Pastors And Conflict
Pastors And Conflict
This little treatise is especially designed for my fellow-ministerial colleagues; but the gospel, spiritual, and Biblical principles are applicable for all the true saints of Jesus' faithful church.
First of all, we ministers should accept that there will always be some level of conflict in and/or surrounding our lives, so long as we live in this fallen world. This acceptance will make dealing with it much more manageable.
In this regard, at the very least we will always be harassed here by Satan and his accusations against us. These assaults are particularly-heartfelt, since not everything the old snake brings against us is (in itself) false. Our flesh and the world, then, join forces against us, as well.
So the first thing the gospel minister needs to do with these internal "conflicts," is to honestly own as much and whatever of the truth that may be found in the indictments made against our hearts. This will be manifest in fresh gospel faith, confession, and repentance.
One of the reasons this step is so important, is because for the church's gospel pastors to handle conflict appropriately and with victory, we must have Holy Spirit-given clean and honest consciences. Conflict, especially in the church, will never go well for the minister who does not possess a genuinely free, secure, and clear conscience--all in Jesus alone.
Assuming, by Christ's gospel grace, we get to this critical point, we are able to pastorally shepherd the church through whatever difficulties (conflicts) she is facing. . . .
Another very key point, in dealing with conflict, is that of carefully following the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus (in the "Pastoral" Epistles). Some of those vital refrains, are to not needlessly enter into unnecessary and hopelessly-futile disputes and controversies. We need to be sure, that if we are going to seek to tackle a problem, it is a real one; and it is one worthy of our precious time and resources. If we get accused of being "non-confrontational," that is probably (in all appropriate cases) a real compliment, (even though it is usually an explicit or veiled criticism). We should avoid what we pastorally-perceive to be schemed-up conflicts "like the plague," if we can, because many (if not all) of them are, in reality, devious snares, designed to distract us from what we are called to do, and should be doing.
But, if we are faced with a true and legitimate conflict, and it absolutely needs to be addressed--then we should approach it (initially) from two extreme perspectives. (After we do this, we can nuance these viewpoints.) The first perspective is that of the very tender and gentle church undershepherd in the employ of The Great Shepherd (Jesus). From this side of the equation, we are to be extremely sensitive to, and cognizant of the faithful sheep in the fold. They are the ones that we are to be most-particularly zealous for (especially with regard to their protection). The other point of view is that of the "rod and staff" shepherd (like David) who beats off and beats up the wolves who are attempting to devour the juicy regenerate lambs in the fold of Christ's church.
Of course, wisdom will be necessary, in discerning between who is who in this sometimes-very-messy situation. But the grace of God, propelled by the Spirit of God, along with the assistance of the truly-called other officers of God's church will make this critically-important step possible.
Satan's most reliable human agents will seek to make our lives as miserable as they can; and they will try to stretch out their troublemaking as far as they can--but, through all this, we are to keep our heads (in Jesus).
So long as we are clean in Christ's blood atonement, we have nothing to fear. Remember: God has called us to this holy position, and He has provided us with everything we need, in the grace and power of the Holy Spirit, to be victorious in our Redeemer.
Also, keep in mind that all conflict--legitimate or illegitimate--is part of the dissonance and cacophony that has resulted from the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Jesus our Lord is the One who has reversed and healed this. And though the lingering effects remain with and amongst us, we should not fear--for, "Our God is a consuming fire," (Heb. 12:29), who cleanses His church and purifies the saints' hearts and consciences in the blood and resurrection of Jesus.
Rev. Mark J. Henninger
Treatise #36
10 November 2025
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