From the Editor
Kevin A. Miller
April 1, 1998
Last summer wore on long and hot at our church. A key staff member resigned and founded a nearly identical church a stone's throw away. Ultimately, about 20 percent of the congregation left to join him.
Each week I would look around and wonder about empty seats: Are those people on vacation or have they left?
To lose good friends hurts. I had to tell my 12-year-old son that he wouldn't be seeing his close friend very often, because their family was leaving the church, too.
I was recruited to fill a board vacancy of a member who left, and so I began receiving angry faxes and phone calls.
"I shouldn't let them bother me," I told my wife. Later, I decided to grant myself permission to be normal: of course they would bother me. But I resolved not to brood on any call or letter more than forty-eight hours. My resolve was tested.
Now, months later, our church has stabilized. I thank God. I also ask myself, What can we learn from the painful conflict we went through?
I've begun to form a list. Perhaps you'll find it helpful should conflict come knocking on your church door. Or, if battle has already found you, write and share your list with me.
- In general, the more that leaders communicate to the congregation, the less conflict. The less that leaders communicate, the more conflict.
- We all make choices, and some people will make immature choices.
- It's critical to define your unique philosophy of ministry and communicate it clearly to new members. To bend it slightly to accommodate key people is tempting, but you'll pay the price later.
- People need a listening ear and empathy before they need answers.
- Folks who complain about their last congregation will probably gripe about your church in the not-so-distant future.
- Many pray and work for growth in the congregation, but rapid growth also brings problems (brilliantly enumerated by Lyle Schaller in The Interventionist), some of which can cause conflict.
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 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:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
