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Clarifying Values - Part Four: Conflict

Navigating Tough Decisions Together

Conflict is inevitable in every community. And that includes the Church. Disagreements can arise over various issues—how we worship, allocate resources, or structure our ministries. However, conflict doesn't have to harm us. In fact, clarified values can turn potential conflict into constructive conversations, strengthening our unity and sharpening our mission at HBC.

What Is the Role of Values in Conflict?

The early church faced significant conflict over matters of doctrine, tradition, and practice. In Acts 15, during the Jerusalem Council, church leaders resolved disagreements by focusing on shared values—unity in Christ and the advancement of the gospel. Their approach transformed potential division into deeper unity and greater gospel effectiveness.

Clearly defined values act as a common ground, a foundation that we can all return to when disagreements arise. While preferences differ widely from person to person, our shared values provide clarity and consistency. They remind us that the decisions we make together aren't just about individual preferences—they’re about our collective mission and calling.

Why Do Values Matter in Conflict?

Patrick Lencioni is helpful here, saying, “Organizations learn, grow, and become healthy by how they handle disagreement.” Our clearly articulated values allow us to handle conflicts constructively rather than destructively. Instead of debates about personal preferences or traditions, values help shift the conversation to mission-driven solutions.

When disagreements arise, rather than focusing on what each individual wants, we ask, “How does this align with our shared values? How does this decision further our mission to connect people to the hope of the gospel?” This approach not only resolves conflicts more effectively but also deepens unity and trust.

How Do We Use Values to Navigate Conflict?

Practically, clarified values help us navigate conflicts by:

  • Providing Shared Language: When disagreements surface, we return to our values to guide conversations and decisions, reducing confusion and emotional tension.
  • Prioritizing Mission Over Preferences: Values remind us that the ultimate purpose of our decisions is mission-driven, not comfort-driven.
  • Encouraging Healthy Dialogue: Values create space for respectful discussions, allowing us to listen and learn from one another, even in disagreement.

How Does This Impact A Church's Future?

Using our values to navigate conflict ensures:

  • Greater Unity: Even in disagreement, we remain united around our mission.
  • Deeper Trust: Members trust leadership and each other because decisions are transparent and value-driven.
  • Stronger Commitment to Mission: Healthy conflict resolution keeps our church focused on its mission rather than distracted by personal disputes.

Moving Forward Together

Clarifying values doesn't eliminate conflict. The Resurrection will, but that’s still a ways off. Clarifying values does equip us to navigate it effectively. At HBC, let's commit to using our clarified values to approach conflicts with humility, grace, and a shared commitment to our mission. Together, we can build a church that not only survives conflict but thrives because of it, growing stronger and more effective in connecting people to the hope of the gospel.