MENA (MNN) — An upcoming training course from the MENA Leadership Center will help believers tackle a topic that some might consider taboo: conflict! But why is this a topic many of us would like to avoid?
“In a ministry context, we often have these unspoken expectations that spiritual people, godly people, Christians, should not have conflict,” says Dr. Jenn Murff with the MENA Leadership Center. “But that’s just a farce. Truly, it really is.”
(Image courtesy of doungtepro on Pixabay)
Conflict is part of life, whether it’s a simple disagreement, a misunderstanding, or a true offense caused. But Murff says conflict is not always sin, and having conflict does not mean we’ve done something wrong.
“But we are human agents that are wanting to do things for the divine. Because of that, we have to put on the mind of Christ. We have to be able to make difficult decisions and talk about difficult circumstances,” she says.
Conflict not only strengthens ministry relationships, but it’s also one way God changes us to be more like Jesus. Murff says, “The things that I’ve learned the most, in all honesty, is through conflict. It wasn’t through the good times.”
Where does biblical conflict resolution start?
Murff points to Matthew 18. “You go directly to the person. Not around them, not through them, but you go to them,” she says.
In the honor/shame cultures prevalent in the MENA region, she says a respectful approach is even more critical.
“There’s often less separation between ministry and family, so your ministry partners literally become like relatives, at least in the MENA,” Murff says. “You need to have coffee and tea and talk about the hard things in life, and you need to do it in such a way that you bring honor to them rather than shame — because many times it’s no one’s intention to do things that are painful.”
The MENA Leadership Center’s training on December 9 and 10 will give practical tools that leaders across the MENA can begin to use immediately.
(Stock photo courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez via Unsplash)
“We want to have the confidence to address conflict early, rather than waiting before it becomes really destructive,” says Murff. “There also has to be a shift in mindset, seeing conflict as an opportunity for growth, not a threat to ministry, but [a chance] to be able to really get down to the heart of situations.”
What about you? Is there a conflict you are avoiding in your church or ministry relationships? Praying for God’s perspective is critical.
“First, you need to pray, ‘Lord, how should I handle this conflict? What is the best way that reflects your heart as I step in to bring unity and clarity to this situation?’” says Murff.
Some people are gifted in handling difficult interpersonal situations, Murff says. “But oftentimes it’s actually not natural. It’s very hard. It’s uncomfortable. So getting trained on how to handle conflict is really important for you and your whole team, which is what we do at the MENA Leadership Center.”
Learn more about the MENA Leadership Center’s mission and ministry at their website.
Header photo courtesy of Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash.
