What Builds A Local Church (in the human perception)

LEADERSHIP

STRUCTURE

DIRECTION

PURPOSE

DESIRE

COMMITMENT

SET IN MOTION

TO LAY OUT THE PURPOSE DIRECTIVES

PROGRAMS OR MINISTRIES WITHOUT AN UNDERSTANDING OF ITS PHILOSOPHY WILL ONLY BE A PROGRAM OR MINISTRY

A set of unalterable principles that determines how you will function in the ministry

The general guidelines that will help achieve the purpose of the ministry

1. The Purpose is First


2. Then the Implementation is Second


3. Bring the leaders of ministry to agree and understand those purposes then have the workers to comprehend the intention of the ministry
   

A well articulated principle of ministry that is biblical is essential to
"DOING GOD’S WORK IN GOD’S WAY."

What should drive a particular ministry?

1. Are there different approaches we can take to have an effective ministry?


2. How do we evaluate a potential ministry opportunity?


3. How do we develop a ministry that is biblically driven?

Drafted by Charles E. Whisnant

SUGGESTING HOW TO DEAL WITH FRICTION:
IN SUMMATION

One of the primary roles and goals for PASTORS AND ELDERS is to keep the friction that inevitably and unavoidable occurs in the church to a minimum and to direct that which does occur into positive directions and ends whenever possible.

WISE LEADERSHIP DOES THIS BY

1A RECOGNIZING AND BEING SENSITIVE TO FRICTION WHENEVER IT OCCURS

2A DIAGNOSING AND DEALING WITH CAUSES RATHER THAN JUST THE SYMPTOMS OF THE FRICTION.

3A SEEKING ALWAYS FOR CONCILIATION (unity in thought and feeling) RATHER THAN FOR COMPROMISE - that is, releasing the oil of the spirit (gal. 5:22-23) into the situation and applying "the wisdom from above." james 3:17).

4A APPLYING THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES.

1. Focusing on issues and their Biblical implications rather than on personalities.
2. Remembering that negatives do not erase negatives, only positive erase negatives
3. Keeping a James 1:1-5 perspective - "considering it all joy when you encounter various trials....."
4. Maintaining a focus on successful ministries and relationship - accentuating the positive. (Don’t let the noise of friction drown out that which is working quietly and smoothly).
5. Knowing the history of conflicts - are they new or long-term and habitual?
6. Realizing that everyone involved has contributed something to the problem. (Interpreting most "I can’t" to "I won’t).
7. Keeping in perspective how the area of friction relates to the overall thrust of the church and to the cause of christ.
8. Keeping congregational enthusiasm high by consistently setting and holding up short and long-term goals before the people.
9. Crying for those who are driven away by friction - avoid the "good riddance" attitude.
10. Maintaining unanimity within the leadership.
11. Admonishing and disciplining the sinning member.
12. Maintaining an open access to the leadership by the congregation.
13. Discipline and building a better upcoming leadership in the next generation.
14. Maintaining prudent forethought in regard to any anticipated change.

5A THERE ARE SOME NEGATIVE OR COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS WHICH CHURCH LEADERS CAN INDULGE IN. AMONG THEM ARE:

1. AN "IF WE IGNORE IT IT WILL GO AWAY" ATTITUDE.
2. DEMANDING THAT FRICTION CEASE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS WITHOUT PROVIDING THE GUIDANCE TO DO SO.
3. A "WE ‘VE GOT TO WIN THIS BATTLE AT ALL COST" ATTITUDE MAYBE TOO COSTLY.’
4. A FRICTION CAN HAVE A POSITIVE OR CONSTRUCTIVE EFFECT ON A CHURCH BY
   INIGATING A NEED FOR GREATER ORDER. ACTS 6:1-7
   2B BEING AN AGENT OF UNIFICATION.
   3B FORCING PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH UNSPIRITUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR.
   - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
   For the glory of the Lord to be fulfilled in this matter that seems to be before us, there needs to be, in my opinion, a resolution that we will resolve this.

I cannot see a resolution in this matter without all parties in this matter working it out.

