CONFLICT MANAGEMENT AMONG CHRISTIANS IN CHURCHES
 

ABSTRACT

 

This project topic “Conflict Management among Christians” treats causes of conflict, effects of conflict, styles of conflict management, how conflict is resolved biblically and through Christian conciliation. The research project was on the bases that the Church or society at large cannot do without conflict. It is worst when people deny the fact that there is conflict or simply ignoring it, or give into the wishes of the other person in order to preserve relationship. More problems arises when an agreement between two parties can be made verbally, but in the heart conflict still continues, which may lead to killing of one party or opponent. The findings revealed that it is difficult to resolve conflict except with God’s intervention. It would be proper then for any Christian leader to start facing a serious organizational crisis with a sense of helplessness and turn to God as what Moses usually did when the Israelite's rebelled. Pastors and Christian leaders should always recognize the headship of Christ in all matters and remember that the things that binds the Christians together are far more valuable than our seemingly ‘important concerns’. One should not be afraid of conflict but welcome it as an opportunity for the glory of God to shine in the midst of confusion. The research method adopted in this project is reading. It was recommended that the people concerned should be advised to read the Bible portions that deals with conflict resolution, leave room for God, learn how to forgive one another and anyone that is involved in conflict should try and guide his lips.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Content                                                                                  Pages

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1     Background to the Study                    -        -        -        -        1

1.2     Statement of the Problem                   -        -        -        -        3

1.3     Purpose of the Study                          -        -        -        -        3

1.4     Significance of the Study                    -        -        -        -        4

1.5     Scope of the Study                             -        -        -        -        4

1.6     Limitation of the Study                       -        -        -        -        5

1.7     Research Methodology                       -        -        -        -        5

1.8     Definition of Terms                             -        -        -        -        5

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1     Understanding and Managing Conflict           -        -        -        9

2.2     Causes of Conflict                               -        -        -        -        15

2.3     The Effects of Conflict in the Church             -        -        -        20

 

CHAPTER THREE: RESOLVING CONFLICT BIBLICALLY

3.1     Resolving conflict Biblically: Preparation of the Mind                  24

3.2     Resolving conflict Biblically: Meet with the Person  -        -        32

3.3     Biblical Texts in Resolving Conflict                -        -        -        36

CHAPTER FOUR: RESOLVING CONFLICT THROUGH

                             CHRISTIAN CONCILIATION

 

4.1     Christian Conciliation                          -        -        -        -        46

4.2     Conflict Counseling                             -        -        -        -        47

4.3     Mediation                                           -        -        -        -        51

4.4     Arbitration                                          -        -        -        -        56

4.5     Biblical Basis                                      -        -        -        -        56

4.6     Legal Consideration                            -        -        -        -        58

4.7     The Arbitration Process                       -        -        -        -        59

4.8     The Final Decision                              -        -        -        -        60

4.9     Enforcement                                      -        -        -        -        61

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND

                            RECOMMENDATIONS

 

5.1     Summary                                           -        -        -        -        63

5.2     Conclusion                                         -        -        -        -        63

5.3     Recommendations                              -        -        -        -        64

Bibliography                                        -        -        -        -        66

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the Study

Conflict proved to be the most dynamic experience in an organization in the sense that the group would either be destroyed or grows stronger. In either way, the organization never stays the same. Christian leaders many times failed to take advantage of the opportunity brought about by the conflict situation. Many churches have been ruined and Christian organizations became a stumbling block to unbelievers because its leaders failed to manage conflict situations properly. The need for Christian leaders to acquire better skills in resolving organizational conflicts now becomes apparent in the light of all the mess. According to Inwang (2012), one cannot escape tensions by trying to run away from them. There will always be areas of conflict as long as we live in the world of sinners.

Every day we listen to news, it seems that there is always a new case of conflict in the world. Whether it is between nations, races, or even religion is often rooted to hatred. Hatred causes conflict to occur. It may be difficult to solve hatred, but we can use the unconditional love of Christ as a response to a hateful person. Dixon (2009) opines that there