CONFLICT/RESOLUTION FOR MINISTERS

© 2010 Lee Ann B. Marino. All rights reserved.

Apostle Dr. Lee Ann B. Marino, Ph.D., D.D., ChancellorApostolic Universityhttp://apostolicuniversity.webs.com

WHAT IS CONFLICT/RESOLUTION?

Conflict/Resolution is the ability to handle situations of a conflicting nature and bring them to a successful and satisfactory resolution

WHY LEARN ABOUT CONFLICT/RESOLUTION?

Conflicts are a part of the world in which we live

We will be in situations where we conflict with others

We will be in situations where others conflict with us

We will be in situations where others are in conflict, and we need to step in as mediators and bring the situation to a resolution

WHY SHOULD MINISTERS KNOW ABOUT CONFLICT/RESOLUTION?

As ministers of God, we are responsible for those under our ministries

Not everyone will always get along or like one another and conflicts will arise in such situations

We should be able to, as divine representatives, act with justice and fairness to bring about resolution to conflicting situations

Christians, having received divine sanctification, should be able to resolve conflicts among themselves

WHAT WE WILL DISCOVER ABOUT CONFLICT/RESOLUTION

Identifying parties involved in conflict/resolution Examples of conflict/resolution in the Bible How to identify situations where conflict is

present or will be present How to identify conflict within ourselves and

within others Comprehensive methods to resolve conflict

when a mediator is not available Areas where one cannot compromise Methods to handle conflicts as a mediator

between two or more parties

IDENTIFYING PARTIES INVOLVED IN CONFLICT/RESOLUTION

The Accuser(s) – The individual or individuals who make the accusation against an individual or individuals about some matter; those who bring forth the conflict

The Accused – The individual or individuals who is/are accused of something; those who respond to the conflict

Moderator – The individual who serves as a neutral party to represent justice, fairness, equity, and resolution in a situation where the accuser(s) and accused cannot reach a resolution without outside assistance

Witness(es) – An individual or individuals who stand as “involving parties” in a circumstance, either by first-hand knowledge or character justification

EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT/RESOLUTION IN THE BIBLE

Abram and Lot separate (Genesis 13:1-18)

The judges serving for disputes of the Israelites (Exodus 18:13-26)

Solomon’s judgment between the two women (1 Kings 3:16-28)

Having offense against your brother (Matthew 5:21-24)

Settling matters quickly with adversaries (Matthew 5:25-26)

Settling disputes with one another rather than in the courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)

IDENTIFYING SITUATIONS WHERE CONFLICTS MAY ARISE

Family members are involved Doctrinal, philosophical, political, or

social disagreements Jealousy, envy, rivalry, or competition Emotionally-sensitive issues, subjects,

or situations Disagreements of opinion Intimate knowledge of others Personal offense

Physical impairments (drugs, alcohol) Stress Disappointment Circumstantial failure Personality conflicts Miscommunication or misunderstanding Anywhere that two or more people

gather, work together, or are expected to function in some semblance of a unit

HOW TO IDENTIFY CONFLICT WITHIN OURSELVES AND OTHERS

A situation arises causing stress, difficulty, or frustration

An interpersonal relationship with another or others causes stress, frustration, or irritation

Argument or offense due to offensive behavior or personality clashes

Disagreements with others Observations of behaviors in others that are

problematic to the minister or leader of an organization

Arguments or clashes between two or more parties

COMPREHENSIVE WAYS TO RESOLVE CONFLICT WHEN A MEDIATOR IS NOT AVAILABLE

Remove yourself from the situation temporarily and assess the situation

Do not act or speak emotionally; exercise self-control

Try discussing the issue in a non-threatening manner, offering peaceful discussion and brainstorming to resolve the situation

Offer compromise and solutions to a difficult, conflicting, or stressful situation

Work toward compromise that is fair all around

Strive for fairness and balance

If you are in the wrong about a matter, apologize immediately, asking for forgiveness

AREAS WHERE ONE CANNOT COMPROMISE

Unsubstantiated accusations made without substance, proof, or evidence

Illegal or immoral behavior

Bullying Abuse or

mistreatment Personalization of

issues

Dishonesty Manipulation “Dumping” of blame

without cause Foul or abusive

language

Remain objective, considering all sides

Do not accept unsubstantiated accusations about others; if there is a case of character or certain activity, require proof

Bring both parties together (if that is an option) and work as a neutral party to facilitate discussion and problem solving among the parties

Do not allow the discussion to be empty accusations, emotionally-charged, or an endless stretch of back-and-forth disagreement

Establish an atmosphere of maturity, responsibility, accountability, and discipline

Listen, without making judgments; do not speak in haste

Do not show favoritism Expect all use appropriate

conduct and language

METHODS TO HANDLE CONFLICTS AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN TWO OR MORE PARTIES

Never make the assumption that the problem will go away on its own

If the parties can’t seem to resolve the situation on their own, leadership must take the initiative to bring a comprehensive resolution to the situation

Do not allow coarse or abusive conduct between the parties

Enforce resolution circumstances

Stand for equity, justice, and fairness

CONFLICT/RESOLUTION CONCLUSION

Conflict is a part of life; resolution is also a part of life

Don’t ignore conflicting situations; step up and work toward resolution

Never underestimate the power of solid leadership and genuine communication unto the end of forgiveness

Resolution represents God’s justice and fairness to us