1 We need to reduce the tension with some mental and biblical analysis.
2 We need to settle, determine and state formally in a resolution about this matter.
3 We need to deal with questions or matters of uncertainty, conclusively. To resolve the questions before each person involved in this matter.
4 We need to cart away or dispel any doubts we may have in this matter.


= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Drafted by Charles E. Whisnant, while pastor/teacher of First Baptist Church 1980-1996 updated July 2007

The philosophy was to deal with the problem when the noise was small. At the first sound of friction try to apply to oil of the Spirit as soon as possible.

Praying for six months was never the solution, the problems never just went away.
Some times there was success.

Sometimes I have been good at this, and other times I have forgotten the principles to be applied.

HOW DO DEAL WITH DIFFERENT ATTITUDES IN THE CHURCH BODY

Part Seven

6 ARE THERE SOME NEGATIVE OR COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS THAT LEADERS MAY UTILIZE WHICH MAY LEAD TO A GREATER PROPENSITY TO FRACTURE IN THE CHURCH? yes

• THE "IF WE IGNORE IT IT WILL GO AWAY" ATTITUDE.
  
  Small fires are much easier to deal with than are larger ones. To avoid dealing with small frictions occurring among key people is generally to risk more serious friction and eventual fracture later on.
  

• The "peace-maker" who is willing to work at the quieter levels usually prevents the need later on of having to work at the noisier levels.

DEMANDING THAT FRICTION CEASE BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS RARELY WORKS

• It musts be remembered that friction is a symptom and not a cause. This means that godly leaders should be spiritual diagnosticians (good word) Uh Charity! By the way I love you sweetheart) that is -, they should be able to spot and treat causes rather than just dealing with symptoms, (a Bill Gathard Basis Institute of Youth Conflict)
• 
  A truism: There can be no real or irresolvable friction between Spirit-filled Christians (Gal. 5:22-23) - friction can only continue or be prolonged when one or more of the people involved is not controlled by the Spirit.)
• 
  To eliminate friction, then, means that correct diagnosis and where appropriate, counsel and treatment must be administered to each key party involved.
• 
  "WE’VE GOT TO TO WIN THIS BATTLE AT ALL COST" MAY BE A "TOO COSTLY" ATTITUDE.
• 
  Whenever "lines" are drawn and a distinct polarity occurs in the flock, it is a sure sign that Satan is ready to wrap up the accomplishment of his goal which is to create a permanent or long-lasting schism in the body of Christ.

• SO, AVOID ULTIMATUMS OR CREATING POLARITIES IF AT ALL POSSIBLE.
  

7 CAN FRICTION HAVE A POSITIVE OR CONSTRUCTIVE EFFECT UPON THE CHURCH ? ? Yes!

Since friction can occur only between moving objects in a functioning mechanism, the mechanism that isn’t running produces no friction.
Therefore friction is a sign that at least some function is going on. In this light, then, friction has the potential for producing PROGRESS as well as friction.

A few of the ADVANTAGES to having friction in the body of Christ. (Really)

• FRICTION (CONTROVERSY DISAGREEMENTS,) CAN TEND TO INSTIGATE ORDER WITHIN THE CHURCH t can cause a church to get organized and develop structure for meeting needs. Acts 6:1-7 and I Timothy 5:3-16

• FRICTION CAN ACT AS AN AGENT FOR UNIFYING A CONGREGATION pecially, if the friction or pressures comes from an outside source, or as a small uncommon group within the church. Acts 20:28-32.
  
• FRICTION, DISAGREEMENTS CAN FORCE PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH UNSPIRITUAL ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS IN THEMSELVES AND IN OTHERS.

When the leaders in a church exercise discipline on errant members, they will discover a rise in spiritual tenor in the church as well as a greater sense of personal sin within the individual members of the body. Matthew 18:15.

Dafted by Charles E. Whisnant

FIVE MORE ESSENTIAL ONES FOR WITHSTANDING BETTER THE DIVISIVE WORK OF SATAN

part six

10B BY MAINTAINING UNANIMITY WITHIN THE LEADERSHIP.

