Let’s be honest: avoiding conflict within the church causes more problems than its worth. When the person avoiding conflict is a pastor… ministry stalls, vision fails, and the church becomes ineffective.
Harvard Business Review recently shared three tips on how to deal with conflict avoidant bosses, they suggest:
Focus on problem solving.
Gather supporting evidence.
Put it in writing.
While we believe that these are great tips… we also believe that there is something much larger at stake here. Check out the video, and catch our thoughts on conflict avoidance, ministry, and the importance of the church.
How have YOU dealt with conflict avoidant leaders?
CLICK IMAGE TO WATCH VIDEO (Length: 6 min 06 sec)
Subscribe to MinistryBriefing on YouTube
What do YOU think? Leave a text or video comment here…
 |
 |
Hello Todd;
I think most of us leaders don’t like conflict, but we realize it’s a fact of life and the human experience.
Interesting that the business you quoted lists three areas. Those three areas are pretty much how I’ve handled conflict.
The deeper, below the surface issues can get confused when insecure people use theology, doctrine, religious issues to mask or cloud hidden anger, frustration and lack of worth. When those get entangled with church “fusses” it’s hard to tell if the issue you’re dealing with is really the issue.
I like focusing on being proactive and trying to build a solution that is workable for everyone. That’s sometimes pie in the sky.
Some folks like being in control and in power. So the real issues become irrelevant, and whomever wants to be in control becomes the issue.
Everything to the color of choir robes, carpet, drapery, painting the church, hanging a picture of Jesus, meeting in the sanctuary or fellowship hall becomes a potential fight.
Hmm! I thought we were about worshiping Christ, loving each other, and bringing those who need His love into our family.
The church can be a mixed bag, and a mixed up bag.
I don’t like conflict, but I don’t shy away from it, nor go looking for it. Some issues have turned my stomach and emotional button, but being sure of who you are, and where you stand helps the conversation move forward.
Would love to hear from some of the rest of you on your experiences.