Reframing Conflict

Reframing Conflict

By Mark Clifton

Reframing Conflict

None of us like conflict. If you like conflict, then you better quit being a pastor. As pastors, most of us want to avoid conflict. Like the plague.

If we have a problem with somebody in our church or know there are two people who are arguing or fussing, and you come out of your office on Sunday morning and see them coming – you duck into any Sunday school classroom you can to avoid the conflict.

Conflict in ministry can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to bring the light of the gospel into your church. Instead of running from conflict, these five things can help you reframe it in a healthy and constructive way:

  1. Conflict is inevitable, but it’s also an opportunity
    You can’t avoid conflict, especially when leading a church through renewal. Instead of seeing it as something to flee from, view it as a gospel opportunity. This is your chance to let the gospel do its transformative work within your congregation.
  2. Avoiding conflict can lead to greater harm
    While most pastors naturally want to avoid conflict, dodging it can lead to bigger problems down the line. Addressing issues head-on, with grace and wisdom, helps to prevent larger divisions and misunderstandings.
  3. Reflect on your relationship with conflict
    If you find yourself drawn to conflict, it might be time to take a step back. Some individuals thrive on drama, which can be damaging to both them and their ministry. Honest self-reflection is crucial to ensure your motives align with your calling.
  4. Lead with the gospel
    Conflict is not just a hurdle; it’s a platform to demonstrate gospel-centered leadership. Approach disagreements with a spirit of reconciliation, aiming to restore relationships and bring healing through Christ.
  5. Embrace the process
    Reframing conflict isn’t about finding quick fixes. It’s about embracing a process that requires patience, prayer and persistent gospel application. Trust that God is at work, even in the messiness of ministry conflicts.

Remember, conflict is not something to be feared but an opportunity to glorify God by applying the gospel in real and tangible ways.

Read more on reframing conflict on Episode 257 of The Replant Bootcamp podcast.

Published September 11, 2024

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Mark Clifton

Mark Clifton is the senior director of replanting at the North American Mission Board. Mark has served as a pastor, church planter, church revitalizer, mission strategist, coach and mentor to young leaders. He has planted and replanted numerous churches and has also served as a national and regional leader for church planting and missions. His experience includes serving as the lead mission strategist for the Kansas/Nebraska Southern Baptist Convention, leading church planting efforts in the regions of north metro Atlanta, Georgia, serving as a church planter in Montreal, Quebec, as a Southern Baptist National Church Planting Missionary for eastern Canada, and has lead Southern Baptist church planting projects west of the Mississippi. Mark has been planting, replanting and providing strategic mission leadership since 1978. Mark and his wife, Jill, live in Kansas City, Missouri and have two sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandsons.