Leading Through Challenges: A Guide for Local Church Leaders

Jesus said that “in this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Unfortunately, some of the trouble we face as believers in Christ includes conflict in the church. 

We’re all human; we’re all broken. That inevitably leads to challenge and disagreement. Too often, challenges in the Church lead to splits, disunity, and hurt. It’s one of the reasons that one of Jesus’s last admonitions was to “love one another” (John 13:34). It’s also one of the reasons that the Apostle Paul encouraged us to “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). 

Bottom line: Whether it’s relational conflict, theological disagreements, or decision-making issues, challenges will arise even in the most well-meaning Christian communities.

As church leadership, our role is not only to address these challenges but also to navigate them with grace, wisdom, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit—including love, peace, patience, and kindness. God has equipped us through discipleship and mentors to lead with humility and adaptability. Whether through personal interactions or through broader church ministry initiatives, understanding how to address conflict with the guidance of Scripture is key. 

In the following article, we’ll give a few tips for addressing–and preventing–challenges in the Church. 

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Common Challenges in the Church

Challenges among believers can run the gamut from political disagreement to personal offense. Here are a few common issues that church leaders may face in their communities.

Relational Conflict

In any church community, people bring different backgrounds, personalities, and expectations. Relational conflict is one of the most common leadership challenges in the church today. Whether between staff members, ministry leaders, or congregants, unresolved tensions can hinder the church’s outreach and mission.

Theological or Doctrinal Disagreement

Differences in interpreting the Bible can lead to doctrinal disagreement, even among committed believers. When these issues surface, it can create tension between those who prioritize different theological perspectives. As church leaders, it's crucial to seek unity while respecting diverse viewpoints.

Disagreement About Leadership or Management

Differences in leadership style, decision-making processes, and the direction of the church's initiatives often cause friction. Church leadership must maintain transparency in budgeting, managing church resources, and outlining the vision for the future.

Miscommunication

Effective communication is the bedrock of any healthy relationship or organization. Miscommunication, especially in an era dominated by social media and online interaction, can lead to frustration and misunderstanding. This is an area where adaptability is critical, particularly in church ministry.

Your Staff or Members Don’t Feel Heard

When congregants or church staff feel their voices are ignored, this can lead to disengagement or even burnout. Ministry leaders must create opportunities for everyone to feel heard, whether through personal conversations, podcasts, social gatherings, or church forums.

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How to Lead Through Challenges

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How to Lead Through an Interpersonal Conflict

To address interpersonal conflicts, church leaders must cultivate strong leadership skills in listening and conflict resolution. Using biblical principles from Paul’s letters, such as in Ephesians 4, leaders can promote reconciliation and emphasize forgiveness. Prayerful decision-making and the Holy Spirit’s guidance will help resolve tension and allow the church to move forward.

How to Navigate Theological or Doctrinal Differences

Theological disagreements require deep know-how and a willingness to engage in respectful dialogue. Drawing from the Bible and the teachings of Jesus and Christ, leaders should focus on fostering unity in essential beliefs while allowing flexibility in non-essentials. Encouraging a Christ-centered perspective can prevent division and help the congregation grow in faith.

How to Form a Consensus on Leadership/Management Style

Developing a consensus around leadership development and management requires clear communication and involvement from key stakeholders. Engage lead pastors, staff members, and congregants in discussions about the church’s mission, vision, and future initiatives. A focus on transparency, especially with church budgets and major decisions, will help build trust. Tools like LinkedIn or Barna research can provide valuable insights for leadership models and leadership abilities needed for today’s American churches.

How to De-Escalate a Conflict

When tensions rise, church leaders need to be patient, modeling the “peace in the storm” that Jesus exhibited. De-escalation involves listening, validating feelings, and seeking to mediate the situation. With the help of the Holy Spirit, leaders can encourage understanding and unity, preventing small disagreements from escalating.

How to Prevent a Church Split

Church splits are devastating, but many can be prevented through intentional leadership, communication, and prayer. Church leadership should address underlying issues before they fester, providing outlets for open dialogue and reconciliation. Building a culture of transparency and respect for diverse viewpoints allows the church community to stay united even when differences arise.

How to Help People Mediate Their Own Conflicts

As ministry leaders, it’s important to equip the congregation with the tools to mediate their own conflicts. Encouraging biblical principles of reconciliation and guiding others to address grievances through prayer and mutual understanding fosters a healthier, more self-sustaining church. By teaching leadership skills in conflict resolution, you empower the local church to handle issues with grace.

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Preventative Measures: Maintaining Peace and Unity in the Church

The best case scenario is to preventing conflict before it happens. Regularly communicating the church’s mission, vision, and values ensures everyone understands their role in supporting the church’s growth and well-being. Encouraging open dialogue, offering avenues for feedback, and providing ongoing leadership development and mentorship opportunities can also help resolve potential issues early.

Additionally, church leadership should model kindness and compassion in all interactions, reflecting Jesus. By treating others with empathy and understanding, leaders can create an atmosphere where people feel valued and cared for. This includes listening carefully to concerns, responding with patience, and offering support when needed. When leaders consistently show compassion, they set an example for how the congregation–and staff–should handle conflicts or disagreements.

Fostering a culture of prayer, discipleship, and reliance on the Holy Spirit ensures that the church is grounded in Christ’s teachings. By addressing small concerns before they escalate and keeping lines of communication open, leaders can safeguard the unity and peace of the local church, allowing it to flourish in its ministry and outreach efforts.

Finally, worship. When you start every meeting with worship, you set the tone for an attitude of gratitude and repentance. Worship together as a congregation and a staff, and you’ll find peace and unity–or at least, a path forward.

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Over to You

Leading a local church through challenges requires resilience, adaptability, and a deep reliance on God. Whether facing relational conflict, theological disagreement, or management differences, church leaders must look to the Bible and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to move the church forward. 

By equipping both leaders and congregants with the tools they need to navigate difficult situations, we strengthen the mission of the church and build a community rooted in Jesus. With intentional leadership development, well-being initiatives, and the constant pursuit of unity, the church today can thrive amid any leadership challenges. 

Finally, church leaders need to look to their own needs to continue thriving during difficulty. Self-care, time with family and friends, and personal retreats are critical to “make it for the long haul” and to prevent burnout. Remember to run the race well–pace yourself and look to Jesus, and you will “Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24).

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