Mentoring Lessons- Handling ConflictsEsimerkki

Have you noticed a lack of unity?

Is disunity a challenge in your community or organization?

One of the most absurd things in the church is disharmony and competition. Does God want us to compete with the church down the street, speak poorly of brothers and sisters who do things a different way to us, or set ourselves up as rivals?

There are plenty of examples of competition and negative speaking in the Bible.

Thankfully the New Testament doesn't try to hide the reality of a young church trying to figure out how to work together.

So often the Bible speaks of the need for unity and oneness in the church. Perfect unity is demonstrated with the Father, Son and Spirit. There are so many references to unity including John 13:55 "By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another." Easy to do? No!

Should we give up? No!

I have sometimes added to the disunity. I have avoided dealing with small issues and let them grow into big battles. I could have spent one to one time with a brother to potentially resolve the conflict before it got out of hand.

In a movement, what are possible ways to minimize conflict? Catch disunity early and resolve it. Rotate up front people so everyone gets a turn. Don’t show favoritism.

Continually raise up younger leaders and move senior leaders to mentoring roles.

Keep a priority on time together. Deal with unresolved conflict.

Scripture to ponder –

Matthew 18:1

If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother.

Key Lesson: Practice getting along with people of different backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures. Openly discuss relationships and how to resolve conflict.