​UACCCI Ministries

                               BISHOP'S BLOG       January-March 2023

Conflict Resolution

Matthew 18:15-19

15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

This is the Biblical way Christians are suppose to handle Conflict. Today, I received a E-Mail

from the Berna, that I found interesting.

When people was asked where they feel most comfortable pursuing reconciliation directly and personally (as outlined in Matthew 18) most Christians agree (53% very, 30% somewhat) they are comfortable taking this step in their home. While nearly the same percentage of Christians (80%) says they are at least somewhat comfortable addressing conflict directly among their friends, strong agreement decreases by 11 points. Across all other contexts, the percentage of those who are “very comfortable” steadily decreases. Understandably, Christians are most comfortable resolving conflict in areas they frequent and with people they know. Hesitation increases when Christians are asked about conflict resolution in an individual’s community, with their neighbors and especially with strangers or acquaintances.

I worked with a Pastor briefly, that had taken a Church, that had some turmoil in it. I noticed over a period of time, that some people had left the Church, & some people had step down from positions they has previously been in. In a private meeting with the Pastor one day, a curious mind of a leader had to ask the question. The Pastor, without going into details, without hesitation, said that upon the info he had been given confronted individual’s privately, & based upon Matthew 18 dealt with the “Conflict Resolution”. Some people chose to leave, while others decided to step down tell they repented, & had a time of restoration.

“Conflict Resolution” is the key to solving the problems that we deal with on a daily basis. Not in front of the masses, however individually & privately, one on one. Now there comes a time when some issues has to be taken in front of Elders or the Church body, most of the time is doesn't elevate top that degree.

I have said for a long time, that “ If we deal with the mole hills that arises, then we don't have to deal with them becoming Mountains”. I have had to deal with some things this past year on a personal level, that could have become Mountains if I had not dealt with the Mole Hills.

As a Ministry, as Leaders in Ministries. As Christians, we need to start seeing the Biblical ways to handle “Conflict Resolutions”. Not only do we have to deal with them in our Families, we also need to deal with them in the Church, with Friends, Neighbors, & Communities. There is a right & wrong way to do everything. The simple definition of Resolution, is to resolve a problem or situation. My Grandfather always said that “There our no problems, without solutions”.

Matthew 18 goes on to say in the next verses, That whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven & whatever we loose on earth we be loosed in Heaven. We have the authority according to God's Word to Bind Conflicts & Loose Blessings here on Earth. Then it goes on to say, Where two or three agree on touching any thing they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father in Heaven, again we have the Authority to agree with each other to bind & loose things here on earth.

I hope as you read or reread this, that it will enlighten your hearts & minds, & that you will understand my heart in writing this.

God Bless:

Rev. Dr. Howard McFarland

Bishop Emeritus UACCCI Ministries