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Conflict in the Church
Posted by Rob Ayers in Church & Missions
“Hank, I’d really like to help you. I don’t want to see you destroy yourself. You’ve been good for the church, I think, but — what can I say? The division, the bickering….it’s all about to tear the church apart.”
“Who’s bickering?”
“Oh, come on…”
“And for that matter, who called the congregational meeting in the first place? You. Sam. Gordon …”
“We’re just concerned that’s all. You’re, well, fighting against what is best for the church.”
“That’s funny. I thought I was fighting against you….”
– Frank Peretti. This Present Darkness
(Westchester, Illinois: Crossway Books, 1986), 34.
Of course I was confronted a scant three years after that seminary class on the issues of power and conflict in the church in “Real Time” (as they like to say in Oklahoma about such struggles, “we play for keeps.”). There are indeed some churches who call young pastors out of seminary primarily for one purpose — they are inexperienced, and so therefore they can be “driven.” I found myself in such a predicament. The “powers that be” were more than delighted when I agreed with them in church policy, yet became apoplectic to the point of hatred whenever I disagreed with them. The earlier conflict that I was told had disappeared when the former pastor and several previous church members left came to be a cell mate of mine, confronting me every day of the week, and leaving me as miserable as one can imagine.
My grand ideas about dealing with conflict and the finer points of sitting down with those against me came to naught. My adversaries just believed that I was showing weakness in the face of their adversity when I did such things, so they continued to press their point no matter the number of times I confronted them with the issues in love. God is good, and had prepared a place for me ahead of time (in fact, it is my current assignment in ministry — which is good because I believed at the time I might go straight from that place to heaven for a while … since I was in hell already), but I always wonder even to this day if I did things “right.” I am certain that I did not do everything “perfectly,” but of course hindsight is 20/20.
After a few years of dealing with this animal called “conflict in the church,” I have come to some conclusions, and so will deal with them in numerical order with you:
1. The source of all human conflict is sin, carnality and selfish ambition — the greater source of conflict is the enemy of our souls who seeks to destroy us.
“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask.” (James 4:1-2, ESV)
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)
It really does not take a rocket scientist to figure this one out. This is the part that often takes human conflict into the intractable place where nothing seems to give on either “side”. While conflicts are easy to figure out on paper, in real life sin gets in the way. What seems to be a simple solution in dealing with sin in the church (confronting those who have sinned and have offended, first in private, then with a witness, and ultimately before the whole assembly according to Matthew 18) turns into a fiasco when the multitude resists dealing with it because it is often expedient not to. My first ministry was like this — for generations the majority had dealt with those who thrived in conflict by sticking their heads in the sand. And so when conflict predictably came, they shook like proverbial sheep, leaving the shepherd to deal with the conflict alone. Like Moses in battle, the shepherd gets tired while holding things up — but unlike Moses, more often than not he has no Aaron and Hur (HT Tim Rogers) to keep his arms up and his spirit encouraged. Many times conflict like this takes the best of our shepherds and those who are sensitive to conflict within the church. This is because of the carnality that is found within, and the loneliness of being on the “side of the angels” yet in the minority of adversity. Many a church is left to die in conflict — and sadly many do. They succumb of course to the larger battle — the one in which the destroyer seeks to eliminate the work of God.
So how are we to make an impact in this generation of believers when conflict devours many a “house of God?” and a lot of personal relationships?
This is a tough question – a question that after only a scant fifteen years of ministry for which I truly have no “real” answers, and I am often left with platitudes. Yet I do know this: God is bigger than our conflicts. I have gleaned from the Word of God (and real life experience) some tidbits about conflict and how to deal with it personally, which I will share with you. I claim no originality with these thoughts — many if not most of these you will recognize. But I pray that somehow in the repetition that it will break into those who are dealing with such situations and those which may arise in the future for some “Real Time” help:
