Principles For Resolving Church Conflict
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesSermon on Church Conflict
Date written: May 12th, 2005
Scripture ref: Romans 12:8
SUBJECT: Church, Conflicts, Peace, Unity
TITLE: Principles for Resolving Church Conflicts
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will look at six principles for resolving church conflicts as illustrated by a recent mission trip.
Objectives: That each member be informed regarding the mission trip and understand what was done to resolve conflicts and what lessons were learned.
Aim: To teach six fundamental principles for resolving church conflicts.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Romans 12:8 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
2. About the Text:
1) I don’t know any healthy minded individual who doesn’t want peaceful relationships with his neighbor.
2) But to be realistic, we often find ourselves in conflict with others.
3) When these conflicts manifest themselves in the church, they can cause great problems.
4) An elder and I recently acted as mediators in such a conflict.
5) The following points represent a few of the lessons we learned during this situation.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Little Unresolved Problems Have a Way of Growing Into Big Unresolved Problems
1. Many big problems start very small. James 3:5
2. Bad attitudes fan the fire of contention. Proverbs 26:21
3. Anger doesn’t resolve problems. Ephesians 4:31
4. Church cliques can easily become sectarian. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
5. Stop little problems before they become big problems.
II. Good Communication can go a long way toward resolving problems.
1. We must be willing to listen to both sides of the story. James 1:19
2. We cannot afford to assume things regarding what our brother believes. John 7:24
3. We must not neglect evidence that opposes our cause. Ephesians 4:25
4. Sometimes mediation is required. 1 Timothy 2:5
III. Good Intentions Don’t Justify Unscriptural Practices
1. We can’t govern the church with “good intentions.” Proverbs 3:5, 6
2. The preacher is not the authority for the church.
3. A committee of men (who are not elders) is not the authority for the church.
4. We have to let God’s authority guide our organization. Colossians 3:17
IV. Matters of Doctrine Must Be Separated from Matters of Opinion
1. Doctrinal matters must be settled by scripture. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
2. When there is a doctrinal difference we must be willing to forgive. Luke 17:3,4
3. Differences in opinion should be settled by love. Romans 13:8
4. When there is a difference of opinion we must be willing to forbear. 2 Timothy 4:2
5. In either scenario, if there is offence, we ought to pursue the procedures in Matthew 18.
V. All Things Must Be Done Decently and in Order in the Church
1. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain order in the assembly. 1 Corinthians 14:40
2. Women ought to be of a meek and quiet spirit. 1 Peter 3:4
3. Men ought to attend to their responsibilities in the church. 1 Peter 4:11
4. Men should handle business outside of public view.
VI. Sincere Repentance and Confession Brings Reconcilliation
1. When there is such great division in the church there is usually sin on both sides. James 3:2
2. The only way to resolve such is for those who are in error to make public confession and repentance. James 5:16
3. We have to be big enough people to acknowledge our mistakes. 1 John 1:8,10
4. When this is done appropriately, it will bring reconciliation.
CONCLUSION:
1. Resolving conflicts is not easy work.
1) When the work is all said and done, God gets the glory.
2) God has taught us how to resolve conflicts in the scriptures.
3) It takes wisdom on our part to want to do things God’s way.
2. Invitation
1) God offers resolution to the sinner for his conflict with God.
2) If you are not a Christian this morning you are in conflict with God.
3) If you are a Christian, but haven’t been living right you too are in conflict with God.