Healthy Ways to Deal with Conflict in Church: Part 2
Continue your conflict resolution journey in the second installment of Revitalize and Replant’s two-part series. Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock complete Ron Edmondson’s seven proven strategies for handling church disputes. Learn how to investigate conflict thoroughly, approach difficult conversations strategically, stay focused on solutions, and practice biblical forgiveness to restore relationships and church health.
5 More Conflict Resolution Strategies
3. Understand the Conflict
Discern the real source from the other person’s perspective. Don’t assume—ask clarifying questions and put yourself in their shoes. Define what’s actually at stake before intervening.
4. Find the Right Time and Place
Never address conflict when emotions are high, in public spaces (hallways, restaurants, cafes), or without prayer. Wait for the temperature to cool. Choose a private setting days later. Your body language and tone matter as much as your words.
5. Stick to the Issue at Hand
Deal with one issue only. Don’t unload multiple grievances. When conflicts pile up, sides form, and clarity disappears. Know your limits—refer complex situations, such as marital counseling, to trained professionals.
6. Work Toward a Solution
Shift from blame to resolution. Communicate truth with love. Recognize you won’t agree on everything—some conflicts don’t require consensus to maintain unity in Christ. Your emotional intelligence and calm demeanor lower the temperature.
7. Grant Forgiveness
Unforgiveness creates bitterness and robs joy. Forgive as Christ has forgiven you. This frees you personally and opens the door to reconciliation. Without forgiveness, pastors become embittered and ineffective. Gain eternal perspective—this conflict is temporary; unity in eternity is permanent.
