4. Bible verses on Conflict
Colossians 3:13 NIV
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has
a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
James 1:19‐20 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become
angry, because human anger does not produce the
righteousness that God desires.

5. Fear of Conflict
Do we agree because we’re afraid how our
disagreement will be perceived?
Do we conform because that is the expectation?
Do we discuss the issues and not the individuals?
Do we close our mouths because we are afraid of
how our opinions will be interpreted?

6. What does a fear of conflict look like?
Boring interactions
An environment of politics and personal attacks thrive
Critical conversational topics are avoided
Opinions and perspectives of others are ignored/not explored
Time and energy is wasted on focusing on one’s image
Infrequent admission when one says or does something
inappropriate
Issues are discussed outside of the proper forum and individuals that
disagree, seek allies

7. Impact of Improperly handled conflict
Missed learning opportunity
Isolation of potentially important views, opinions and
perspectives
Severed connections or new connections aborted
Diminished cohesion
Impairs the decision making ability of the church
Division among members and an unhealthy atmosphere
Failure to build authentic relationships

8. Churches without a Fear of Conflict:
Have lively, interesting interactions
Extract and exploit the ideas of all team members
Solve real problems quickly
Minimize politics
Not afraid to have open discussions on critical topics

9. Bible verses on Conflict
John 7:24
Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge
correctly.
James 1:19‐20 NIV
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone
should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry, because human anger does not produce
the righteousness that God desires.