A View From Level IV
- Conflict In Ministry
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- "Conflict is the confrontation between differing
expectations, purposes, goals, values, or desires; and/or the competition for limited
resources."
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- Though often unwelcome, conflict is a part of ministry.
Sometimes it's good. Other times it's destructive. Several scales have been
developed to measure the relative severity and destructiveness of conflict. The two most
notable are Lederach's "Seven Point Scale" and Speed Lea's "Five Levels Of
Conflict." Of these, Leas' classification appears to be the most familiar and
commonly used in church circles.
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- Levels Of Conflict
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- Speed Leas of the Alban Institute has identified five levels
of conflict in order of ascending complexity, difficulty, and intensity. They are:
I. Problem to solve: GoalCollaborate
mutually beneficial solution
II. Disagreement: GoalProblem solving (more public
arena)
III. Contest: GoalTo win
IV. Fight/Flight: GoalHurt the opposition or escape
V. Intractable Situations: GoalAnnihilate the opposition
- Level IV: Not Just More Of The Same
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- Speed Leas indicates that though the differences between Level
I and Level III conflict is one of degrees, Level IV and VI conflict differ in essential
ways. Level IV is not just more of Level III. It is a totally different type of conflict.
Whereas reconciliation was the implied goal of Levels I-III, at Level IV-V the
transformation of conflict is such that it seeks to hurt and destroy the opposition.
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- Conflict consultants such as Leas initially had difficulty
finding materials describing Level IV and V conflict. After looking everywhere in church,
business and mediation materials, Speed Leas noted that the only manuals which accurately
described Levels IV and V conflict were military manuals.
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What Happens At Level IV
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1. Christian Values Run Roughshod. As Vice-President Kostizen noted in the
Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's "Circuit Counselor Manual" "the higher the
conflict, the lower the value level people are operating on." Pastors experiencing
Level IV conflict will simply be in awe at the wanton sinful rebellion. In such an
environment it may be difficult to keep oneself from succumbing to the pressure.
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- 2. Severe Character Testing. You may think
you're an excellent pastor. But Level IV conflict will test it and see whether it's
reality or fantasy. The testing corresponds to the intensity of the level of conflict and
is akin to Peter's experience of satanic "sifting" when he denied Jesus.
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- 3. Traumatization. No doubt the experience of
Level IV is one of the most excruciating spiritual, emotional and physical experiences you
can endure. You will get angry, but in response to the intense shock you'll withdraw
from members, family, spouse, denominational officials, everyone.
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- Level IV conflict, virtually by definition, will require
professional therapy. After all, when all others have apparently abandoned you, at least
you know you can count on the therapist if, for nothing else, because they're paid. But
competent therapists will be the necessary inexhaustible listening block who will help
point you toward healing and hope.
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- 4. Discovering The Experience Of The Habitus
Practicus. Brothers may try to encourage you by saying, "You don't have
to crucify yourself. Jesus already did." The problem with this and other types of
well-intended encouragement is two-fold.
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- First, once at Level IV, there really is no
backing out. Damage momentum started will continue until it runs out of energy, things to
damage, or people to hurt. The damage cannot be undone. It cannot be stopped. It is out of
your power. It just has to burn out.
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- You may be tempted to give up, back out under the guise
"It's better for the church." Not always. Sometimes the greater irreparable
damage occurs when the pastor does back out and give up instead of remaining steadfast and
standing firm in battle.
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- If the conflict is focused on essential
"un-compromisable" Christian values (which is often the case), it will require
God's servant to maintain an evangelical but strong stand. One's best hope is to look to
God's power to end the conflict and salvage whatever will be left.
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- Second, the phrase "you don't have to
crucify yourself" and others like it ignore and deny one of the essential aspects of
ministerial strength, the habitus practicus. Simply stated, the habitus
practicus is the recognition that suffering is an essential element of ministry.
