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Accurately Diagnosing Church Conflict

by Dr. Kenneth C. Newberger

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You, He, She is the Problem.
Figure 1
Resolving conflict in a church requires
expertise because of the many factors at play. Too often people wrongly assume that "he/she/they" are the sole problem (Fig. 1). When true root causes are not accurately diagnosed, attempts at initiating a solution only exacerbate people's frustration and sense of hopelessness (Fig. 2).
The Confusion Conflict Produces.
Figure 2
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Getting to the core and central issues of conflictSix distinct core areas need to be examined for a comprehensive and accurate diagnosis of the problem in every congregational setting. They are: (1) individual behavior; (2) interpersonal interactions (the dynamics of particular relationships); (3) culture (shared values, unwritten rules, expectations, etc.); (4) organizational structure (specified roles, decision making authority, policies and procedures, etc.); (5) the theology of the church; and (6) the history of the conflict. Each of these areas impacts the other. All must be simultaneously considered (Fig.3).
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It is only an understanding of
the whole that gives meaning to the parts
Comprehesive Diagnosis of Church Conflict.
It is only an understanding of
the parts that gives meaning to the whole
Figure 3

Ongoing conflict signals that a change needs to be made to the system. The expert church conflict resolution specialist is like a psychologist, sociologist, anthropologist, organizational analyst, theologian, and historian rolled into one who facilitates a group process that identifies specific and realistic long term solutions (Fig. 4).

Finding long-term solutions to conflict in the church.
Figure 4
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© Copyright 2008 Dr. Kenneth C. Newberger.  All Rights Reserved.
"America's Church Health Doctor"