Conflict Spring 1998

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Speed Leas, co-author of Mastering Conflict and Controversy, writes about a church that was mired in "dissension between the newcomers and long-time members." At an all-day meeting, the congregation drew up guidelines for how they would handle their conflict. Some of those guidelines:

1. Conflict can be healthy and useful for our church. It is okay for people to differ with one another.
   
   
2. Resolutions for the sake of quick agreement are often worse than agreements that are carefully worked out over time.
   
   
3. Fair conflict management includes:
   
   1. dealing with one issue at a time;
      
   2. if more than one issue is presented, agreeing on the order in which the issues will be addressed;
      
   3. exploring all the dimensions of the problem(s);
      
   4. exploring alternative solutions to the problem(s).
      
4. If any party is uncomfortable with the forum in which the conflict is raised, it is legitimate to request and discuss what the most appropriate forum might be.
   
   
5. Inappropriate behavior in conflict includes, but is not limited to:
   
   1. name calling;
      
   2. mind reading (attributing evil motives to others);
      
   3. inducing guilt (e.g., "Look how you've made me feel");
      
   4. rejecting, deprecating, or discrediting another person;
      
   5. using information from confidential sources or indicating that such information exists.
      
6. Fair conflict always allows people who are charged with poor performance or inappropriate behavior to:
   
   1. know who their accusers are;
      
   2. learn what their accusers' concerns are;
      
   3. respond to those who accuse.
      

"With these and other agreements in place," Leas writes, "the congregation, especially the trustees and session, was able to work through a variety of conflicts."

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.