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- The prophets of old preached to prevent the wholesale
destruction of God's people. As they watched and experienced the destruction and
aftermath, their focus was directed to hope. Ezekiel's response to God's question,
"Can these bones live?" was aptly answered, "Only you know, Lord."
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- By this experience of seeing God's miraculous working in an
absolutely hopeless situation, Ezekiel learned something about the character of ministry,
the habitus practicus.
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- 4. Dismantling Of Leadership. When the ship
appears to be sinking, it's always the captain who goes down with the ship. Aside from a
few faithful, most of the crew will grab a lifejacket and jump. Instant
"promotions" may be the rule of the day. An average member may instantly become
congregational chairman. Trusted and qualified leaders, always difficult to find in any
situation, are even less likely to come forth under the highly charged Level IV
environment.
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- 5. Precipitous Membership Decline. When a
congregation experiences Level IV conflict, at least one-third of the membership will
leave. Included in this group are key leaders, those who have rebelled and no longer wish
to fight, and those who simply don't want to be involved in any conflict at all. They will
not come back. In most cases, you don't want them back. What you really want, as painful
as the admission may be, is a flock of individuals with true Christian character who can
hold up to the stress of trial.
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- 6. Survival Of The Fittest. As members leave,
one or two a day for weeks on end and sometimes in groups, leaders will asked the
virtually unanswerable "Why?" The bottom line reason is that a strong church
requires individuals who can stand in battle. Those who cannot stay, who leave, rebel, or
just can't take anymore pain, experience the very real "survival" of the fittest
dynamic. However, just because someone "survived" doesn't mean they are
"fit." They may need lots of support from the wounds of war and the "shell
shock" of Level IV conflict.
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- 7. Widespread Betrayal And Withdrawal of
support by a vast majority of key influencers in the congregation. Prior to the outbreak
of conflict, there may have been a strong group of influencers to protect you. At Level
IV, these are largely non-existent. This leaves one feeling hopeless, defenseless and
lonely.
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- 8. Extreme Sense Of Powerlessness: At Level
IV there is virtually no means to control the conflict. It is a forest fire gone rampant.
Mediators may give support, but they too must wait out the conflict until the appropriate
time comes. The best analogy for Level IV conflict is being on a passenger jet. The pilot
has died. Fuel is almost empty, and the auto pilot doesn't work. Who will take the
controls? Will it be the pastor or will he jump, too?
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- 9. Major Multiple Staff Resignations. In
Level IV conflict pastors and other staff are seriously considering writing a resignation
and filling out applications for employment elsewhere. The intensity of Level IV can
overwhelm one's sense of calling. The pain is so great that the normal response is to
"get out." The pain of the ministry can make even the most resolute, gifted, and
successful pastors throw in the ministry towel to seek secular employment.
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- 10. Leadership Vacuum. One of the reasons
Level IV conflict breaks out is that the essential core leadership base has been
disrupted. Equilibrium can be severely disrupted by a vast shift in the congregational
power center due to resignations, deaths, transfers out of the area of key, influential,
supportive leadership in a very short period of time. Even if second string leaders are
available, the disrupted equilibrium caused by the massive, rapid shift in congregational
power centers cannot be easily or instantly filled. It takes times for leaders to develop
into influencers and gain credibility. Level IV conflict thrives on the vacuum created by
that lag time.
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- 11. Marked Drop In Offerings. One of the most
obvious marks of Level IV conflict is the precipitous drop in congregational offerings.
The rate of decline is seldom less than 10-20% of the annual budget per month. At
peak, offerings may decline as much as 80 to 90% of previous annual budget levels before
they "bottom out."
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- Whether the finances recover is due to a number of factors.
The key here is that Level IV congregational conflict is not characterized by the loss of
a few families and a concomitant drop in congregational offerings. It is not losing your
top five largest givers. Though these events can be painful, and though the individuals
who leave may individually be at Level IV interpersonal conflict, this is not
Level IV congregational conflict.
