I. Introduction
A. Unfortunately, conflict is a reality that everyone must deal with. Because of the differencing of opinions, our sinful nature, and people’s bad motives (whether intentional or unintentional), there will always be conflict. While church would be the last place that one might expect for there to be conflict, the church does not escape the grasps of conflict. Because churches are made of imperfect people, there will always be conflict in them. So, the question is not whether or not there will be conflict. The question is: how is conflict dealt with biblically? This following is a theology of conflict:
II. Definition
A. Conflict is a difference in opinion or purpose that thwarts someone's goals or desires.
III. Conflict is unavoidable, …show more content…
Competition encourages a winner-approach to conflict, and is willing (whether consciously or by overlooking) to see the other parties lose in the process.
VI. Styles of Conflict Management
A. Avoid
1. Denying that there is conflict or choosing to ignore it.
i). With major issues of conflict, this is an inappropriate response.
B. Attack
1. Imposing personal solution to the conflict for personal gain.
i). This style of conflict is rarely ever an appropriate response because the majority of the time, it is not rooted in love.
C. Collaborate
1. Developing a solution that is satisfactory to both parties.
i). Usually the best response to conflict as long as God’s Word is not compromised.
VII. Responding to Conflict Biblically
A. Evaluate Your Perspective
1. The goal is to have an eternal perspective on everything, including conflict.
i). The conflict is temporary and in the grand scheme of an eternal perspective, the end goal of conflict should be resolution. ii). The best way to have an eternal perspective is to keep two things in mind:
a. God’s Sovereignty
i. Rom. 8:28-God is working out everything for our good. ii. Gen. 50:20-What man means as evil, God means for good.
b. Our …show more content…
Sometimes, the conflict requires disciplinary action against one or more parties involved depending upon how each party responds to the conflict. ii). Rather than forgetting the issues at hand, the issues must be dealt with in accordance to the principles and teachings of God’s Word. iii). Therefore, forgiveness begins as a one-time event, but it is an ongoing process in which the parties involved are reconciled to God and one another.
E. Before You Meet With The Person(s), Make Sure You Clarify All The Issues
1. Listen to one another to clearly understand the issues at hand.
i). If you don’t understand, ask questions. ii). Be as specific as possible
2. Ask questions to understand the feelings of both parties.
i). Feel free to express your feelings, but make sure you have worked through them before you speak.
a. Feelings can be tricky. Make sure that what you express is true before you just spit it out
3. Once you understand each other, seek to understand how God perceives the issues and agree on where to go from there.
F. When You Meet With Each Other:
1. Admit your mistakes and apologize for your wrongdoing.
2. Give the other party an opportunity to admit their mistakes and
A. Unfortunately, conflict is a reality that everyone must deal with. Because of the differencing of opinions, our sinful nature, and people’s bad motives (whether intentional or unintentional), there will always be conflict. While church would be the last place that one might expect for there to be conflict, the church does not escape the grasps of conflict. Because churches are made of imperfect people, there will always be conflict in them. So, the question is not whether or not there will be conflict. The question is: how is conflict dealt with biblically? This following is a theology of conflict:
II. Definition
A. Conflict is a difference in opinion or purpose that thwarts someone's goals or desires.
III. Conflict is unavoidable, …show more content…
Competition encourages a winner-approach to conflict, and is willing (whether consciously or by overlooking) to see the other parties lose in the process.
VI. Styles of Conflict Management
A. Avoid
1. Denying that there is conflict or choosing to ignore it.
i). With major issues of conflict, this is an inappropriate response.
B. Attack
1. Imposing personal solution to the conflict for personal gain.
i). This style of conflict is rarely ever an appropriate response because the majority of the time, it is not rooted in love.
C. Collaborate
1. Developing a solution that is satisfactory to both parties.
i). Usually the best response to conflict as long as God’s Word is not compromised.
VII. Responding to Conflict Biblically
A. Evaluate Your Perspective
1. The goal is to have an eternal perspective on everything, including conflict.
i). The conflict is temporary and in the grand scheme of an eternal perspective, the end goal of conflict should be resolution. ii). The best way to have an eternal perspective is to keep two things in mind:
a. God’s Sovereignty
i. Rom. 8:28-God is working out everything for our good. ii. Gen. 50:20-What man means as evil, God means for good.
b. Our …show more content…
Sometimes, the conflict requires disciplinary action against one or more parties involved depending upon how each party responds to the conflict. ii). Rather than forgetting the issues at hand, the issues must be dealt with in accordance to the principles and teachings of God’s Word. iii). Therefore, forgiveness begins as a one-time event, but it is an ongoing process in which the parties involved are reconciled to God and one another.
E. Before You Meet With The Person(s), Make Sure You Clarify All The Issues
1. Listen to one another to clearly understand the issues at hand.
i). If you don’t understand, ask questions. ii). Be as specific as possible
2. Ask questions to understand the feelings of both parties.
i). Feel free to express your feelings, but make sure you have worked through them before you speak.
a. Feelings can be tricky. Make sure that what you express is true before you just spit it out
3. Once you understand each other, seek to understand how God perceives the issues and agree on where to go from there.
F. When You Meet With Each Other:
1. Admit your mistakes and apologize for your wrongdoing.
2. Give the other party an opportunity to admit their mistakes and