Conflict Resolution Policies and Principles for Church Manuals

Conflict resolution within the church is achieved by approaching others in a spirit of meekness, kindness, and mercy while following the specific rules for private and public reconciliationPaM 268.1.

The Spirit of Reconciliation

When you believe a brother or sister has done wrong, you must guard your heart against misjudging their motives or surrendering to a sharp, critical spiritPaM 268.1+1. True resolution begins by opening your heart to the cheering rays of the Sun of Righteousness and cultivating the habit of speaking well of your brethrenPaM 268.1. Before addressing a fault, ensure you have worked out any clouds encompassing your own soul so that you can act with a heaven-inspiring influenceTSS 19.1. Jesus teaches that if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand Mark 3:25.

Private and Pastoral Authority

• The First Step: Instead of following the impulse to go to law or spreading evil reports, follow the Saviour's rule by going privately to the individual to talk and pray together in the spirit of ChristTT 162.3+1.

• Confession and Humility: Do not allow pride or selfish righteousness to prevent you from making a frank and full confession of your own wrongdoingsPaM 268.1.

• Accountability of Leaders: Ministers and parents are held accountable for evils they might have checked through the proper exercise of pastoral or parental authorityTe 257.2.

• Church Discipline: If a member persists in introducing practices that separate them from the principles of the school or church, separation becomes a necessity to protect the government and influence of the institution8MR 261.3+1.

Governance and Order

While leaders must be firm in standing for the right, they are never appointed to be rulers over their fellow men or to use a policy of compulsionSpTB09 25.5+1. Every man is to bear his own burden and encourage his fellow workers rather than discouraging or enfeebling themSpTB09 25.5. In cases of disagreement regarding church government or doctrine, believers should remember that God requires us to walk in all His ways and keep His commandments for our good Deuteronomy 10:12-13SLWM 366.3. The True Shepherd superintends His work through these delegates, and as such, they should act with the tenderness of Christ rather than imposing rules that manifest a lack of confidencePaM 286.4+1.

Avoiding Worldly Policy

Conflict is often exacerbated when men sacrifice principle for worldly policy or prevaricate to avoid difficulty4LtMs, Ms 4a, 1885, par. 50+1. Choosing a "new policy" of yielding to the wishes of the people to preserve peace, as Aaron did, only leads to apostasy and a loss of spiritual powerRH July 29, 1873, par. 17. Instead, the focus should remain on the eternal principles of justice, mercy, and loveARSH February 20, 1900, page 120.7. We are to be brothers to one another, as Christ is our only Master Matthew 23:8. If a student or member refuses to respect just rules and authority, they should be dismissed to prevent the demoralization of othersPH066 26.3+1.