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- 12. Denominational Involvement. At Level IV,
you must contact the denominational officials and advise them that everything is breaking
out immediately. When you call, don't be surprised if they already know. They just
couldn't ethically intervene without you first coming forward to seek help.
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- Since they will know, the question is not whether or not to
tell them. The question is whether they will find out early enough to intervene or too
late to be of any help. If you're fortunate, they will immediately support you after your
first contact for assistance. If they don't respond, keep on trying. Level IV conflict is
not something a pastor can lead by himself and survive.
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- 13. Coping Relationship Blow-out. Many of the
relationships which you enjoyed and relied upon have collapsed. Some have collapsed from
others' fear of conflict. Others have been convinced by the opposition of your
"guilt." Others may not have the capacity to support you at this level. Still
others may feel uncomfortable as they witness what may be a frightening
"dismantling" of your personality. You may not be able to support them, either,
as you start falling apart.
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- Whatever the reasons, coping relationships are also severely
threatened in Level IV conflict. Tragically, many of them break permanently and painfully.
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- 14. Family Support Blow-out. Your family's
capacity to emotionally support you has dissipated and or metastasized into a raging
hatred of the antagonists, the church, the denomination, and God. When your own best
supporters get out of control, they are no longer able to be supportive, listening,
encouraging and calming.
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- Family members may have held you up over the years and also
during the gradual, nagging climb up the intensifying conflict. But at Level IV chances
are strong that they, like you, have reached their emotional, physical and spiritual
limit. This has numerous consequences on the family, the spouse, and the marital
relationship.
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- 15. Successive Avalanches Of Chain-Reactive Stress
Shifts. Nobody seems to be themselves, including you. Virtually everyone is
caught up in the emotions. Many cannot understand reality. It's as if everyone's flipped.
The truth is that they have...to their stress shift mode.
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- 16. Widespread Communication Failures. At
Level IV, active listening simply doesn't work with the opposition. Sometimes it doesn't
work with the support, either. Emotions are so high that people are driven by self-guided
principles. Many of these are irrational. Some are destructive. You can try to talk with
people but often it is of no visible immediate effect.
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- Why? Because virtually no one is listening. There are
several reasons why they aren't listening.
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- First, it's part of the Level IV spiritual condition.
That's specifically what Jesus referred to as the mark of being in the Satan's clutch.
"He who has ears to hear..." requires a humble, spiritual condition of the
grace-filled, Christ-centered heart.
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- Second, its a physiological phenomena. Individuals in conflict
experience a blood pressure change which diverts blood flow from their brain to their
muscles. Assumed to be the body's instinct defense response to give strength where it is
needed in danger to run, fight, et al, the downside is that the brain is deprived of
normal supply of air- and blood-borne nutrients. The result? They just aren't thinking,
can't think, and aren't poised to think.
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- 17. Predominance of The Irrational. "What
ARE they doing?" "Why are they doing it?" "Don't they see they are
destroying the church?" "Don't they see that if they don't stop, the church they
are fighting for won't exist?"
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- At Level IV, things are confused and irrational. Everything
appears driven by out-of-control emotions. Senseless words, accusations, and actions
proliferate throughout the entire organization...or what is left of it. If one tries to
confront it directly, one ends up being attacked, slandered, or at the short end of some
sort of victimization strategy.
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- Edwin Friedman, in his book From Generation To Generation,
described how family and organizational systems are emotive-driven. At perhaps no other
time is this more obvious than it is in Level IV conflict.
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- 18. Pervasive Lawlessness. Rampant, obvious,
and arrogant disregard for Constitutions, precedent, and established policies. Many
congregations are deceived into the belief that if their constitution is clear and that if
safeguards are set up, they can "structurally" avoid Level IV conflict by having
the right rules.
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- The truth is that though these may be effective at Level I-II,
at Level IV, Robert's Rules, Constitutions, bylaws, policies, and the Scriptures are all
virtually ineffective means to help control the conflict. Indeed, attempting to apply and
enforce these means may escalate the conflict further.
