Unity and Division in the Church

Unity and Division in the Church

Well, this effort is my first attempt at blogging. I hope it is received well. In this week's edition of the CrossRoad Connection, I included two articles about unity and conflict in the church (I have included the text below). Given that this is an electronic newsletter, I am assuming that most of you are reading these articles while you are online (your preaching pastor is brilliant isn't he!). While I am thrilled with the capabilities that electronic publishing presents, it will never surpass that value of dialogue. For that reason, I have decided to begin my blogging efforts by offering recipients of our church's newsletter (or those who stumble across our website) to respond to the articles you have read. Was I clear? Was I biblical? Is there a "hypothetical" situation with which you would like me to provide additional clarification? Is there a topic that you are dying for me to address in the newsletter or on this blog? Here is your opportunity.

If you have already read the articles, please provide your comments. If not, enjoy my humble contribution to the blogosphere...

Christians, Unity, and Conflict in the Church?

Guideline Number One: The Church Must Pray for Unity
This point cannot be over-emphasized in the ministry of our church. The Scriptures are replete with examples of the importance of unity in the local church. Perhaps the clearest example occurs in John 17, where Jesus prayed that those who believed in Him would be one (unity), just as He and the Father are one.
This prayer is important for at least three reasons that relate to conflict. First, we are reminded that the Lord Jesus desires unity in his church. Second, we are told that when the church “is one” just as the Father and Son are one, it is a testimony to the world that Jesus is from the Father. Third, and this point is frequently missed, Jesus prayed for unity while he was praying for protection from the evil one. In praying for protection from Satan, our Lord taught us a key strategy of the enemy: to attack the unity of the church.
In other words, it is not a good idea to wait until a church is wracked with division to start praying for unity. While I am hesitant to say it is too late at that point, a church that waits until it is facing division in the ranks to pray for unity faces an uphill climb. Few churches ever recover completely. What does this have to do with CrossRoad Church? Everything!
We are not a church with division in the ranks. We are church with a unified purpose and mission: to glorify God by making disciples. Given our Lord’s prayer in John 17, however, it is unlikely we will remain that way if we do not pray for unity. The enemy is on the prowl and his goal is to divide us!

Guideline Number Two: The Church Must Learn to Handle Conflict Biblically
Let’s face it. Everyone of us (your pastors included) is, by nature, selfish. This character flaw is a result of the fall. As a result, it is very easy to get our feelings hurt because we go through life with a natural tendency to view life only from our perspective. When events (or non-events) transpire that happen to upset us, it is as though something inside of us compels us to assume that something or someone is wrong. Once this assumption is made, relationships suffer because (as we all know) it is just easier to be upset, mad, or discouraged than it is to sit down and clarify why we are upset with the offending party.
I have been in ministry for nine years and I speak from personal experience: it is not easy to go to someone when you are mad at them or you think they are mad at you. Scripture, however, COMMANDS us to do just that! In light of the biblical admonitions to protect the unity of the church, not to trust our sinful hearts, and to love our brothers and sisters in Christ, and to follow the guidelines established in Matthew 18, 1 Corinthians 5, and Galatians 6, I have developed a step by step process that can help all of us protect our church from the attacks of the enemy. I have listed them in the subsection at the bottom of this article. It is not an indepth discussion, just some advice onhow to handle the initial difficulties that "life together" presents. Just remember, good intentions count for very little. These advisory steps will not work unless we employ them.

Guideline Number Three: Pray for Unity
As a church, we will never reach the point when we can afford to stop praying for unity. Will you join me in praying for the Lord's protection of our flock? Chris

Guidelines for Handling Conflict in a Godly Manner

Step One: Take a Deep Breath!
This step is a very important one. Events are rarely as bad as they seem in the heat of the moment. That is why in Hebrews 12 we are told to look at Christ and not our circumstances lest we get tired and quit. James 1.2-4, and Romans 8 both remind us that perspective changes as we reflect on events from a Scriptural point of view.

Step Two: Give the Benefit of Doubt
In the heat of the moment it is tempting to think that someone has intentionally offended you (or me). Let’s be honest though. Do you (or I) really think that brothers and sisters in Christ are out to hurt you or make your life more difficult? Even if they have hurt you, it does not follow that they have done so intentionally. We all make mistakes (yes—that means YOU, and of course we all know that I make mistakes). That is what grace is all about - forgiveness. When someone makes a comment that is hurtful or does something in their ministry that makes your life more difficult, give them the benefit of the doubt! Assume that YOU have misunderstood their actions or intentions and seek clarification.

Step Three: Talk It Over
The problem you have encountered will never get better swept under a rug. You (as the offended party) are obligated to go to the person in question to seek reconciliation. Not to do so is a sin. Venting to someone else in frustration only makes the problem worse (and probably makes them mad as well—not to mention its gossip). With a peaceful spirit, go and talk it over. You will be surprised at how the Lord will use such conversations to His glory! God will honor your efforts to honor Him.

I look forward to your questions and comments. Chris