2. The first way to deal with conflict is by “modeling the love of Jesus” and pray, pray, and pray.
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11, ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17, ESV)
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:3, ESV)
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
No matter the circumstances and the conflict, those who claim Christ should have His mind. They should allow the Holy Spirit who lives within them to speak through them the life of Christ in the direness of circumstances. Even in my darkest hours, I prayed (and prayed and prayed!) that the Lord would use my voice, my thoughts, and my actions to glorify Him. And while that was not always possible, overall I believed that God granted me my request. I have always attempted to remember that God loved my adversaries enough to die for them, and if I am their friend (as I should be) I need to be willing to lay down my very life for them, even in the face of our conflict. And if that is so, I am called upon to love them despite our battle. Easy to say — hard to do. And yet even in my unwillingness, God gave me the grace to overcome my hesitancy. Many times I have prayed, “help me in my unbelief” and God has consistently and lovingly answered me in that time. Without the Love of Christ in me, then I would have no alternative but to deal with conflict my way — without any good righteous result.
3. Deal with the conflict openly in deference to a) ignoring it or b) hiding it.
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26)
Most people do not like conflict, so they avoid it altogether. It is doubly hard in dealing with the problem in the church because it is supposed to be filled with “holy people.” The reality, of course, is that we are merely “fallen sinners” dressed up in Christian clothes. We make no impact in our churches and our relationships if we fail to act righteously in our dealings and deportment. Engaging directly and loving those with whom we disagree is an honorable and righteous thing, and will have dividends. For example, one night at my first ministry point, I was attempting to maintain control of a contentious business meeting. A person who was being contentious stood up and “shucked the corn” in front of God and everyone. As calmly as I could (since some of the diatribe was headed my way) I informed my antagonist that he was out of order, and instructed him to sit down. After the meeting, I asked him to come back to my office. With a retired minister present as a witness, I confronted the man with my displeasure with his public outburst in light of Matthew 18. I affirmed over and over again my love for him, and gladly offered to listen to his entire complaint right there and then. He really expected for me to read him the riot act, and so was struck dumb by my demeanor. As I listened to him, tears came down his face. Frankly this was the first time in a while someone in the church actually listened to him. Afterwards we bear hugged, and he went home. He publicly apologized to the church and to me the next Sunday morning. And even though I later moved to another ministry, we remain in close contact as life long friends. All this because I dared to deal with a conflict in the here and now rather than waiting until tomorrow (or never).
Now I understand that not everyone comes from the perspective of the Pastor (or even my own personal perspective) on this topic. My conflicts in the church are my own and are coming from my unique perspective as Pastor. There are many others out there who have issues WITH their Pastor, who seem to them to be their source of conflict and discomfort. One of the things I do know is this: I do not know everything. I solicit your input. Does anyone have anything to add? I would like to hear your input and discuss it. I hope to make further posts on my insight in similar topics as time goes on. May you have an impact for His glory today and the rest of this week!
Rob
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Rob,
This was a good article. I am in agreement with you about putting the conflict in the open, and not hiding it.
I have had to do that in the past few months, and I usually confront it from the pulpit when it is known by others, but are confused.
T.A.
Rob,
I never heard anyone get his corn shucked.
Tim,
I don’t think that I have ever dealt with conflict publicly (from the pulpit) in my church. We have far too many guests in our worship. And since it is not just “family,” I don’t think I should deal with “family matters” in that forum.
Instead, in times of interpersonal conflict or church discipline (when we have done), we have called special “family meetings” during the week and gathered the church body.
I am simply very reluctant to deal with such matters in front of our guests on Sunday. But, then again, that is my unique ministry environment. Your church environment may be very open and suited to such confrontation. If so, I commend your stand.
Rob, applauding the way you handled your conflict and restoring him to fellowship. That could have gone in such a horrible direction. I think that handling the situation immediately (rather than putting it off) was the greatest plus in having such a positive outcome.
When my grandchildren get into tiffs with one another, I find the best solution is the same. I take them aside (individually) and have a positive discussion with them, allowing each to share why they were upset and try to give them understanding into the other’s feelings and viewpoint. I believe that teaching our children how to handle conflict in this way guides them into ways to handle conflict better as adults.