• The goal for every aspect of the decision-making process should be unanimity -anything less than unanimity, at every level of leadership, provides fertile ground for friction, discontent, and the sowing of discord among the brethren. I Corinthians 1:10 and Phil 2:2

• Footnote: unanimity means that the leadership has worked out an agreement as to the process. It means that everyone understands the need to come to some agreement as to the issue at hand. Unanimity doesn’t mean forced upon.

11B BY ADMONISHING AND, IF NECESSARY, DISCIPLINING THE WAYWARD SINCE THE CORPORATE WITNESS OF THE BODY CAN BE DAMAGED BY THE INSUBORDINATE OF EVEN ONE MEMBER.

• It is essential that the leadership preserve the credibility of the corporate witness through discipline. Matthew 1*15 and Galatians 6:1

12B BY MAINTAINING AN OPEN ACCESS TO THE LEADERSHIP BY THE CONGREGATION

• The leadership has two primary obligation to the flock:
  Each leader maintaining his own spirituality in an "above reproach" manner (this includes a sincere "servant’s heart" attitude); and
• Never insulating itself from rest of the membership/leadership.

• Leaders must always be available and approachable. Leadership meetings should be open with only appropriate portions closed (personnel, salaries, discipline, etc)

13B BY CONSTANTLY BUILDING UP A BETTER (MORE CREDIBLE) LEADERSHIP IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS.

• Just as every father should have the conscious desire that his children be better Christians than he is, so should church leaders have the conscious desire that the upcoming leadership be better than it is, otherwise, spiritual entropy (decay) takes place in the church.
  
• However, this "better leadership" training must be planned and designed - it demands both individual and group discipleship - it does not happen by accident.

14B BY MAINTAINING FORETHOUGHT IN REGARD TO ANY ANTICIPATED CHANGE.

• Every experienced church leader recognized that one "sure thing" friction harvest is "CHANGE." Unless prudent forethought and wise planning are activated beforehand, change will almost always, if not always, produce friction to one degree or another.
• Wise leadership anticipates and moves to reduce the potential friction by preparing the most vulnerable people for any anticipated change.
  

HOW TO HANDLE DISAGREEMENTS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

PART FIVE

James 3:17 gives us the elements of godly wisdom which are to be inserted and brought
into play in the posture of conciliatory agreeable.

❒ PURE - Godly wisdom is sincere and has moral and spiritual integrity.

❒ PEACEABLE - The WISDOM FROM ABOVE desires conciliation (unity of thought and feeling) to be achieved via the 2 lane avenue of sacrificial love (agage) and equity (justice and
fairness)

❒ GENTLE - The WISDOM FROM ABOVE contains “sweet reasonableness” - fair, generous and considerate.

❒ REASONABLE - It yields to persuasion - it listens to reason and intensely desires to be righteous at all course.

❒ FULL OF MERCY - The WISDOM FROM ABOVE is and willing, and even anxious, to forgive, good fruits - It is aggressively good in its witless for Christ.

❒ UNWAVERING - Godly wisdom is single -minded and steadfast in its desire to always please God.

❒ WITHOUT HYPOCRISY - The WISDOM FROM ABOVE is untainted by phoniness or pretense.

AN CONNECTED THOUGHT

✉ The pastor/teacher who consistently seeks conciliation (unity of thought and feelings) and not compromise, by allowing the wisdom and fruit of the Spirit to have access to others through Him will be the instrument for an ever-growing unity in his fellow-leaders and in his flock.

5 ARE THERE SOME PERSPECTIVES, PRINCIPLE AND PRACTICES BY THE CHURCH LEADERSHIP WHICH CAN LESSEN FRICTION AND THE POTENTIAL
FOR FRACTURE?

1B BY FOCUSING ON ISSUES AND THEIR BIBLICAL IMPLICATION RATHER THAN ON PERSONALITIES.

