Benefits of Church Conciliation.

There are many benefits by making a concerted effort to reconcile your differences in the church. Some of them are spiritual, relational and financial. Let me say just a bit about each one.

“ The popular concept of unity is a fantasy land where disagreements never surface and contrary opinions are never stated with force. We expect disagreement, forceful disagreement. So instead of unity, we use the word community. The mark of community — true biblical unity — is not the absence of conflict. It’s the presence of a reconciling spirit.”

BILL HYBELS

Pastor Willow Creek

Spiritually: I know of no greater place to be, regardless of the turmoil that surround me, to be doing exactly what God wants me to do. The Bible makes it clear as to what our responsibilities are in conflict. To seek conciliation in conflict is God's will, and doing God's will is what walking in the Spirit is all about.

Relationally: Churches are families and when a family is divided by conflict it rips the fabric of relationship and the pain is felt on many different layers. Human relationships have the ability to bring us great sorrow but also great joy . Like the father of the prodigal son, there is great joy in a relationship conciliated; an experience we all share as Christ followers being conciliated to God the Father through the work of Jesus Christ.

Financially: For a church, the math is simple. Unhealthy conflict facilitates the shrinking of the church and along with its budget to do the work to which it is called. Although financial issues may not be the primary consideration for conciliation, it is usually the issue that get leadership's attention. Conciliation promotes unity, not conformity. It may reveal and opportunity to get behind those who are passionate about a ministry to support.