"Who 'Ya Gonna Call"
An Outside Resource For Assisting Churches in Conflict

by Roland Orr

It’s a shame (and unscriptural) when Church conflict situations get completely out of control before all of the available resources are brought to bear.  

When conflict appears, some church leaders prefer to ignore the situation.  Others attempt to handle it themselves.   Occasionally, they are successful (at some level).   Often, though, they are not and the body is significantly damaged.  People are wounded, churches are divided, influence and momentum is lost, and the outcome is not pleasing to God. 

Opportunities exist in an escalating conflict to bring in outside assistance to help resolve the conflict and to provide reconciliation.  Unity, peace, and purpose can be restored.  Providing training in conflict management can help avoid or minimize the conflict before a crisis develops. 

Yet, church leaders seem reluctant or strongly opposed to call for “outside” help.  Why?

In surveys taken at recent gatherings of elders, ministers, and church leaders, a few of the perceived reasons surfaced:

• Arrogance, ignorance, and a “bunker” mentality
• Apathy, inability to act, lack of conviction to act, avoidance
• Unwillingness to admit that the problem is too severe for “us” to handle
• Pride – asking for help is a sign of weakness
• Highly regarded value of local church autonomy
• Fear of outside influences   

We are frequently asked by church leaders, “Where can we go for help?”  The ACU Center for Conflict Resolution provides an option for those who are looking for support.  In order to assist church leaders seeking outside help, the Center provides resources to help churches in conflict.  And, through its Positive Solutions Institute, also provides training for churches in conflict management.

Services offered to churches include training, evaluation and consultation, and intervention.  These resources are provided by qualified and experienced individuals. selected by the Center based on each particular situation and dependent on  training, experience, aptitude for conflict resolution, and peacemaking skills.   

As Jesus began his ministry, he specifically blessed the peacemakers in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:9).  Then, at the end of his ministry and shortly before his crucifixion, as he prayed for unity among his followers in John 17:1-19, he prayed not only for his disciples but he also prayed for all who would someday believe in him.   That would include present-day believers – us! 

Peace and unity among believers were important themes throughout Jesus’ ministry. If we are going to be true ambassadors of Jesus in this world, we must model the spirit of Jesus (the Prince of Peace) in our churches.  It is our hope and prayer that we, at the Center for Conflict Resolution, will continue his ministry of peace, unity, and reconciliation by providing resources to assist churches and church leaders to avoid, manage, and resolve conflicts before irreversible damage is done.

Give us a call at 325-674-2015 or email us at conflictresolution@acu.edu.