The following are times in the life of the church when conflict is liable to surface. If you are dealing with unhealthy conflict, this may be expecially critical:
1. During the Easter Season
- Busiest time in the life of the church.
- Intensity of numbers
- High expectations
- Spiritual dimension – doctrinal issue flies in the face of Satan
- Conflict between pastor and music leader over amount of preaching vs. music
2. During a Stewardship Campaign or Budget Preparation
3. When Adding Staff
4. When the Basic Leadership Style/Approach Changes
5. During the Pastors Absence
- Vacation
- Mission Trip
- Revival Leave
6. Following a Change in the Pastor’s Family
- Most people want to feel good about the pastor – but most have an idealized view of the pastor’s family.
- During the birth of the baby a pastor will spend more time at home and less time with the church family.
- When there is a wayward teenager or similar crisis.
7. When there is a Significant Generational Change in the Focus of the Church.
- Leas uses the example of an influx of baby boomers into the church
8. Upon the Completion of a New Building
- There has been an excitement and a dream
- The Church family has Raised and given a lot of money
- Now we have this new building and it is not perfect
9. Rapid Loss or Rapid Increase of Church Membership
10. During the Time Between Pastors
- Jockeying for position and power
- Leadership Vacuum
Written by Craig Webb