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- 19. Unrestrained Micro-Enforcement Of Legalism.
Everything anybody on the opposing side does is, de facto, demonic. Since the
opposition is under control of Satan, it is your God-given responsibility to go on a holy
war to investigate, find, enforce, and punish every single form of evil discovered.
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- 20. The Means Justifies Ends. In a holy war
there are no rules. The only thing that matters is the end result. Those leading
antagonistic efforts in Level IV conflict may reason that since the opposition is so evil,
who cares what happens to them? Who cares what price needs to be paid to stop them? Who
cares if the church falls apart as a result of the conflict? The most important thing, in
their minds, is to keep the opposition from getting away with whatever they are doing...at
all costs.
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- 21. Avoidance Of Accountability. If you think
you're going to get the elders to go to someone's house and excommunicate them during the
heat of Level IV conflict, your fantasy life is richer than anything Disneyland can
concoct. In Level IV conflict you will be unfairly attacked, railed, libeled, slandered
and accused of everything from not having your shoes tied during your sermon to being a
child abuser, embezzler, sex maniac, and a raging psychopath about to commit murder. Of
course, the accusations are not true. But they demonstrate just how far the Level IV
avoidance and denial of accountability can go. Is it hideous? Is it satanic? Does it hurt?
Yes, Yes, Yes!
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- 22. Self-Survival Strategies. When survival
is the issue, there are two basic strategies for self-protection. The first is flee, hide
and totally separate oneself from the threat as far as possible. The second strategy is
relationship fusion.
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- Relational fusion is marked by extremely tight dependencies on
certain individuals and groups. It is a defense strategy akin to the "old west"
Pioneer's practice gathering the wagon trains in a circle to protect themselves from the
enemy. The American Revolutionary motto, "United we stand, divided we fall," is
another example of defensive fusion.
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- Because of the ultimate importance of self-survival, whatever
differences might have existed before may be ignored. Sometimes this makes for some rather
"strange", irrational associations. These associations may seem more like
"packs" or "gangs." But, whatever their actions, their presence
indicates a remarkable directing of energies for self-survival.
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- 23. Uncertain Church Future. At Level IV
conflict there is no guarantee the church will survive at all. Certainly, having
experienced Level IV conflict, it will not be the same as it had been. Though timely
intervention, churchmanship, and other interventions may help, at Level IV one gains an
acute realization that the church exists only by the grace and will of God. If the church
will survive, it will be a demonstration of Christ's promise, "I will build My
Church."
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- 24. A Sense Of Uncertainty For Your Own Professional
Future. The experience of Level IV conflict is such that it entails an
unprecedented degree of personal and professional trauma. The weight of guilt,
worthlessness, shame, failure and rejection may combine with an overwhelming feeling of
professional ineptness and incompetence.
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- Resignation considerations can appear to be the only possible
escape from the pain. Other important decisions with long-term consequences, both personal
and professional, may also be strongly considered in reaction to the circumstances. Such
decisions, however, may be unwise and imprudent.
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- Robert Schuler's "Peak to Peak" principle ought to
be the guide for any decision at this time. "When you're at the highs in life, change
your direction. When you're in the valleys of life, change yourself." Level IV is the
lowest valley you may ever experience. But don't jump out of the proverbial frying pan
into the fire. Don't just react to the confusing stimuli which appear to engulf you.
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- You're in the valley. Stop, find spiritual solitude, and let
God change you. As He does, He'll also be changing the organization in positive ways that
will result in the basis of a passionate, dynamic, vision-driven organization.
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What Happens In The
Aftermath
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The description of things which occur in Level IV conflict
above is by no means anywhere near exhaustive. However, it does give an adequate picture
of what occurs in Level IV conflict.
As devastating as the Level IV experience can be, in the
aftermath of conflict many extraordinary and remarkable things occur. Those able to
"hang in there" will experience the greatest joy in their entire ministries as
they witness many things, including the following.