And most adults who do not handle conflict well, were never taught how to handle it as children. Great post. selahV
Brother Rob,
This man may have been upset because his pastor did not know Joshua was leading the charge in the battle and it was Aaron and Hur that held up Moses’ arms. :>)
Seriously, dealing with conflict is a very scary thing. Your three steps are straight forward and very much needed advice.
Blessings,
Tim
Rob,
What an edifying article. This is good stuff.
You are absolutely right about the source of conflict being sin. More than once, I have had a church member to apologize publicly before the church for their role in a conflict. Also, more than once, I have had to apologize publicly before the church for my role in a conflict.
Pride goes both ways. It affects both church member and pastor. We pastors should stand equally ready to admit and apologize for our role in conflicts as we are for a church member to be disciplined.
Les
Rob,
As a layman I really appreciate Your Heart in the way you handle conflict. In my way of thinking, this is the only way to call out conflict, which is separation from each other. Sin separates us from God until we repent of our sins. Sometimes we all learn as a result of taking on disagreement in private. If the one involved is a true Brother or Sister it will be resolved and be a Witness to the Lord.
Selahv,
I Love your example and it shows in all of your comments.
Les,
I agree and second everything you wrote.
All,
May God continue to Bless your Ministries!!!
In His Name
In our covenant class for new members (required for membership), we teach that anything which causes disunity in the church is sin. We sincerely believe this truth. And the root of that sin is (always, always, always) selfish pride.
I wonder sometimes how many of our Southern Baptist brethren would believe that such a statement is true, given the atmosphere of conflict and tension that so often characterizes church life and politics.
Thank you all for your comments.
Tim, I would love to hear how conflicts can be dealt with from your perspective.
Rob
Geoff,
The genius of Impact! is that we recognize (prayerfully correct) that the prevailing issues in our denomination are found in the churches. If an impact is to be made, it must start in Baptist headquarters the local church.
Rob
The quicker we address the conflict the better. I’ve certainly messed up by ignoring it for too long. I think of it like an oil spill. It’s much easier to clean up the oil before it drifts into shore. There is another side, though. We have to address conflict quickly, then be ready for a prolonged solution. Working with people isn’t quick. As for dealing with a conflict publicy, I think there are clear scriptural guidelines in Matthew 18. I do wonder, though, if Matthew 18 guidelines should be applied strictly to “other than sin against one brother.” The context of that passage is clear. If a brother sins against you. So, what if a brother sins against the whole church by stirring up conflict.
Good article Rob,
Just to put some grist to the mill:
Not all conflict is the same.
One of my first churches was one dominated by conflict over its 70 year history. The longest stay of a pastor was 2 and half years. The normal length of pastorate was under a year. The problem was a largely unconverted diaconate (2 out of 3 deacons were unconverted and opposed to discipling, it was a place of power for these men).
In a small church of 30 I expanded the diaconate to 7 (breaking the back of the power grid). I made sure that that the deacons played by the rules (1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1), instituted family ministry for each deacon and held them accountable for their tasks (instead of them tar and feathering the pastor at deacons’ meetings). I believe holding the Diaconate to 1 Tim 3 was an important development for this church, in the context of a teaching preaching ministry, and good pastoral visitation. We also multiplied ministry outreach through the members at this time. I think my contenders had too many plates spinning for them to adequately cause trouble anywhere.
Both unconverted deacons were converted (one consequently resigned as Grand poobah of the Lodge) and have become good friends. The church doubled in size, and has had good growth since. We left after 4 years and the stays each pastor has had since have been comparable.
I think that Chuck Swindoll hot the nail on the head when he said there are 4 things that turn people on.. Pleasure, power, fame and fortune (1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16 For everything that belongs to the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle—is not from the Father, but is from the world.)
Those who desire power are quite foreign in thinking to the servant leadership model of the Lord Jesus and ought to be foreign to our thinking as Pastors and therefore a bit incomprehensible to us.
Kenneth Haugk wrote a great book entitled “Antagonists In the Church.” This should be mandatory reading for every pastor.
Antagonistic people (those who seek to divide and hurt) utilise conversation and communication to attain their ends. its their means of power! He advocates Titus 3:9 (But avoid foolish debates, genealogies, quarrels, and disputes about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person is perverted and sins, being self-condemned.)
as the means to cut the legs off antagonists by minimising their power through communications.
