Conflict is inevitable. It’s not a matter of if it will happen, but when it will happen. It’s impossible to bring any amount of people together in an effort to head in the same direction without at least some conflict. Conflict does not necessarily have to be negative. In one sense conflict is good because it reflects the passion people have about church 

Go back to what the apostle Paul said about ’speaking the truth in love. ”Can we fight with one another about what is important … and still love one another. I personally think that we need to learn how to disagree without being disagreeable.” 

Christ himself prayed for unity in churches. In John 17:23, Jesus says: ”May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” It’s through these people, the church, that people see God. If we’re fighting and having conflict, people are misled. The way to resolve conflict in the Body is through communication conducted with brotherly love. 

Clear vision, strong leadership and clear lines of communication are necessary to help get us through in-church conflict. Vision literally serves as a ‘’safety belt” for the congregation because it keeps a sense of focus and purpose on the overall mission of the church. As vision gets a little ‘muddy’ confusion sets in. And because of unclear vision, conflict is often swept under the rug and not dealt with properly. 

Conflict is a recurring theme in the Bible, and a strong, respected leadership with a clear vision is key to conflict management. Strong leadership doesn’t mean authoritarian leadership. Strong leaders must be grace-filled, compassionate leaders who know the heart of their people and lead accordingly.  

Clear lines of communication between leaders and those they lead are absolutely necessary. 

What To Do … (when your church experiences conflict)• Experts say you should decide that you are going to do everything you can to glorify God, despite the pain of the situation. Take personal responsibility for your part in any conflict. But, be sure the beam is out of your own eye before you complain about the speck in your neighbor’s. 

• Keep the possibility of reconciliation at the forefront. You don’t have to become everyone’s best friend, but keep the lines of communication open. When you treat those you are in conflict with kindness, you are more closely emulating Christ. 

• Don’t avoid the problem. The avoidance of conflict isn’t necessarily healthy, but you can agree to disagree on many topics. 

• Listen to and understand the other side, as difficult as that may sometimes be. But, expect to be treated justly and fairly yourself. An equal mixture of justice and mercy is what we’re striving for. 

• Sometimes, it may be necessary to hire a professional mediator for the church. They can come in and discuss things with the church. Members still make their own decisions, but a mediator can really help with the communication and conversation part of things.