First Steps in Understanding Church Conflict

The recording and copy of the slides are available below.

Conflict is like a headache, a signal that all is not well.

Conflict is like the fly that keeps landing on your dinner…irritating you while you try and enjoy your meal.
Conflict is like a leaky faucet drip, drip, dripping, wasting energy and resources as it is left unattended until…
Conflict is like the bald tire that finally blows as you drive down the highway, commandeering your full attention while your adrenalin is pumping.
Conflict is like the Rector who moves a banner, or insists on fair trade coffee, or fires a long time employee…
Conflict is a normal part of everyday life. It is part of being human. It is part of the church. It is not fatal.

As Christians we are people of reconciliation. When we forget this, we are in danger. When we remember, the opportunity to love opens the way to reconciliation and peace building.

This one-hour webinar will introduce a theological and biblical context for seeing and understanding that conflict is essentially relational. It will address three elements common to all kinds of conflict:
· People
· Process
· Problems

And will offer some practical tools for addressing conflict so that “a path, a holy path, toward revelation and reconciliation”[1] is opened for you and your community.

Presented by the Rev. Christy Shain-Hendricks.

PowerPoint Slides for First Steps in Understanding Congregational Conflict