Photo by Erik M. Lunsford/The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod.
Christians are called to live in love with one another. However, because of our sinful nature, we are unable to do this and continually fall short. Conflict in the church can lead to severe consequences and can rend relationships and a congregation asunder. Christ, our Lord, tells us in Matthew 5, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Because we have been united in Christ and as His Body, we are called to serve one another in love. Christ compels us to be reconciled to our brother in order that we may live peaceably with others. Resolving conflict is difficult even in the best circumstances but Satan strives to upheave the Church and he strikes any way he can. When approaching conflict, we must do so with our chief motivation being Christ-like love for all.
Index
Resources Available
Facing the Forces of Trouble and Conflict in the Pastoral Ministry
This study, created for continuing pastoral formation, explores how conflict begins in a congregation and how to approach handling this conflict in godly way.
Leadership Through Conflict Bible Study
This study gives congregational leaders, like pastors, elders, board members, and others, a way to think about and handle conflict as it arises. This study is part of the Making Disciples for Life initiative and was written and developed in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the information and insight is easily applied to other areas of conflict as well.
Leadership Through Conflict Webinar
Hosted by LCMS Rural & Small Town Mission, Rev. Mike Moreno (PMHP/PMSW), mental health and marriage counselor at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk, Neb., presented a webinar titled “Leadership Through Conflict” on May 13, 2021.
Go and Be Reconciled, What Does This Mean?
Using the six chief parts of Luther’s Small Catechism, Go and Be Reconciled invites Christians to be reconciled to God and be reconciled to others. The truths presented here provide direction for daily life, specifically in resolving conflict. Reconciliation is meant to be a way of life for the child of God. Go, be reconciled to God and to those around you. This six-lesson study is ideal for individual studies, group Bible studies, or a retreat.
More Information
See Also
- Pastoral Leadership
- Lay Leadership