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Conflict Resolution is possible in Small Churches

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, and that includes within churches. As a pastor of a small church, it can be especially challenging to navigate conflict resolution, as relationships and community are critical to the church's success. However, learning how to navigate healthy conflict resolution is essential for the overall health and growth of your church. In this post, we will discuss why healthy conflict resolution is important and how you can navigate it effectively.

  1. Healthy Conflict Resolution is Important for Church Unity

Healthy conflict resolution is essential for maintaining church unity. If conflicts are left unresolved, they can fester and grow, leading to division within the church. By addressing conflicts in a healthy and respectful manner, you can maintain the unity and peace of your church community.

  1. Seek to Understand Before Being Understood

When addressing a conflict, it is important to seek to understand before being understood. This means actively listening to the other person's perspective and seeking to understand their point of view. By doing so, you can better empathize with their position and work together to find a resolution that satisfies both parties.

  1. Address Conflict Directly and Respectfully

When addressing a conflict, it is important to do so directly and respectfully. Avoid talking about the person behind their back or involving others who are not directly related to the conflict. Instead, address the conflict head-on, expressing your concerns respectfully and calmly.

  1. Pray for Guidance and Wisdom

Prayer is an essential part of navigating healthy conflict resolution. Before addressing a conflict, take time to pray for guidance and wisdom. Ask God to help you see the situation clearly and to give you the words to say to effectively resolve the conflict.

  1. Focus on Finding a Solution Together

When addressing a conflict, focus on finding a solution together. This means working collaboratively to find a resolution that satisfies both parties. Avoid focusing on winning or being right, as this can lead to further division and conflict.

  1. Follow Up to Ensure the Conflict is Resolved

After addressing a conflict, it is important to follow up to ensure the conflict is resolved. Check in with the person to ensure they feel heard and that the resolution is working for them. If the conflict is not fully resolved, continue to work together to find a solution that satisfies both parties.

Healthy conflict resolution is essential for the overall health and growth of your church. By seeking to understand before being understood, addressing conflict directly and respectfully, praying for guidance and wisdom, focusing on finding a solution together, and following up to ensure the conflict is resolved, you can navigate conflict in a healthy and productive manner. Remember, conflict can be an opportunity for growth and learning, so approach it with an open mind and a willingness to work collaboratively to find a resolution. 


How have you handled conflict in your church community?


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