When the church goes corporate (part 9)

Conflict
In a corporation conflict must be squelched or eliminated because it threatens efficiency and the chain-of-command. The CEO and top-down leadership model minimizes conflict because “one doesn’t contradict the CEO!” The CEO’s word goes. It’s his/her way or the highway! Corporations need not be good at conflict resolution. They simply must eliminate it for efficiency’s sake.

The church on the other hand must embrace conflict and deal with it constantly and continuously. Conflict is a given in relationships. Christlikeness teaches us how to effectively deal with conflict and grow in our relationships with each other. Conflict will be present in teamwork as well. The fact that we are to, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you” implies that conflict is inevitable and we are to become skilled in dealing with it. (Colossians 3:13 NLT)

©2009 Rob Fischer