 1:12-15; Prov 28:13; Ps 51:3-4

  5. The “healthy” Church vs the “dysfunctional” Church • Examples of the dysfunctional Church cont’d • Critical spirit • Lev 19:15; Mt 7:1-5; Jn 7:24; Jam 2:13 • Avoids the one who sins or is hurting • Jam 5:19-20; Lk 15:17; Jam 5:13-16 • Being proud that sin exists in your midst • 1 Cor 5:1-6, 11-13 • Gossip or slander • Prov 6:16-19, 20:19; Eph 4:29; Jam 1:26

  6. The “healthy” Church vs the “dysfunctional” Church • Examples of the dysfunctional Church cont’d • Sin is discussed among brethren but not with the guilty party and no action taken • Mt 18:15-17; 2 Thes 3:6, 13-15; Rom 16:17 • It appears we don’t always deal well with our dysfunction in the Church. We need to learn how to take care of this situation

  7. We must seek to restore those in sin (Gal 6:1) • Sin is a nasty word we don’t really like to use or talk about • A healthy Church is not only willing to talk about it but to restore those involved • To restore other Christians means to get them back on the strait and narrow

  8. We must seek to restore those in sin (Gal 6:1) • Paul teaches us who should be the ones to help • Gal 6:1 ”… you who are spiritual restore such a one…” • Paul teaches how we should restore the erring sinner • Gal 6:1 ”… in a spirit of gentleness,…” • Paul gives an important warning to us • Gal 6:1 “…considering yourself lest you also be tempted…”

  9. As faithful Christians, we must bear the burdens of others (Gal 6:2-5) • Life is full of burdens… • Paul teaches we are to help carry these burdens (vs6:2) • Paul describes the type of people able to bear others burdens with them (vs 3-5) • Paul teaches us that we should do this in love and compassion (vs 2) • Gal 6:2 “…and so fulfill the law of Christ.” • Paul once again offers a precaution to us • Gal 6:4 ”…But let each one examine his own work…”

  10. Conclusion • Paul has clearly laid out for us the steps we can take to help keep our congregation healthy and not dysfunctional • It is up to each of us to follow these instructions • If there is anything we can do to help you, please make it know while we stand and sing

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