Ten Most Predictable Times Of Conflict

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1. Easter

Easter is usually the busiest time of year — even outdoing Christmas. At Easter there are more programs and worship services. Attendance is up, which creates more stress and tension. This stress can cause underlying conflicts to surface.

2. Stewardship Campaigns/Budget Time

An every-member canvas for financial pledges can uncover deeper problems in the church, and the problems may have little to do with money. A canvas provides a channel to voice dissatisfaction and complaints on any topic.

3. Addition Of New Staff

The most frequent type of conflict in congregations is between the pastor and key leaders in the church. This is particularly true when a new pastoral staff member is called. New staff means not only changes in relationships and procedures, but also changes in directions and priorities.

4. Change In Leadership Style

When a congregation hires a pastor whose leadership style differs from his predecessor, conflict is a near certainty. Changes in leadership provide opportunities for natural conflict due to the change.

5. Pastor’s Vacation

Festering problems will often surface while the pastor is away. A dissatisfied group will gather to discuss problems in the pastor’s absence, one group begins squabbling with another, or the people subconsciously panic because they unduly depend on the pastor.

6. Changes In Pastor’s Family

Changes in a pastor’s family, even for the better, will cause conflict in the congregation. These changes can create jealousy and envy issues. The church may feel neglected.

7. Introduction Of Baby Boomers Into The Church

Conflict can occur between younger baby boomers and the older/traditional generation. This is also possible between generation X and the baby boomers. Conflict comes from the difference in lifestyles.

8. The Completion Of A New Building

“After the completion of a new building clergy were vulnerable to firing” (Alban Institute and Pastoral Firings). The change in leadership focus (from building to programs) is the primary issue.

9. Loss Of Membership

As resources (money or people) dwindle, tension increases. When the pain becomes great, there is a felt need to blame someone. The blame is usually pinned on a person or group, even though the people they blame may have done little if anything to contribute to the difficulty.

10. Increase In Church Membership

As congregations grow, their personalities change. Some people like the old personality better than the new personality.

—Adapted from Mastering Conflict and Controversy by Edward G. Dobson, Speed B. Leas, and Marshall Shelley © 1992 by Christianity Today International. Used by permission. www.ctlibrary.com