6. Conflict is not usually over tradition; it’s over traditionalism. Traditionalism becomes apparent when church members emphasize tradition as if it were the gospel. That, by the way, is nothing less than idolatry.
7. Much conflict reveals the spiritual immaturity of members of the congregation. The same believer who seems godly, equipped, and mature one week can act like a whining, self-centered, immature baby the next – and, it’s the latter week that really reveals the heart.
8. Somehow, prayer gets lost in the conflict. It’s odd how it happens. When a church is in conflict, people often take sides. They talk only with people who agree with them and avoid everyone else – including God, I’m afraid. They don’t even turn to the One who prayed in John 17 that God’s people would be one.
9. Some conflict is scarring. I’ve talked with a lot of pastors, staff members, and laity whose wounds are still fresh. Many of them have walked away from the church.
10. Conflict that leads to honest conversation, repentance, and renewal can be good for the church. Sometimes we need to address tough issues, even when the risk of division is great. When we handle the conflict in a God-honoring way, though, the church can come out stronger.
RELATED: Components of Conflict
What findings would you add?
This article on church conflict originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
