BIBLICAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Chapter 9: CONFLICTS AND DISCIPLINE.
Discipline is correction of those who are wrong. A conflict is a fight or quarrel. A good leader must provide correction and be able to solve problems between his followers. People can disagree without having conflict, but conflict often results from disagreements. It is not difference of opinion that hurt and destroy, but failure to love when we have them. Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement over Mark but the disagreement did not lead to hostility and hatred, it was solved by forming a second evangelistic team. God’s word has an important role in solving discipline problems and conflicts. It is effective for discipline, reproof and correction. Conflicts arise because of spiritually immature and carnal Christians motivated by satan, the flesh and pride. To prevent conflict;
-Raise up spiritually mature Christians.
-Keep people well informed. Keep good communication.
-Let people know that you expect problems, that you are not surprised when they arise and that you know you will be able to solve them through the power of the Holy Spirit.
-Think ahead.
-Build strong relationships.
-Give sincere appreciations and credit to those who work with you in the ministry.
-If you make a mistake, be big enough to admit and correct it.
-Be clear in your purpose and plans of ministry.
-When it is necessary to set rules, establish clear rules and communicate them immediately to others.
-Be available to your co-workers do you will be aware of problems when they arise.
-Operate the ministry on Biblical principles, the greatest of which is love.
Dealing with conflicts:
-Make yourself available to deal with it.
-Pray for wisdom to deal with the problem.
-Determine the real problem.
-Let people who are directly affected by the problem suggest solutions. Be willing to listen to all suggestions. Pray together about a solution.
-If the conflict is a personal problem between two people, bring them together following the principles of Matthew 18:15-17
-Deal with conflicts with proper attitude. Use tact -the ability to deal with difficult situations with wisdom and love without offending people.
-Deal with one conflict or problem at a time.
-When you have a clear understanding of the problem causing the conflict, act immediately to correct it.
-Explain why you are handling the conflict the way you are.
-Thank God for the problem and what you learned from the experience.
The reasons for discipline are:
-To restore a person.
-To encourage members to remain faithful in their witness and not to be careless.
-To correct sin.
-To protect the Christian testimony of the church.
The principles of discipline are:
-Go first to the erring brother and solve the matter individually and personally if possible.
-If the erring believer will not listen to you and repent, go again with a witness.
-If he refuses to hear you, take the matter before the entire church.
-Discipline should be done by leaders with a proper spirit.
-Correction should be done with the purpose of restoring the offender who has been taken captive by satan.
If correction is refused, discipline may include exclusion from the fellowship.
Opportunity should be given for the erring brother to respond.
Private problems and public sins should be handled differently.
Exercise discipline only on the basis of factual knowledge. Hearsay evidence is not sufficient.