- 1) Organizational Attitude Change. Though
initially it appears "dead" and lifeless, the reality is that after a few months
a new, more positive attitude starts to emerge. New leaders become more confident and form
ministry teams to get things done.
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- 2) Increase In Individual Responsibility.
Members--both passive and active--who may have relied heavily on the pastor to do it all
and take the heat, realize that the pastor cannot do it all. They step in and take
initiative. For some it is their first time. They key, however, is not their experience.
It's their heart. They love the church and will do what is necessary.
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- 3) Change in Spiritual Level. After Level IV
is done it is obvious to those who remain that God has been in charge. He has brought them
to this point exclusively by His gracious protection. As individuals in pain seek God, so
also churches which suffer also seek God for refuge and strength (Psalm 46).
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- 4) Return to a New "Normal" Equilibrium. When
the conflict subsides, it will be akin to Noah's experience when the ark finally stopped
on dry ground. It will be the same building, but everything will appear to be so
different. Church attendance will stabilize and begin a rebound. People will start shaking
hands. Involvement in normal groups may resume or be replaced by new groups. Last, of
course, the finances will start to rebound.
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- 5) Restructuring Of Leadership. When
virtually everyone else's character has failed, there are a chosen few in the remnant who
rise to the top. These are not necessarily the existing leaders. Often they come from the
silent majority, from among those who have previously refused elective service or simply
prefer to work in the background. Their love for the Lord, His church, and for the pastor,
turns into a passionate and effective camaraderie and confidential support for the
ministry during this difficult time.
6)
Appreciation Of The Tenacity Of The Church. One of my favorite sayings is
"You can't kill a church." Though over-simplistic, this saying does make a
point. Churches are strong. Their social fabric is rugged. They can go through decades and
centuries of conflict, rough-riding, severe schism, doctrinal controversy, a variety of
pastors and leaders...and still endure.
Churches are tough. That's how God intended them to
be. Trust this special God-given characteristic of the church. Leaders who, in spite of
Level IV conflict, are able to muster up enough tenacity to function--even on the most
minimal level--resource and reinforce that tenacity. Such tenacity is solidly based on
Jesus' promise, "I shall build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not prevail
against it."
Churches are divinely strong. Leaders and churches undergoing
Level IV conflict have a first-hand experience of beholding the realization of Christ's
promise right before their very eyes.
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What To Do If You're in
Level IV Conflict
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1) Persevere.
The word "persevere" is interesting in that after
the prefix "per-" is the word "severe." That's what perseverance
is--the ability to endure the "severe."
2) Connect With God.
Perseverance at Level IV conflict requires more strength than
what individuals can bear on their own. One desperately needs God in this kind of
weakness. Get that connection with God going by reading the Bible in a deeper manner than
ever before. After all, the Bible is more than just a source for sermon material, isn't
it?
Level IV conflict will create an environment for you to see
and experience the greater riches of God's Word. Your connection with Him is your greatest
defense.
3) Seek Denominational Guidance and Support.
Granted, it appears that in too many cases finding
denominational executives willing to get their hands dirty and risk political capital for
the brother is difficult. Start at the top and work down. Don't be afraid to contact them
too soon. The lesser the level of conflict when intervention begins, the greater the
chance of avoiding direct and collateral damage.
If those at the top don't wish to intervene, keep searching.
Every denomination, somewhere, has people who really have a heart and conviction for
ministry. They are gifted, able and supportive to assist you. Hopefully they will
facilitate mediation and reconciliation processes. Whether them or others, you will need
competent mediators/reconcilers.
Whatever happens is partly their responsibility, too. They are
responsible to God for you and your congregation. Their responsibility is to admonish when
necessary, intervene when appropriate, and encourage at all times.
4) Seek Peers For Support.
If need be, put out some "feelers" for peers who may
also have experienced significant conflict. As they say, "There's a new one born
every minute." Certainly one hopes that it is not the case. The point is, however,
that by the time one completes their ministry, they have probably had some severe
conflict, perhaps at Level IV.
