Scripture Reference: Acts 15:6-41; Galatians 2:11-14

Why So Much of It? – Continued

In 1990 the state of Texas had a hotly contested governor’s race between oilman-rancher Clayton Williams and state treasurer Ann Richards.

Clayton Williams conducted the most expensive governor’s race ever, spending $20 million, of which $8.5 million came out of his own pocket.

From the beginning Williams had a substantial lead in all the polls. But, as the race progressed, he literally talked himself out of the governor’s job. Through a series of self-destructive gaffes, Williams, a political novice, gave the victory to Ann Richards.

Clayton Williams himself confessed, “I shot myself in the foot, then reloaded and shot myself again.”

Pastors sometimes do the same thing by arrogant, prideful, and self-serving attitudes.

Some conflict is due to our church governance. There should be no hierarchy in our churches. I believe in congregational rule where the Pastor leads but is also one of the sheep. On a regular basis our churches should have business meetings where the affairs of the church are conducted in an open style setting. Ideally, in such meetings anyone can stand up and say what they think, even if they don’t think, but that is only my opinion. The majority of churches, especially denominations, do not think that way.

It’s understandable that since people do not hold the same convictions, share the same values, or see things the same way, we often have honest differences; and since people in some denominations can sometimes be cruel and blunt in how they express themselves, these meetings can often lead to conflict.

At such times words can become weapons. Alan Redpath, in his book, A Passion for Preaching, says he once formed a mutual encouragement fellowship in a time of stress in one of his pastorates. The members subscribed to a simple formula applied before speaking of any person or subject that was perhaps controversial. I’ve heard the late, Reverend Billy Graham say something very similar:

T—is it true?
H—is it helpful?
I—is it inspiring?
N—is it necessary?
K—is it kind?

It would sure help if we had such an agreement in some of our churches today. I’m personally fortunate to belong to a body of believers that follow this concept and not just out of necessity but from a heart based in love for others.

Sometimes conflict ensues because we are resistant to change. Most of us have a personal “comfort zone,” and we resist change because it involves too many risks and too much energy; however, a healthy church is always changing, and conflict and change go hand in hand. Change begets conflict; conflict begets change.

Let’s not forget that also, some conflict is due to the times in which we live. Newspapers and television carry daily reports of increased violence in our society, crime, alcoholism, divorce, drug abuse. Conflict in one area of our life will soon affect all our relationships. It is inevitable, then, that conflict in society will soon spill over into the church. The church needs some relief!

To Be Continued

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.