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IN HIS FOOTSTEPS: Leadership in Conflict Resolution

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A Guide to Effective Leadership

Devotion Nineteen, July 19, 2025

Matthew 18:15-17 

Including the church, every organised group develops conflict among itself. However, the degree of each conflict varies per its cause. It could be a conflict of interest, ideas, behavioural changes, or a leadership position. Initially, conflict started in the Garden of Eden when the first man denied obedience to his Creator, God. 

Given this reality, one key principle, among others, is to directly communicate the issue privately with the person(s) to promote trust and confidentiality. In conflict resolution, church leaders should be mindful of confidentiality and privacy, unlike the approach of the world. Jesus continued to teach that where an individual becomes resistant, the leaders should involve a witness or, at worst, take the issue to the church so that any resolutions that the church would agree are deemed necessary. As Matthew 18:19 reminds us, “Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven," highlighting the importance of solving conflicts as a group rather than individually. 

In my own experience, conflict resolution in the church is not easy. From my experience, I've met challenges handling conflict-related issues more often. The conflicts range from disciplinary issues among the youth to leadership struggles. However, one important thing that worked best was working together with some instrumental church elders whom I appointed as a disciplinary committee. Although they were resisted in some cases, I am glad that we have resolved many church conflicts. 

Building on this experience, it's clear that leaders should never underestimate any conflict but rather consider it as a test of leadership. There are conflicts in time management, differences in ideology and culture, and many others that leaders face daily. You may face conflicts in the church or any organisation that you lead, or even within a family; you should use a direct approach or involve witnesses, or preferably the church, depending on the degree of the conflict, as Jesus taught. Do not take conflict for granted; ask God to help you when facing any conflict. 

With all this in mind, conflict resolutions require humility, direct approaches, and a willingness to involve others when necessary. As leaders, we should approach conflict with wisdom. Let us use biblical principles when handling conflicts regardless of their intensity, while being mindful of the unity of the church or the group we lead. Let this teaching be a wake-up call, and ask God to give us courage and discernment to resolve conflicts in a manner that honours Him. 

Dear God, I am glad that your word has reminded me today about the best way of resolving conflicts in the church or an organised group. Let this be a guide that I will apply every time I face a conflict. Help me, oh Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. 

Amen.

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