2B BY REMEMBERING THAT NEGATIVES DO NOT ERASE NEGATIVES, ONLY POSITIVES ERASE NEGATIVES

✉ that is, criticism and fault-finding does not reduce or remove friction, but praise and positive reinforcement, correctly and appropriately applied, can reduce and eliminate friction. The confronting of stubbornness, rebelliousness, poor judgment and sinful behavior needs to occur, but when it’s really just a case of different perspectives or purposes, or incomplete information it needs to be dealt with by a sincere desire to understand the other’s viewpoint and even possible discover alternative other than the two that may be in confrontation.

3B BY KEEPING A JAMES 1:2-5 PERSPECTIVE THROUGH EVERY CONFLICT

4B BY MAINTAINING A FOCUS ON SUCCESSFUL MINISTRIES AND RELATIONSHIPS.

▲ Don’t let the friction take you away from the care and nurture of the productive ministries. ACCENTUATE the POSITIVE.

5B BY KNOWING THE HISTORY OF CONFLICTS.

▲ Like feuds, sometimes the real reason for peoples friction may have been long lost and forgotten and the friction is simply habitual.

6B BY REALIZING THAT EVERYONE INVOLVED HAS CONTRIBUTED SOMETHING TO THE PROBLEM.

▲ Seldom, if ever, is there real or total innocence, and everyone involved can contribute something to its solution if they really want to. (It is generally accurate to interpret “I CAN’T to “I WON’T.”)

7B BY HIGHLIGHTING THE RELEVANCY OF THE AREA OF FRICTION TO THE OVERALL THRUST AND PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH and CONSISTENTLY CLARIFYING EXPECTATIONS AND GOLDS SO THAT VARIOUS PERCEPTIONS CAN HAVE AN ORIENTATION POINT:

8B BY CONSISTENTLY SETTING SHORT AND LONG TERM GOALS THAT PEOPLE CAN BE DELIGHTED ABOUT and which can motivate both serving and giving.

▲ People need exciting and reachable goals consistently cast before them. (Caution: Do not leave unfinished goals scattered in the past, however.) Christians need to focus on finish lines instead of hurdles) Phil 3:14.

9B BY LAMENTING (crying: I don’t do that often) FOR THOSE WHO ARE DRIVEN AWAY BY FRICTION

▼ Carefully avoid the “good riddance” attitude” “Where is the back door.” attitude. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you,” Proverbs 3:3a)

Drafted By Charles E. Whisnant

HOW TO DEAL WITH DISAGREEMENTS IN THE CHURCH

Part Four

2. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OR SOURCES FRO FRICTION AMONG SAINTS

• Church conflict or friction can arise from any number of sources. It may be the result of conflicting theological, philosophical or ideological points of view between two persons or several.. Breaking it down, however, we can probably categorize the differences into the three following areas:
  


• DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES


• DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES:


• DIFFERENT PURPOSES:]

HOWEVER:

• The ultimate answer to both the prevention and cure of friction and conflict among believers is found in the leadership of the church maintaining a consistent example of Philippians 2:3


• Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with HUMILITY of MIND let EACH of you regard or esteem one another as more important than himself; DO NOT merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."
  

However, two other sources of friction in the fellowship which have solely negative or fractional intent and are not due to honest differences.

• A BELIEVER OUT OF STEP WITH GOD ON A LONG-TERM BASIS AND THUS REBELLIOUS, BITTER AND VINDICTIVE IN HIS HEART.
  


• There are a number of reasonable concludes for his factional attitude: e.g. reaction to physical illness, stress; loss; sorrow; long-term, unresolved anger; unconfessed sin; drugs; alcohol; bitterness; lack of ambivalence; etc.

• The answer here is to confront the sin problem until it is confessed and dealt with. Deal with the cause rather than the symptom. (Gothard) - seek to find the emotional wound or hurt out of which the rebellion, bitterness and vindictiveness flow, don’t just seek to confront these isolated from their causes

• TARE - TROUBLE:
  Christ tells us in Matthew 13:24-30 that wherever there is a true body of believers, Satan ("the enemy") will plant false believers. These false or pseudo ) counterfeit believers (some might know they are tares and some might not) will work in harmony with Satan’s goal which is to produce greater and greater friction for the purpose of FRACTURE.
  


