Synergy Resources

There are going to be divisions, hurt feelings, and conflicts in the church. How do we deal with these moments well? If we aren’t careful, our core church planting team may fall apart. How can we maintain our unity when things get tough?

Striving for Unity

There are several ways you can maintain unity in your church:

• Do all you can to engage in church membership as a way of recognizing the unity you already have.
• Remind the people of your shared mission to be disciples who make disciples.
• Read your church covenant regularly.
• Read portions of your doctrinal statement together. This helps everyone remember what unites them.
• Oversee small groups and shepherd people toward genuine unity around the Gospel.

Dealing With Conflict Constructively

Conflict is unavoidable in ministry. It can arise anywhere in the church. We need to be aware that conflict is going on and why it’s happening. When it does happen, we need to approach conflict resolution in a biblical way and have a plan. Don’t ignore the problem. Everyone needs to come to the table, admit their part in the conflict, and deal directly with the root issue. Though it may be painful, this kind of direct conversation will be better for your church’s health in the long run.

• We need to be open to discipling and being discipled by others, knowing that sometimes this means we will have tough conversations.
• Be specific about the issue and be sure to ask questions and practice humility as you talk with the person.
• Use a helpful methodology. Have a plan in place to pursue what is necessary: reconciliation and accountability.

We cannot control other people, but we can strive to reach out. Even if it is hard, it is worth it. The world will know Christians by our love for one another.

Conflict Resolution

The book Peacemaker by Ken Sande discusses the seven "A"s of confession:

1. Address everyone involved.
2. Avoid saying if, but, and maybe.
3. Admit specifically what is going on.
4. Acknowledge the hurt.
5. Accept the consequences.
6. Alter your behavior.
7. Ask for forgiveness.

These steps of confession are healing to the soul. It is all of our jobs to normalize confession in our communities.

Sometimes, we may also find ourselves in the role of forgiving someone else who is confessing to us. Ken Sande talks about the four promises of forgiveness:

1. I will not dwell on this incident.
2. I will not bring this incident up and use it against you.
3. I will not talk to others about this incident.
4. I will not allow this incident to stand between us or hinder our personal relationship.

Making these promises allows relationships to heal.

Action Steps

1. Proactively pursue unity — don’t be reactive.
2. Avoid being the person bringing up conflict for sinful reasons.
3. Deal with conflict in a biblical way, and do not shy away from conflict. God will be honored, and people will be helped.
4. Engage with one another in ways that will cultivate peace by pursuing the Gospel.

Dr. Jeremy Kimble, Professor of Theology and Director of the Synergy Initiative at Cedarville University, is passionate about teaching college and graduate students the truth of God’s Word. He is committed to teaching in the classroom, mentoring students, and speaking in church, camp, and conference settings. He served in pastoral ministry for eight years and is currently an active member and minister at University Baptist Church. Dr. Kimble's academic interests include biblical and systematic theology, ecclesiology, preaching and teaching, and the mission of the Church.

Synergy is the combined power of a group working together that is greater than the power of individuals working separately. The Synergy Initiative aims to help students plan strategically to graduate from Cedarville, go together with others from this place, and invest their energies, talents, and efforts in planting, revitalizing, and multiplying churches. As Cedarville graduates join up with other church members who are equipped to do the work of ministry, the combined effect of their efforts will accomplish, by God’s grace, abundantly more than only a couple of pastors in a church doing all of the work on their own. Thus, the goal is to equip students to leave Cedarville University ready to help establish and strengthen local churches throughout the nation and around the world.