How to Deal with Relational Conflict: Accepting the Inevitability of Relational Conflict

Someone once said, ‘Church would be a great place if it weren’t for all the people!’ They were joking, of course, mostly. The truth is, if we live with, work around, and minister to people, the occasional relational conflict is inevitable. This Master Class explores the nature of conflict in the context of ministry and examines the Bible as a guide to effective conflict resolution.

This is part one in a five part series on 'How to Deal with Relational Conflict: A Biblical Toolkit'. 1. Accepting the Inevitability of Relational Conflict We consider the inevitability of relational conflict in the context of ministry. Even Jesus dealt with relational conflict, and so will His followers. The good news is, there will always be a need and an opportunity for leaders who are skilled in conflict resolution.

Pastor David Fleming has served in ministry for 35 years, most recently as Sr. Pastor of Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. Under David’s leadership, the church grew to become a large multi-cultural, multi-site, and mission-minded congregation that also planted churches across the US and abroad. David is now the Executive Director of the Lanier Foundation and oversees the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Center in Houston, Texas. Along with his wife, Beverly, David has traveled every month for the past four years to the UK, developing the Lanier Theological Library and Learning Centre at Yarnton Manor near Oxford. A graduate of the University of Florida, David received his MDiv and PhD from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. David and Beverly have been married for 37 years. They have three amazing children, a loving daughter-in-law, and two adorable grandchildren.

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