Pastor, got conflict? If so, please don’t feel alone. On any given Sunday, one out of five pastors find themselves involved in church conflict. It is crucial to learn how to respond to conflict in Christlike, biblical ways rather than react in worldly, sinful ways. Pastors have both the responsibility and privilege to pave the way on the road to reconciliation. Here are some common pastoral leadership mistakes during conflict: 

• Assert pastoral authority; be dictatorial
• Use of the pulpit as “bully whip”
• Ignore the conflict
• Form alliances with non-power people
• Resist seeking outside consultation
• Avoid accountability
• Withdrawal behavior
• Less frequent meetings with leadership
• Avoidance of contentious/disgruntled leaders
• Harbor anger and resentment
• Disregard the Matthew 18:15-17 process
• Personalize the opposition
• Neglect prayer and self-reflection
• Loss of focus on God
• Stoop to their level
• Self-justification of ungodly attitudes
• Preach on relational sins without dealing with each privately
• Escape activities
• Expend energy on leaving

A must-read for pastors is The Peacemaking Pastor by Alfred Poirier and The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.

For further training in biblical peacemaking skills please contact one of the following:

Peter Celum
Church & Pastoral Care Specialist
559.229.9533 x.242
E-mail Peter Celum

Leslie Lee
Ministry Specialist
559.229.9533 x.212
E-mail Leslie Lee