With all that goes on in today's busy churches, it's bound to happen. Wherever there are people, creativity deadlines and theology, it's going to happen. Conflict can show up in a variety of ways in a matter of seconds. Even though conflict can be a normal unintended event, it's how we deal with it that defines us, and our ministries. Like it or not, conflict happens.
So, it's Monday or Tuesday and you're already onto this coming week's production schedule. There's little time to celebrate the week that just “was.” And yet, you're still a little bit in the clouds about how God moved in the weekend services. Then it happens. A flood of “needs” appears for this week's production schedule. This is normally followed by last minute requests, changing schedules and processes that should have been addressed weeks ago. But now you have to somehow produce a service with it. It can be overwhelming, especially at various times of the year when many services need to be coordinated at the same time. Or you can still be reeling from a comment an attendee made to you the past weekend. Are church staff exempt from “losing their cool”? These are just a few of the possible conflicts that, if not resolved from within, can fester into an even greater event.
When conflict arose in previous days, we would have repeated several times quietly ... “WWJD?” Somehow that may not always work as designed. But wait, in theory it should. What does Jesus really teach us about an unbridled tongue or sharp words? Our words can be sharper than a two-edged sword. No matter what we say, it can never be taken back, only apologized for. I simply cannot stress enough the benefit of listening. James 1:19 states ... “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Yet, sometimes we miss this. What we really need to do is remember that relying on scripture is biblical. Knowing vs. applying scripture needs to be a lifestyle. I absorb God's word, meditate upon it and make it a lifestyle. Psalm 119:1 reads ... “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” During any quick conflict, call upon the very words of God in how we are to
conduct ourselves. Even as a guest's critical words to you can be trite and shallow—extend grace. You are called to a higher standard. By working in worship, tech or creative arts, you have stepped forward, acknowledging that you will model Christ's love in all things. We must get our house in order before we can help our brother.
The other dynamic is even more important and must be woven throughout conflict. Forgiveness. What a powerful word. Aptly, so as it came from Jesus' mouth. “Father, forgive them,” was not just intended for the “lost” sheep. It's for all of us. Let us always carry ourselves with all humility and with a heart of thanksgiving. Yes, in tech we are lightning rods for high praise and deep cutting remarks. Do you have God's word knitted close in your heart? It's the very thing that will allow you to demonstrate your heart for the kingdom. May God's words, presence and spirit guide you to dialog that will honor the One we serve. Let us bring glory to Him in all things. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
