Resolving Church Conflict
Main Text: Matthew 18:15-17
Memory Verse: Romans 12:17
Conflicts occur in the church from time to time. When they occur they tend to adversely affect unity among the members of the church and sometimes between individual members. For the church to remain vibrant and effective in worship, mutual edification, and evangelism, it is necessary that church leaders take pains to resolve conflicts when these occur.
Conflicts occur in the church at three basic levels, namely: Inter-personal Level (between individual members), Group Level (among groups) , and Corporate Level(involving the entire church)
Jesus Christ established some guidelines for conflict resolution at the inter-personal level.
· First point out the offence to the offender privately
· If he listens and confesses his fault you forgive the offence and win back your brother
· If he fails to listen and remain unrepentant go back to him with one or two others as witness
· If he still refuses to listen call him before the church (the presbytery or the executive committee)
· If he defies the church leadership treat him as an outcast, a pagan, or a corrupt tax collector.
At the Corporate/Group Level-Acts 15:1-2, 6-7, 22-23
· The issue is discussed at the Presbytery/Leaders level
· The Leaders take decisions based on Scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit
· A Circular letter written to communicate the Church’s decision to the Church
· Sometimes chosen men are sent along to explain the letter.
Points for Discussion
1. What issues cause offence among brethren?
2. What do you do when you are offended?
No comments:
Post a Comment