These “methods” need to be used discerningly through prayerfulness and carefulness.
Steve
Brother Rob,
I know this statement may be hard for some to believe, but I have dealt with more than my fair share of conflict in ministry. :>)
Seriously, I have come through some very serious conflict in various ministry settings. The lessons that I learned are the three that you laid before us, plus some.
Growing up, my Daddy was a general mechanic with in a leading textile manufacture. In his position he was lead mechanic on PM’s (Preventative Maintenance). He was always pushing PM’s around our house. If I heard him say it once, I have heard him say it millions of times; “It is less costly and less time consumed to spend time doing PM’s.”
When it comes to conflict in the church, I fall back to my Daddy’s advice. I have found a book entitled “Antagonist In the Church”. I have taught this book to our Deacons in a retreat setting. As antagonist begin to reveal themselves our leadership is wise to see it before it opens up on the church floor. The best time to teach this book is when there is no conflict, that way you are not accused of pointing to individuals.
Also, as Brother Cyle said; “The quicker we address the conflict the better.” We cannot allow antagonist to work behind the scene in the parking lot for long. Our leaders must be willing to stop that nonsense quickly and not allowing it to build.
Great mind stretching post. I will tell you that I get scared every time I have to deal with conflict.
Blessings,
Tim
What about when the conflict starts in the pulpit?
The problem isn’t always unregenerate deacons or power hungry laity. I’ve met more than my fair share of pastors who bring about conflict either through incompetence, arrogance, or sin.
I’m thinking of one guy who – 30 days into a new pastorate – unilaterally declared the church would move toward a new model and made sweeping changes in nearly every area of ministry. When encouraged to slow down and bring the congregation along he played his trump card: I’m the pastor and God gives ME the vision for this church.
Or, another man who refused to spend more than 40 hours per week “at work” and 35 of that was in sermon prep (although it always seemed to me much of his sermon prep was on the golf course).
And, I can think of two men who refused to resign after being caught in extramarital affairs. (They also refused to acknowledge responsibility for their sin, preferring instead to blame others.) In each case there were enough church members who, either through willful ignorance or a twisted sense of “everybody deserves a second chance”, put up a fight to keep the man in the pulpit.
I know these stories are the exception, that most pastors don’t engage in these kinds of extreme behaviors, but they are not as rare as most would like to believe.
Starting and perpetuating conflict isn’t the sole domain of the laity; too many ministers contribute to the process.
Tim,
Your “preventive maintenance” comment is full of wisdom. I found that much of my ministry changed when I went from a “reactive” mode to a “proactive” mode. It is amazing how far genuine love and an investment in real relationships with the people of the church avert so much potential conflict.
Brother Bowden is right on the mark. I think a lot of it begins with a misapplication of “pastoral authority”, if there really is such a thing.
Moreover, many pastors do not follow the model of service of the Lord Jesus, but rather see themselves as “he who should be obeyed”.
I believe in a fair degree of pastoral authority but like a dose of medicine, should be used sparingly, and then only when necessary. Too many pastors have “used up” any authority they may have and when a crisis situation arises, have no authority to appeal to because they blew it all away with more trivial matters.
Understand though, when I say authority, I don’t necessarily mean that he has “control” over the Body but rather a place he has earned by his own sacrificial service, that like Christ, can speak with authority not as one who lords anything over the people he serves, but rather as an example of humility and love.
I cannot help but marvel at the wisdom of the posters here! But then again, it is the very thing I was praying for!
I believe the Preventative Maintenance comments is on the mark. Much could be said about how if we are proactive, rather than reactive, we will have much to gain, and little to lose. As one who has done quite a few “PM’s” however, I recognize that the best PM schedule in the world is not going to stop that piece of equipment from going haywire at a very inappropriate time. That is the nature of the universe we live in – subject to the law of entropy. Human beings are also subject to the reality of sin. Therefore, we need to be prepared to deal in those moments.
