Conflict Resolution in the Board and the Congregation

Conflict is one of the inevitable consequences of human interactions Conflict is one of the inevitable consequences of human interactions. Conflict may be defined as a state of existence with dysfunctional realities that cause discontent.

Since it is not a healthy phenomenon in the process of achieving desired outcomes in group dynamics, it must be managed to achieve resolution and leanings that are beneficial.

There are various areas within the Church where conflict may develop such as: conflict due to blatant sin among members, conflict with leadership, conflict between believers. Admittedly, many issues can cross over and actually involve two or more of these categories.

Matthew 18:14-17 provides a concise procedure for dealing with conflict as well as to restore others and ameliorate dissention.

In dealing with conflict within the board and the congregation, board members need to be instructed into adopting a broad-spectrum approach to conflict resolution that does both problem solving and decision-making. At least six phases are involved in this approach.

Problem Solving Phases Time-out or Preliminary Phase – a period of reflection to focus on general realities surrounding the conflict, gain emotional composure and consider the way forward. It is a time to calm down before engagement with the issue or the conflicting individual(s).

Probing Phase – Period of assessing the real cause of the conflict (all parties involved). Through probing, conflicting parties are able to push search strategies well beyond the surface to that which is far more pointed and powerful.

Engagement Phase – A collaborative effort to analyze the situation and find solutions to the problem through brainstorming and offering of alternatives.

Decision Making Phases Position Phase – Selection of suitable alternatives to either reverse the causes of the problem or establish a paradigm that will determine the way forward and satisfy mutual needs.

Adaptation Phase – The actual execution of the alternatives or paradigm that is selected to ameliorate the conflict experience.

Processing Phase – A period of determining whether the alternatives adopted and executed are actually making a difference in the conflicting realities and to determine if these alternatives should be continued or adjusted for greater effectiveness.

This approach to conflict resolution provides for a reassessment of the various phases at all stages to ensure a strengthening of the positions taken.

The decision taken at each phase affects the next phase making the phase process an inter-connected interaction.