Paul and Barnabas parted company over a disagreement about whether John Mark was suitable to share the mission journey. (Acts 15). The Corinthian letters reveal a significant tension in relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church. In 1 Cor 6 Paul makes a blunt challenge to the church regarding its capacity to resolve disputes rather than go to law. Disputes happen. Not resolving them weakens the church and our witness. Resolve Christian-Resolution is a tool in the tool belt of the church to resolve conflict and bring resolution to disagreement. We have a high priority for relational reconciliation as well as sorting substantive issues that arise. Discrete, confidential, independent, and available to all. Our Lord said, “be reconciled.” Many churches groups (denominations) have established internal structures to address conflict and differences. At Resolve- Christian Resolution we applaud this. We do note however that these processes may not always offer the objectivity mediation requires to protect people’s ministry careers / employment or their relationships with people they look to for spiritual oversight or to those they serve. Prayer points
- For a greater awareness and engagement with biblical conflict resolution processes as a blessing to the church and a witness to the world.
- For a spirit of humility even to the point of embracing Pauls mandate that it is better to be wronged than take a brother / sister to court before non-believers.
- For greater exposure and opportunity for Resolve – Christian Resolution to serve the wider church.
- For mature Christians to catch the vision to become ‘peacemakers’ and for churches to embrace a vision for peace-making and to build that into their DNA