Dealing with Conflicts and Correction Among Leaders the Right Way
Introduction
Conflict among leaders is not new — even apostles disagreed (Paul confronted Peter in Galatians 2:11). But today, with social media, every disagreement can quickly become public drama. Some call it “necessary correction,” others call it “dishonour.” How do we balance truth, accountability, and love in handling conflicts among leaders?
This discussion explores a Kingdom framework for correction and conflict resolution, especially when it involves leaders, doctrine, or behaviour.
The Tensions We Face
- Public vs. Private Correction: 1 Timothy 5:20: “Rebuke those who sin in front of everyone, so that the others may take warning.” Matthew 18:15: “If your brother sins against you, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” Which do we apply? The answer depends on context.
- Judging vs. Not Judging: 1 Corinthians 5:12: “Are you not to judge those inside [the church]?” Romans 14:4: “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master they stand or fall.”
- Touch Not the Anointed vs. Calling Out Error: Some use 1 Chronicles 16:22 (“Do not touch my anointed ones”) to silence correction. Yet Paul openly opposed Peter when his actions endangered the gospel (Galatians 2).
- Generational Tension: Should younger leaders correct older leaders? Scripture gives both the caution (1 Timothy 5:1 “Do not rebuke an older man harshly”) and the call to “contend for the faith” (Jude 3).
A Template for Addressing Conflicts Among Leaders
1) Check Your Heart First
- Is your goal restoration, truth, and the health of the Body, or is it pride, anger, or clout-seeking?
- Galatians 6:1: “Restore that person gently… watch yourselves.”
- Follow the Matthew 18 Model (progressive steps):
- Step 1: Go privately if possible.
- Step 2: Take witnesses if the issue persists.
- Step 3: Bring it before the wider body (leadership council, church, etc.).
- Step 4: Only when issues are unrepentant and damaging should it go public — and even then, the tone must remain restorative, not vindictive.
2) Differentiate Between Error & Preference
- Not every disagreement is heresy. We must discern between core doctrinal errors (e.g., denying Christ’s resurrection) and secondary issues (e.g., style of worship). Some may believe in “reckless” worship like David danced, while some believe it should be solemn. However, God accepts both.
3) Use the Right Platform
- Private matters → private correction.
- Public harm (false teaching with wide influence) → public correction may be warranted, but handled with humility and scriptural clarity.
4) Respect Order & Generational Boundaries
- Younger leaders should approach older leaders with respect (1 Timothy 5:1). Correction is not arrogance if done in humility and love.
5) Guard the Unity of the Body
- Even when disagreements remain, pursue peace. John 17:21 reminds us unity is part of our witness to the world.
Practical Kingdom Principles
- Truth and Love Together (Ephesians 4:15) – Truth without love destroys; love without truth deceives.
- Honour with Accountability – Honour does not mean silence; accountability does not mean dishonour.
- Seek Restoration, Not Destruction – Our aim is not to cancel leaders but to restore them and protect the flock.
Case Studies for Reflection
- Paul vs. Peter (Gal. 2) – A public confrontation because the issue was public and doctrinal.
- Nathan vs. David (2 Sam. 12) – A private confrontation of a king, handled with wisdom and respect.
- Jesus vs. Pharisees – Public rebuke because their errors misled multitudes.
Forum Activities
1. Scenario Roleplay:
- You discover a respected leader in your city is teaching something misleading or behaving in a way you disagree with. What practical steps would you take before posting online? Share your thoughts for feedback
2. Debate Challenge:
- Split into two groups: “Correction should always be public when the error is public” vs. “Correction should begin privately, even if the error is public.” Share your opinion and why you think so.
- 0 Replies
Sorry, there were no replies found.
Log in to reply.