• 2 Corinthians 11:13-15
  


• Romans 16:17-=18

3 CAN FRICTION IN THE CHURCH EVER BE TOTALLY AVOIDED ? No ! !

• EXCEPTION: Only if everyone in the church is dormant and does nothing - of course that is a description of that which is dead.


• TRUISM: Any action or movement WILL produce resistance, disagreements, dissension.

4 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON POSTURES PASTORS/ELDERS TEND TO TAKE IN REGARD TO FRICTION IN THE CHURCH ?


One of the primary keys to coping with friction ( resistance, disagreements
dissension, etc. in a church is the pastor/teacher, who is usually at least part of the problem, and can be a large part of the solution.


Every pastor/teacher at one time or another (and usually on a continuing basis)
is going to have to cope with frictional situations by opting for one of the following three roles postures in regard to the heat being generated by the friction. (At least in my years of experience as a pastor/teacher)


DEFENSIVE POSTURE:

• This posture seeks to defend self and/or others at all costs - it is the to "make sure you come out clean whatever the cost." kind of posture (even at the expense of having to possibly twist the truth, or deal in half-truths, or to shifting the blame to one degree or another, or pleading ignorance, or neglecting to investigate, or.....) You get the point here!


• 
  
• This position is like withholding lubrication from the surfaces which are rubbing together - it simply maintains or increases friction to one degree or another

AGGRESSIVE POSTURE

• This posture primarily tries to find fault rather than to resolve the issue. It seeks to place the blame on someone else by direct or indirect implication. It is a "Let’s pin the blame on someone" attitude - it is vengeance rather than resolution


• Like sand being poured into the machinery of human relationships, this position increases the friction, therefore increasing the long-term damaging effects of any abrasiveness between fellow believers.
  

ACCOMMODATE POSTURE: (to conciliate - to make compatible.)

• This is the only wise option because it is the one in which the unity of though and feeling between those involved is the goal. ("when we are slandered we try to appease... I Corin 4:1`3a)


• In this posture the goal is to pour the oil of the Spirit between the abrasive contacts. (Gal. 5:22, 23) therefore seeking to reduce or even eliminate the friction that has produced the anger and the alienation.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity." Proverbs 2:6,7

Drafted by Charles E. Whisnant

HOW TO DEAL WITH FRICTION IN THE CHURCH

part three

Without question Satan’s priority for the church is to destroy its witness to the unifying love of Christ.

• John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
  

IN CONSTANT,

• God’s priority for His church is that, by being bathed in the bond of Christ’s love, it be harmonious in spirit and in mind.

HOWEVER

• Since we saints are still in the process of becoming perfected (2 Corinthians 3:18) it is not possible to consistently arrive at unity of THOUGHT AND PURPOSE with out some HEAT and SPARKS being generated. ("Iron sharpers iron, so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17), which usually produces heat and sparks.)
  

• That heat and those sparks are the consequence of still ROUGH and IMPERFECT saints rubbing against each other (friction) and is generally unavoidable in the process of DECISION-MAKING and arriving at ONE-MINDEDNESS or HEART-HARMONY, which is always to be the goal of the church or any group within it.

• Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be LIKE-MINDED, having the SAME LOVE, being of ONE ACCORD, of ONE MIND." Phil 2:2 .

SO,

• Since there is no known way to always avoid the Christian friction due to our still sinful state, it is essential that leaders in the church learn how to turn the friction, which primarily negative (Pride, ego, self-concern) and divert it inot a positive direction

‘ "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

• The thought behind this paper is to use the FRICTION in the church to produce GREATER UNITY rather than to cause factions and fractures.
  

JUST A MEMO

• CHURCH LEADERSHIP SHOULD REALIZE THAT ONE OF IT’S PRIMARY ROLES IS - -

1. To anticipate friction between members, and especially between LEADERS, for it WILL happen - it is inevitable.

2. To consistently anticipate friction (due to disagreements ) producing situations and decisions and to work preventively to keep the friction at a minimum;

AND WHEN FRICTION DOES OCCUR,

3. Turn the friction, whenever possible, away from a destructive direction to an edifying one in which Christ is lifted up and God is glorified.

