MIN-430 - Topic 4 - DQ 1 - Dealing with conflicts in ministry

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Grand Canyon University *

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430

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Philosophy

Date

Oct 30, 2023

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Dealing with conflicts in ministry is oftentimes very difficult emotionally for ministry leaders. Briefly describe the struggles you personally have when dealing with conflict, and how your emotional health can be strengthened by the truths of the gospel as you deal with conflict. MIN-430 Topic 4 – DQ 1 Sept 20, 2023 Professor and Classmates, Being in ministry for so many years, I enjoyed the video ‘The Slippery Slope of Conflict’, and there adding. Particularly our responding to conflicts. “People tend to use escape responses when they are more interested in avoiding unpleasant people or situations than in resolving differences” (Slippery Slope, 2022). It mentions two Escape Responses, which I have utilized in the past: Denial, pretending that a problem does not exist, or refusing to do what should be done to resolve a conflict properly. Something like what Eli did with his sons (1 Sam. 2:22-25). And the other is flight: running away from the problem, like running away from a relationship. This is like what Saul did when a harmful spirit came to upon him, and he tried to kill David. For me, one of the best ways to deal with conflicts is to try to get the people involved to meet with me for a moment of prayer concerning the conflict. The people want a fast resolution and won’t give me a chance to bring it to the Lord in prayer first. Another struggle is when I want to communicate with them separately, and the person is so agitated that all they do is talk non-stop, not giving me a chance to ask questions or get a handle on the situation. When they finish talking, they are so agitated that no matter what I say, they won’t accept it. This makes it harder for me to resolve the issue, because I have to deal with their anger and frustration first. Conflict provides an incredible opportunity to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be more like Christ. We must change the way we view and deal with conflict, beginning with viewing conflict as an opportunity. Colossians 3:12-14 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Handling conflict in a healthy Godly way turns what the enemy meant for harm into good. We turn the conflict into an opportunity to strengthen Christ’s kingdom. We focus our love for one another. We walk out the kind of love Jesus called us to when things are hard, and relationships are stressed. Our conflict is an opportunity to live out 1 John 3:11, “For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning that we should love one another.” “Blessed are the peacemakers,” Jesus declares (Mt 5:9). When Christians love each other with Christ’s love, diligently seek to resolve conflict, and engage in peacemaking, those outside our community will take notice and know we are followers of Christ. (Muehlhoff & Lewis, 2010) Pastor Eli

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