Overcoming conflict in the New Apostolic Church
Human community is marked by mutual support and friendship, but also by differing views, conflicts of interest, and prejudices. Regular discussions engender greater mutual understanding and prevent unnecessary conflicts from arising.
Through unequivocal decision-making powers and self-imposed moderation of all involved many conflicts can be headed off in advance.
The working-together of our Brothers and Sisters is not characterized by the absence of conflicts, but by the manner in which these are resolved. Conflicts also offer an opportunity for all involved to find novel and optimized solutions; humility, love, and mutual respect facilitate this. Here a distinction should be made between the person and the matter at hand. Frequently, despite having good intentions, one unconsciously makes mistakes.
It is important to look for causes and not for culprits. However, in cases where problems stem from lack of calibre in individual ministers or commissioned persons, one must be prepared to address these and, if necessary, reassign personnel. Necessary interviews should be conducted on a dignified plane.
When conflicts of this kind cannot be thus resolved, each and every one may turn in full confidence to a higher Church authority.
“Put on therefore, as the elect of god, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
(Extracted from “Guideline Serving and Leading” – http://www.nak.org/en/about-the-nac/guideline-serving-and-leading/)
Yes you are right there will always be differences of opinion. I don’t like to view differences as conflict, conflict is only when there’s a breakdown in the relationship. The problem I find in the church is with the fact that acceptance of others is not always forthcoming. The true nature of the Christ is acceptance of others, not highlighting differences. Only this morning I considered the stance of the church, “that Jesus sent apostles to rule his church”. This statement is not completely true? The Apostle Paul said, “and He gave some apostles, prohets, pastors, evangelists and teachers for the edifying of the saints”. So one can see how the statement, ” Jesus rules His church through apostles” can be conflicting to some. I would rather the chuch state that “apostles have also been given to help humanity find the way to Christ”. The moment you send out a statement that creates “exclusivity” which is an expression of excluding others then it will create conflict! God bless you that in the infinite love of the divine Father and His dear son Jesus Christ we have the capacity to embrace everyone and that no one feels excluded!
Hi Derrick. Thank you for your insightful comment. The fourth article of faith (our creed) read as follows:
2.4.4 The Fourth Article of Faith
I believe that the Lord Jesus rules His church and thereto sent His Apostles, and until His return still sends them, with the commission to teach, to forgive sins in His name, and to baptise with water and Holy Spirit.
From this we can conclude that the job description of the Apostles are simply to:
“teach, to forgive sins in His name, and to baptise with water and Holy Spirit”. NOT to RULE. This commission is only valid until the return of our Redeemer.
Unfortunately some read more into the commission of the Apostles