Talk with other brothers and sisters in ministry inside and,
if necessary, outside your denomination. Community clergy associations can be helpful. Go
to community leaders, therapists, and those who are "in the know" in your
greater community. Those which may be most helpful when denominational sources fail, are
- a) Mega-Church Pastors. A favorite, but not
always accurate, saying of mine is "Little churches, little conflict. Big churches,
big conflict." Large church pastors, pastors who have grown a church from
0-1000, and pastors of fast-growing congregations, are generally skilled and gifted
conflict managers. They have a "conflict management intelligence" as part of
their leadership gifts which gives them a helpful supportive perspective.
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- Get that perspective. Don't be too proud. Call them up. Ask
for their quality time. Sit at their feet and learn. They will most likely be willing to
help. After all, they have paid the price too, perhaps many, many times.
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- Of course, don't forget the pastors out in
"Nazareth" too. Great things come from the unknown, obscure, forgotten and
neglected corners of the Kingdom. In fact, it is from those "Nazareths" that the
greatest things can arise to give special strength.
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- b) Conflict Consultants. There are many of
them out there. The difficulty is finding the one right for you. In addition, there may
also be a consultation fee. Don't let that scare you. As the saying goes, "Advice is
worth what you pay for it!"
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- c) Community And Organizational Leaders: Have
you ever chatted with a CEO? A University Chancellor? The Head Of The University Business
or Law School? The Director of a Social Service agency? The President of very large
religious or secular organization? A Lawyer, Judge, or Politician?
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- Some of the trauma individuals experience in Level IV is the
result of not having repeated, regular, daily experience of conflict. Though a blessing,
it can also be a curse. Leaders of organizations experience the same thing as pastors and
other leaders do in the church. Rub shoulders with them. Experience how God can bless and
support His ministry in you through what Luther called the "Kingdom of the Left
Hand" (i.e. the secular vocations).
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- Don't be shy. Just pick up the phone and give them a call. It
doesn't matter if they know you or not. If they are respected in the community, it is
probably because they give respect and support. They'll probably give it to you, too.
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- d) Funeral Directors (!): Because of their
frequent association with a wide variety of pastors and church families, they are a
surprising possibly excellent source. They know everything about everybody everywhere,
including pastors. They know many of them personally. They know the good, the bad, the
inside and out. They hear it all. They can be very helpful and professional. They also are
familiar with dealing with grieving, troubled individuals. Just be sure that they are
confidential, too! You don't' really want to add more to the funeral home rumor mill, do
you?
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- e) Cyber-support: As Internet resources grow
and electronic mail becomes more commonplace, pastors will find a growing network of
support in this medium. Resources such as Ministry Health, the Ministry Health And Leadership
WebRing, or others sites which deal with various aspects of leadership, organizational
dynamics, conflict, codependencies, health and wellness, psychological well-being and
Christian spirituality will undoubtedly become more numerous.
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- Email gives unique access to individuals and professionals
like no other medium. Many noted doctors, consultants, and other ministry professionals
are available by email. Of course, striking up an old seminary friendship via email can be
an excellent source of sharing and support in difficult times.
- 5) Keep The Vision Alive.
-
Level IV conflict stalls ministry momentum. It tends to kill
vision, too. Keep the vision alive. Keep fanning the flames of what the church is about.
Bring in denominational specialists on outreach, vision and ministry directions. Attend
and invite others to attend leadership seminars and other discipleship and leadership
events.
Keeping the vision is essential because, after the flames of
conflict burn out, the vision planting and preservation you have done with leaders during
the conflict will emerge as the cutting edge of unprecedented congregational renewal.
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- 6) Start Or Expand Home Bible Studies.
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People in stress study the Bible. Those who had never been in
Bible study before may feel a strong need for pastoral and Scriptural support during the
trials of Level IV conflict. So will you. It's a positive reaction to self-preserving
fusion. The study of Scripture in small home groups can be an excellent time to support
each other. In some congregations, Level IV conflict may provide just the opportunity to
get those home groups up and running.