I am very familiar with what Bowden is talking about. In the town of my first ministry, FBC had been lead in the past by a Pastor that could be described as a dictator. He ran the church under the philosophy, “If they ain’t bleeding, you ain’t leading.” While he eventually was lead out of town by personal scandal, trying to share the real Christ and the legitimate Baptist witness in that town was being burdened by the legacy.
What are some more of your examples, and what further solutions are out there?
Rob
I hurt for congregations who call a man who is not called of God. It’s very difficult for a search committee to know what kind of man they are getting by a few names on a resume and a couple of sermons. One who doesn’t handle conflict well, is bound to have difficulty in his ministry.
Are there sufficient classes training the seminary students for this? Could not the associations offer training for better handling conflict in the congregation? Our very blog is an outcry for someone to facilitate conflict resolution amongst the brethren. I feel we are all falling short in this area of our Christian walk; does anyone else?
Also, I think a man needs to be willing to stay and work through conflicts. It is not helping the church body who must suffer the residules of a conflict that is left unresolved. I agree with Cyle in the fact that while the conflict may be addressed quickly, it may take longer for reconciliation to occur. Healing takes time and so does rebuilding trust.
Thinking out loud…selahV
To all who has commented I appreciate the good reading and the Grace shown here .
Bro. Rob very good post .
Blessings.
Ron.
I guess this is a good place to plug strategic interim ministries. Either the Transitional Pastor approach or Intentional Interim can help a congregation work through past hurts, gain a clearer picture of who they need to call, and both approaches include “preventive maintenance” to conflict management.
I think every church – regardless of why they are in between pastors – should consider a strategic interim.
Oh… I took a class in conflict management in seminary; it wasn’t that helpful. I’ve learned far more in the mediation training I’ve had to help me with the child custody/parent coordination that I do.
Tim Rogers,
Your Scriptural correction is well taken. Indeed he could have been really upset that I can’t read
and don’t know the difference between Aaron and Joshua.
Rob
To all,
I am always interested in making sure that what I do in attempting to fulfill my pastoral duties is “right” rather than “what works quickly.” Cyle commented correctly that while conflict should be dealt with quickly, we should look for a protracted solution. Dealing with conflict in my experience is a process, not a “Big Mac.” I think many pastors are looking for whatever “works.” Pragmatism is not a philosophy that often leads to righteous solutions, just short term ones that are often wrong for the long term.
Rob
The Matthew 18 instructions given by Jesus are the key. But I think we need to change the term (and spirit) of what we are trying to do. “Church discipline” is an accurate but negative term that people simply don’t connect with. I recently taught through this subject at my church and we agreed to call it “Church restoration”. It may seem like meaningless semantics to some. But we felt it was important to stress that our goal is to win and restore brothers and sisters in conflict and sin.
I am so thankful that the word of God is filled with instructions concerning how to handle conflicts. From Proverbs, to the words of Jesus, and the writings of Paul, the word is filled with help in this area. The trick is living it out and (even harder) convincing others to do the same.
Great article. Keep ‘em coming.
Concerning the issue of conflict that starts in the pulpit, the word is clear on this as well. 1 Timothy 5 gives instructions on how to deal with “elders” (pastors) is sin.
So few in the pews know about this and even fewer have the nerve to follow it.
A good book that deals with understanding conflict from the instigator’s position is Marshall Shelley’s Well Intentioned Dragons: Ministering To Problem People In The Church. I’ve had every staff member I’ve worked with read it.
what about when the problem is just rumors that have been told to you about a church member who is sinning? but, the people who told the rumor to you are not willing to go to the person who is sinning, nor are they willing to have thier name used by you to back up the rumor? what does a pastor do then? you’ve been told about this person, but nobody wants to be involved in the discipline?
does he confront the alleged erring church member with rumor…with nothing to back it up? or, does he let it go…praying for the people….looking for an opportunity to deal with it? maybe even addressing the issue… not the person…the issue….from the pulpit as he preaches?
david
Dave, I agree with your last paragraph. I think that’s about all we can do.
We can hint that we know something without saying that we know it.
And always remember 1 Tim 5:24 Some people’s sins are evident, going before them to judgment, but [the sins]of others follow them.