This paper will give some suggested principles, perspectives and practices in answer to the following questions.

• The questions, refere back to part two.

Well here we go with this project. In every church I have been the pastor/teacher in four churches and there has been heat and sparks flying in every church. I took this personally. And was discouraged that this was happening in every church I was on staff. But I soon discovered it happens every where in every church. So lets look that these seven questions

1 Is there going to be friction in every local church? YES!!!!

There is going to be feuding, fighting and fussing in every assembly of true believers. The "flesh" to which every believer is bound, makes friction inevitable.

2 What are the most common causes or sources for friction among saints?

Refer back to part one for this.

Charles E. Whisnant

DISAGREEMENTS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Part Two

This paper will give some suggested principles, perspectives and practices in answer to the following questions.

IS THERE GOING TO BE FRICTION IN EVERY LOCAL CHURCH?

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OR SOURCES FOR FRICTION AMONG THE SAINTS

CAN FRICTION IN THE CHURCH EVER BE TOTALLY AVOIDED?

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON POSTURES PASTORS/LEADERS
TEND TO TAKE IN REGARD TO FRICTION IN THE CHURCH

ARE THERE SPECIFIC PERSPECTIVES AND PRACTICES WHICH CHURCH LEADERS CAN APPLY WHICH CAN MAKE A CHURCH LESS VULNERABLE TO FRACTURE FROM FRICTION, AND IF SO, WHAT ARE THEY.

ARE THERE SOME NEGATIVE OR COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE ATTITUDES AND ACTIONS THAT LEADERS MAY UTILIZE WHICH CAN LEAD TO GREATER POSSIBILITY FOR FRACTURE?

CAN FRICTION HAVE A POSITIVE OR CONSTRUCTIVE EFFECT UPON A CHURCH

Well here we go with this project. In every church I have been the pastor/teacher in four churches and there has been heat and sparks flying in every church. I took this personally. And was discouraged that this was happening in every church I was on staff. But I soon discovered it happens every where in every church. So lets look that these seven questions

Next Time

RESISTANCE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

Part One

Eric Bancroft is the Pastor of High School Ministry in Grace Community Church, and spoke this year in the Shepherd’s Conference 2007.. He referred to his "Staff Resolutions". So I called and the student ministries secretary e mailed me their staff resolutions. The list was short for the workers who serve in the High School Ministry. The word "resolved" was used and I like that term.

"Resolved". The term has several meanings. One is "To reduce the tension with some mental and biblical analysis." Over the years there has been in ministry this "tension" between staff and membership. Membership has matters that can’t be resolved with staff, and then there is the staff issues with other staff members.
The number of illustrations that I could illustrate this point are many. Somehow we need to learn how to resolve tension in the flock. We need to reduce the friction in the flock.

Without question Satan’s priority for the church is to destroy its witness to the unifying love of Christ.

John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Satan’s primary "M.O." (Method of Operation) is to stimulate Christian ego or pride (the flesh) and create friction by rubbing Christian egos against each other. (Now, Christians are perfectly capable of doing this without Satan’s help) until heat and sparks are of sufficient quality to generate a fire which can burn up, or at least wither the loving and concerned relationship which the spirit of God creates between the brethren. This friction, of course, can lead to factions which, in turn, can lead to fracture in the church. This accomplishes Satan’s number one goal which is to destroy the unified witness of the body, the very thing we are to avoid.
"And DO NOT grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted FORGIVING each other." Ephesians 4:30-32.