Publicize these meetings. Don't let these sessions be secret.
Don't let them be "gossip centers" either. Antagonists will deride them as the
pastor's "CIA" clusters. Publicize the home studies at every public opportunity
possible. Don't give anyone an objective reason or substantiation for their accusations.
Personally invite the antagonist(s) to attend. If they refuse
(which in most cases they will), you haven't lost anything. If they accept, you've gained
an opportunity to have them be influenced by the Word. Let the Word work. Whether in Level
IV conflict or not, it's all you have. Use it!
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- 7) Pursue Continuing Education.
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Whether formal or informal, reading can be wonderful therapy.
While educating the reader, reading also gives a welcome diversion. The pain of rejection
of Level IV conflict can help individuals discovery the joy of just taking a book,
studying it, and learning or getting enjoyment from it. As one writer said, "Books
are my best friend."
The continuing education experience can vary from taking up a
new hobby at the community center or formally registering for university courses...or
both.
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- 8) Find Something You Can Control, Enjoy, And Get
Self-Affirmation From.
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In a Level IV environment where everything is out-of-control,
leaders may feel lost, alienated, alone and worthless. Hobbies and other activities can
help alleviate that feeling. In addition to reading (cf. above), many find that the arts
are any excellent way to cope with the feelings of the loss of control at Level IV. Music,
painting, acting, crafts, woodworking, writing, poetry, photography, collecting are just
some of the possibilities.
An unusual phenomenon is that people often find their most
relaxing and enjoyable activity is something that they enjoyed in adolescence or in their
early adult years but never really developed. If you have difficulty deciding what you
might like, that's an excellent place to start.
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- 9) Stay Physically Fit.
-
Trauma causes people to withdraw. It takes up energy. Don't
let it. Eat healthily. Get out for walks, but only for as long as you can without
brooding. Excessive brooding can reinforce potentially deadly depression. Call members up
for lunch (but remember, salads only! Your energy levels may not be able to metabolize
multiple lunches!)
- 10) Never Give Up!!!
-
The end will come in God's time. Of course, that is never
soon enough. As each of the dynamics characterizing Level IV conflict subsides, a new era
of ministry will begin. Most churches go through chapters every 2-3 years. Level IV
conflict begins a whole new book. If God enables you to stay, do so. The rainbow of God's
promises of renewal following Level IV conflict is one of the most brilliant you will ever
see. Stay the course and anticipate renewal!
- Yes, There Is Hope!
-
- Churches can and do recover from Level IV conflict. So do
pastors. Unfortunately, too few resources exist which recognize the reality of Level IV
conflict. Ministry Health was borne
out of the Editor's personal experience of severe Level IV conflict in a congregation
which was characterized by several severe Level IV conflicts in its short history.
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- Many of the hundreds of articles deal specifically with the
issues and dynamics of the pastoral experience of Level IV conflict. That is one of the
unique contributions of Ministry Health.
Indeed, it is one of the primary reasons that Ministry
Health was written.
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- Ministry Health has numerous articles dealing with items
related to Level IV conflict. Articles on dysfunction, antagonists, spiritual
transformation, and others dealing with the habitus practicus may be specifically helpful
to help hold you up and bring you through Level IV conflict in your church.
-
- But don't do it alone. You can't.
That's why we have the Lord's promise, "I will never leave you or forsake you."
He never will. Once you've been through Level IV conflict, you will know God's power
first-hand. You will witness the amazing power He has for you and for your ministry.
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- Jesus promised to build His church against the gates of hell.
Level IV conflict will make a believer of you. He does build His church. You may have to
suffer to realize that. But remember, He had to die and rise to make the victory
reality.
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- Thomas F. Fischer
This training module is written by Thomas F Fischer, the
editor of Ministry Health. Their web-site contains many materials with much good material
on handling conflict, as well as a number of other leadership topics.
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