When conflicts arise

Church conflicts are as natural as breathing.  One quickly discovers this reality with a cursory reading of the New Testament. 

Some conflicts are not only natural, they can be extremely beneficial.  Someone needs to speak up when a congregation becomes primarily inwardly focused and neglects the commission entrusted by Jesus Christ.  If no one calls for a reassessment of the church’s mission, the community of faith plummets down a pathway that leads to death and faithlessness.  Even when church leaders share a common vision and purpose, individuals will disagree about the most effective and productive strategies for accomplishing their mission.  We do not all see the issues in the same way nor the direction ahead from the same perspective.  Conflicts will arise.

These conflicts become extremely clear to me as we struggle to set a new base line for the General Church and the Annual Conferences.  Everyone agrees that changes must be made, new strategies adopted, new structures implemented, and resources refocused.  Then the real conflicts arise-which changes will be made and what will remain in place, what persons will be retained and who will be brought on board to accomplish the task, how much time, energy, and money will be utilized for a particular focus?  Leaders disagree passionately with one another.  It is crucial to observe carefully what happens next.  Will individuals attack one another or will they strive to develop the most effectual strategies possible?

Over the past several months I have observed these scenarios at the General, Conference, and Local Church levels.  Some of this has been healthy and productive.  Some of it has been harmful and destructive.  When the participants assumed those disagreeing with them were brothers and sisters in Christ, wanted nothing but the best for the Church, demonstrated respect for each other, and understood the rejection of their ideas was not a personal rejection of them as a friend and colleague, there was a deep unity in Jesus.  Destructive behavior occurred when it was assumed that only a few were seeking God’s will and direction, ideas and persons were treated disrespectfully, and the motives of others were always questioned.  Such destructive behavior meant that individuals left the meetings hurt, depressed, and hopeless about the future.  Jesus Christ was glorified when individuals were treated with respect, honor, and humility.  The church was fractured by destructive behavior.

Advent calls us to live together in unity.  We are not expected to compromise our values, assume that others have a clearer call from God, or ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit.  Neither are we to treat others with disrespect, question their Christian commitment, or assume we know their motives and motivation.  We must treat others as we desire and expect to be treated—with love, respect, and understanding.  When we do, we all fall at the feet of Jesus in love and humility.

The scripture calls us to dwell in unity.  The unity we seek is found in Jesus Christ and fulfilling the mission committed to us.