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“What is a healthy congregation?” How do we know when churches are not healthy, and what kind of change do we look for as churches move toward improved health?
There are some myths about the relationship between health and conflict:
Myth One: Conflict
within a congregation means that the congregation is not healthy. FALSE!
Church health is not defined as the absence of conflict. Obviously, if a
congregation or a denomination is chronically conflicted and obsessed with a
warfare mentality, that may be an indication of dysfunction. But some
degree of conflict is a part of the life cycle for any congregation.
Conflict is normal within any organization made up of imperfect human beings. Conflict can even be healthy. The proper addressing of issues can lead to the resolution of unrest, the solving of problems and the strengthening of relationships. Conflict can lead to greater productivity. Like the grain of sand that serves as an irritant within an oyster to bring about the formation of a beautiful pearl, well-managed conflict can lead to beauty and creativity.
Myth Two: The best way for churches to deal with conflict is to avoid or deny the issues that might cause it. FALSE! Avoidance of difficult issues may delay and prolong the conflict, but it does not usually prevent its emergence and escalation. The real test of church health is reflected in HOW THE CHURCH RESPONDS to the conflict.
In a healthy church, when significant conflict arises, the leaders of the church respond calmly and methodically to deal with the underlying issues. They take care not to adopt the negative attitudes swirling around the conflict, and they avoid “reactivity.” Leaders become proactive to hear the issues, make good decisions, and take appropriate action.
Myth Three: Conflict necessarily results in the loss of members and the weakening of the church. FALSE! Many churches have experienced conflict, handled it well, and found that six months after the conflagration the church was stronger, more cohesive and more productive.
Like the immune system of the healthy human body, the healthy church has internal resources that rally to the challenge and threat of destructive elements. In addition, the church, the Body of Christ, has enormous spiritual resources through the power and grace of God. Conflict need not be an automatic trigger for loss and division.
The BGCM Congregational Health Team is available to assist Missouri churches. Team members are: Sondra Allen (Assistant Team Leader), Bruce Hadley, Dick Lionberger, Tom Sneed, and Bob Perry (Team Leader).
