Bethlen Évkönyv, 1993-1996 (Ligonier)
Dr. Eva M. Fabian: Qualifications, conflicts, compensations
We realize how unforgiving and resentful we are when somebody deeply hurts our feelings. We realize how much our left hand knows what our right hand does when somebody forgets to thank us for a good deed. We realize how short our temper is when somebody has a different opinion. We realize how envious we are when somebody’s grass is greener than ours. Just as the cross of Jesus Christ was a place of conflicts, yet the greatest solution for our human predicament, conflicts can also serve as opportunities for growth in Christian life and character. The same principle applies to congregations. Christian churches also can grow through conflicts and problems. They offer unparalelled possibilities for the service of elders. Pastors and elders are a team called to be problem managers, conflict solvers in the congregation. They should be part of the solution. We are going to refer only to three specific fields in conflict management. 1) God calls elders to be agents in church discipline. Most of our congregations fall short of Calvin’s four criteria of a true Christian church. That is, a) the pure preaching and hearing of the Word of God; b) the administration of the sacraments according to the institution of Jesus Christ; c) the exercise of diakonia; and d) the exercise of church discipline. Undoubtedly, we have problems with the first three requirements. Nevertheless, none of them are so completely disregarded in our congregations as discipline. The misconception and misuse of freedom in the United States may hinder church discipline, but it never can excuse the lack of it. True, we are afraid that the admonished members may leave, and they often do. Yet, how about being afraid for their eternal destiny when they show unmistakable signs of open disobedience to God? Here is help from God’s Word, how to exercise tough love in His family. Please read: Matthew 16:19; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 2 Corinthians 2:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 15; 1 Timothy 1:20, 5:1-8; James 5:19, among other scripture references. 2) God calls elders to fulfill the honored ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Peacemaking in cases of interpersonal conflicts between members, elders, pastor and people 142