I attended Shepherd’s Conferences in 1982 and again in 1990. I had been pastoring FBC for two years in 1982 and there was a lot of friction or dissension those first few months. Our Asso. Pastor and deacons and I were at odds, as well as some members. I attended the Shepherd’s Conference at Grace Community Church, and I received some very good advice in this matter of friction and dissension and disagreements. The first three months we didn’t know very well how to handle this problem. And teachers and deacons left the church. A few months later the asso. pastor left the church because of the disagreement over my change to expository preaching and teaching. But we were able pour the oil of the Spirit between the abrasive contacts (Gal. 5:22,23) Thus we were able to reduce the friction that had produced the anger and the alienation. And for the next sixteen years we had some friction in the church, but we were able to have fewer disagreements.

TWO QUESTIONS AND THEN THE ANSWER::

Is there going to be friction in every local church?

What are the most common causes or sources for friction among the saints?

• Is there going to be friction in every local church? YES!!!!
  There is going to be feuding, fighting and fussing in every assembly of true believers. The "flesh" to which every believer is bound, makes friction inevitable.

What are the most common causes or sources for friction among saints?
Church conflict or friction can arise from any number of sources. It may be the result of conflicting theological, philosophical or ideological points of view between two persons or several.. Breaking it down, however, we can probably categorize the differences into the three following areas:

1. DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES
   Interpersonal friction (disagreement) can arise from abrasive portions of personality differences. Sometimes, also, very strong emotional needs of different individuals will lead to struggles because of frustrated needs about which they have strong feelings.

1. DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES:
   Individuals will view events and circumstances differently, and since their responses are conditioned by past experiences, the same information may trigger distinctly different images and concepts and opinions in the mind. It is even possible that each perspective has a degree of validity when seen from that particular perspective.

1. DIFFERENT PURPOSES:
   Goals and objectives, when not seen in the same light as the originators see them or without an understanding of the supportive information which led to the formation of the goals and objectives, can cause disagreement, lack of support and even open opposition.

Since disagreement is seldom found in just one of these possible sources, but is usually a combination of two or more and each to a different degree, it is often extremely difficult to diagnose and deal with it.

HOWEVER:
The ultimate answer to both the prevention and cure of friction and conflict among believers is found in the leadership of the church maintaining a consistent example of Philippians 2:3

• "Do nothing from selfish or empty conceit, but with HUMILITY of MIND let EACH of you regard or esteem one another as more important than himself; DO NOT merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others."

Drafted By Charles E. Whisnant July 3 2007 and proof read by Charity 07 03 07

WHY DO WE HAVE A MINISTRY OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION? FOR WHAT REASON DO WE BELIEVE WE SHOULD EDUCATE OUR CHILDREN, & YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS?

What is the vision that we have for our youth in the next two years? What is the aim of our education? What do we believe is the most important result of the ones that enter into our building to each week? What do we hope will occur in the lives of our young people?

A Vision: visualize

Now what is the most fundamental thing we can say about Christian Education?

This vision and this ministry , this building are about educating children, and youth and adults to love the Lord Jesus Christ with all their hearts, mind, and body.

The vision in part is to see children, youth, and young adults have a recognize love of the Lord Jesus Christ. And the first essential teaching that will produce that kind of fervent love is teaching "Knowing God." If they had a vision of God as Isaiah had. Isaiah 43 and 44 give an overwhelming description of the absoluteness of God. "God’s commitment to being God and being known as God is like a thunderclap in these chapter."

• "Authenticity and transparency in communicating in large and small groups settings." A reasonable idea. I really am beginning to love our group in Discipleship hour at our table.

• "Vulnerability with our imperfections that encourage candor, not concealment."

• "Equipping "incubators" to support the "newborns" that God brings forth."

• "Cultivating a ministry mindset of creativity, flexibility, and responsiveness to new
• needs."

• "Increasingly visible, authentic, practical ways of loving each other."

• "Eager openness to new people and the avoidance of cliquishness."
  
• "The freedom to relax and enjoy each other and God’s Word in casual ways."

• "The importance of small groups for building caring, faith-sustaining relationships.
  
• "A strong attention to bringing children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

• "A spiritually dynamic youth ministry that equips teenagers for courageous Christianity."

• "Capturing the hearts and minds of college / career students with a biblical vision of God."

• "Being a place where single people can flourish with each other and in family."
  
  
  Drafted by Charles E. Whisnant