25 Likewise, good works are obvious, and those that are not [obvious]cannot remain hidden.
David,
Thanks for the question! Personally I have never had any good information that started as a rumor. In my first ministry point, I had a couple of full fledged gossipers whose poison did not help an already contentious place become any better. Quite frankly, if people are unwilling to have the courage to confront those they know are in sin in love, then it is not worth the effort, and blatantly unscriptural for anyone else to do it by proxy. Matthew 18:15 makes this plain: “…go to them alone…” Most of the “rumors” perpetuated by my gossips were false. I confronted them with their gossips – one one, lost one – God help the church who accepted them. So no, confrontation requires verification “by the mouth of two or three witnesses” – otherwise you may get into serious trouble confronting someone who is innocent – creating more conflict.
Rob
I really appreciate this post. I am the president of the “Conflict Avoiders Club”; just ask my wife!
As a new pastor, I know this is one of the main areas I MUST work on. I appreciate the different resources listed among the comments, too.
What can a church member do to help in the following situation? A deacon openly admitted sin (pornography)and his wife was being disruptive in worship. They left, the deacon is inactive and the couple has separated. The problem is they are in the young married category. Behind the scenes, the wife pulls others from her old Sunday School class into secret Bible studies. It is slowly tearing away the members from that age category in our church. Our pastor is very loving and continues to reach out to all who have strayed–he reaches out every week. The wife tells mistruths about the pastor and his motives. She even claims to have a message from God that he is “not being led by the Holy Spirit.” She doesn’t back up anything with Scripture or fruits–she backs things up with dreams. I don’t know how to encourage people caught in her web of deceit in the right way without looking like I’m beind vindictive to her. Any suggestions from the wise?
Karen,
Thank you for sharing. I am at a loss like you to describe a remedy that would “work.” The former deacon confessed his sin and has now left (which is irrelevant to the extent of the wife); the wife who has “disrupted” worship in some capacity (who has also left the fellowship) yet now is creating problems “behind the scenes.” It is difficult to watch the people with whom you fellowship and love maligned in a negative way, particularly your Pastor, who sounds like he is attempting to keep a loving focus. Unfortunately the enemy is attempting an attack on the work of God (consider it as a backhand compliment for something must be going right or about to in that place).
There is not much you can do I suspect. Your Pastor is the one who has been maligned, and so he is the one who needs to reconcile with the lady. Each person in that age group is accountable to God alone – they have neither maligned you, or harmed you – they have merely preferred to be in a “secret study.” There are two things you can do – “pray without ceasing” and “encourage your Pastor and leadership.” God is in control of His church, and your Pastor needs your encouragment. Your fight is not against flesh or blood but against principalities and powers.
While I have not been really helpful (it is hard to fight a spiritual battle on a bulletin board) I pray that I have been. Perhaps there are others here who can be more than me.
Rob
Rick – welcome to the club! I’m not sure you have met all the members yet, but I will have to admit that I am a charter member, and have been for years – and I really do not know how you got elected a president. That’s right – I forgot – we let all the newbies take a shot right off the bat!
Since you did get elected, we forgot to tell you this – that once elected, the President get’s to pay everybody elses club dues (since we all hate conflict, we have left the clubhouse leaving only you to foot the bill). Too bad this site does not have Pay Pal on it or you could take care of it right away! I will have to talk to the webmaster about this omission….
Rob
Karen I went through a similar situation a couple of years ago.
I was humbled and amazed at the love, kindness and grace demonstrated by my church members in the face of this style of thing.
An deacon’s wife circulated a letter basically implying I was demon possessed after her husband was not re-elected to the diaconate.
(It was a big enough “event” to require a church meeting deal with it.)
I asked an elder statesman of our denomination to chair the meeting.
He suggested 3 motions.
1. A Motion of support for me as pastor.
2. A Motion that stated that the congregation did not believe the slanderous accusations.
3. A Motion suspending the woman from membership.
He then stated clearly that anyone continuing the slander should immediately leave the church as they are not in agreement with the church.
The meeting had a sense of Matt 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.”
It will be difficult to discern whether the situation has elevated to the point where public church discipline is the required course.
Steve