Conflict and evangelism

The image of many churches today isn't the best, particularly as portrayed in the media. A number of high profile Christian leaders have been exposed in scandals in recent years. Some spokespersons for the 'Christian right' and 'Christian left' have taken stands in politics and on social issues that exhibit something other than a genuine commitment to the gospel of peace, in my view. Megachurches spend lavishly on huge church campuses -- though many of them also give generously in support of local and worldwide humanitarian and mission causes. Some of the people we are trying to reach in our secular communities are bewildered by the actions and attitudes of churches that purport to represent the Christian faith.

But there's another hindrance to evangelism that isn't mentioned as often. It's the effect on our witness of unaddressed, unresolved (at least in a manner faithful to the gospel), unhealthy conflict. Churches, like families, have problems. Conflicts arise between pastor and congregation, between church members, between generations in the church, between - you name it! Conflict is inevitable. It's true that conflict can be an opportunity for refining the church's vision, improving the quality of its ministry, growing spiritually. But too often it is not. Dr. Kenneth C. Newberger [mediate.com] notes that "the one place people expect differences to be managed well is the one place where, by and large, it is not." Namely, the church.

Unfortunately, few clergy have specialized training in conflict resolution, and the experience of many layleaders in this area comes from the corporate world, which is signficantly different from church life. Outside mediation isn't always available or welcome in churches, either.

The church is the society of Jesus in the world. We are to love one another as Christ has loved us. Even when we differ. Even (and especially) when we cannot agree. We are to demonstrate Kingdom life by seeking peace, justice, kindness, making love our aim. When we fail in this regard -- and we often do -- that has more of a dampening effect on our witness to the secular world than almost anything else.