Understanding congregational splits

Fred Starke and Bruno Dyck

As fellow members of the body of Christ, we understand that:

Conflict between people is inevitable. The manner in which we choose to resolve conflict is of crucial importance to the church. The healthy resolution of conflict honours Christ and results in mutual growth and fruitful witness. God has given us many clear instructions regarding our conduct in the midst of diversity and conflict.

Therefore, we covenant together to abide by the following Scriptural principles:

The Principle of Christ’s Presence For the Christian, all conflict and resolution of conflict occurs in the presence of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is of first importance to affirm the reconciliaton presence of Jesus Christ, who is our peace (Ephesians 2:14-18, Matthew 18:20). The Principle of Love Love of our brothers and sisters in Christ is the supreme evidence to the world that we are truly followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:34-35). The Principle of Listening Our tendency in conflict is to react quickly. Before conflict can be resolved, we must make sure that the information we have is accurate. This requires good listening (James 1:19-20). The Principle of Truth We must avoid our tendency in conflict to shade or to exaggerate the truth (Ephesians 4:25). The Principle of Humility In conflict we are very prone to focus on the faults of the other person. If conflict is to be resolved, we must learn to recognize and admit our own weaknesses and failure (Matthew 7:3-5). The Principle of Gentleness How we speak the truth to another person is as important as the truth itself (Galatians 6:1). The Principle of Direct Communication In situations of conflict we must speak with the person rather than about the person (Ephesians 4:25, Proverbs 17:9, Matthew 18:15). The Principle of Initiative In conflict we tend to wait for the other party to take the initiative. Christ teaches that whenever someone has something against another, we must take the responsibility to resolve the conflict (Matthew 5:23-24, Matthew 18:15). The Principle of Timing We must avoid the tendencies to bury or brood over conflict, as well as the tendency to demand immediate resolution (Ephesians 4:26-27, Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7). The Principle of Procedure (Matthew 18:15-17) Step 1: Person to person Step 2: Person to person with one or two others Step 3: Church participation Step 4: Release from membership (The goal of Steps 1-3 is reconciliation. In the event Steps 1-3 fail, then release from church membership would be in order.) The Principle of Forgiveness Whether or not the other person ever acknowledges his/her responsibility in the conflict, we must offer forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15, Ephesians 4:21-31). The Principle of Responsibility We must only take responsibility for that which is within our ability to do (Romans 12:18-19).

This covenant was developed by the Faith and Life Commission of the Southern District MB Conference in the US and has also been adapted for use by the Central District MB Conference in the US. Reprinted by permission.

Last modified May 31, 2005.

© 2005 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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