Scripture points to various leadership roles which will have an effect on church life. Consider the difference leaders who wholeheartedly fulfill those responsibilities make in conflict management.
Leadership Roles that Affect How Leaders Handle Conflict Management
Leaders who set an example make sure their own actions and reactions, motivations, and also how they speak, are pure. Jesus warned against trying to take a speck out of someone’s eye when we have a plank in our own (Matt. 7:3-5). — “In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8)
The leader’s responsibility isn’t to “fix” situations but rather to guide people in how to handle conflict. As a guide, leaders point people to how God wants us to resolve conflict as described in His Word. They realize that bearing one another’s burdens doesn’t means we take away people’s responsibility in it. — “each one should carry their own load” (Gal. 6:1-5)
As shepherds, leaders watch over the flock knowing that “savage wolves will come in” but also “from your own number men will arise” (Acts 20:28-30). They’re proactive, not waiting for conflict to ensue. They don’t let problems fester, giving the enemy a foothold (Eph. 4:26-27). Shepherds also consistently feed the flock (Jn. 21:15-17) from God’s Word, nurturing a healthy, Christ-like response to life. This may even prevent conflict but also equips people to fulfill their responsibility if it does occur.
The Role that Guards a Leader’s Own Heart in Conflict
It gets down to being a servant, not a controller. We humbly come alongside of people acknowledging how we could easily be in their place (Rom. 12:3). We’re not superior or exempt from bad attitudes or wrongfully handling disagreements. It’s not about us having all the answers but rather going to the One who does.
The Role that Keeps Leaders on the Right Track When Managing Conflict
Leaders who view themselves as stewards acknowledge Jesus as the true Head of the Church (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). They see themselves as “co-workers in God’s service” responsible for building “on the foundation laid by Christ” (1 Cor. 3:9-11). He founded the Church on peace. — “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility …” (Eph. 2:14) — And so, as those entrusted with His flock, we heed the words of Romans 12:16-18,
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
For More, Go To: Conflict Management & Resolution Resources
All Posts about Conflict Management:
- Reason Conflict Management is an Important Skill for Leaders
- Not All Conflict is Bad
- A Litmus Test for Church Conflict
- Body Life Can Prevent Conflict
- Body Life Can Resolve Conflict
- Body Life Takes Responsibility in Conflict
- Conflict Hinders Fulfillment of the Great Commission
- The Right Mindset in Conflict
- The Right Reactions in Conflict
- Power of God Needed to Rise Above in Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Go Back to the Gospel
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pray with the Right Motives
- To Rise Above Conflict, Rely on God’s Grace
- To Rise Above Conflict, Pull on People’s Spiritual Gifts
- To Rise Above Conflict, Follow God’s Word
- To Rise Above Conflict, Remember Who’s the Real Enemy
- Motivation to Rise Above Conflict
- Perspective and Power to Rise Above Conflict
- To Rise Above Conflict, Call on the Name of the Lord
- To Rise Above Conflict, Walk in the Spirit
- How Leadership Roles Affect Conflict Management