Church Conflict - 3

Church name: Prapradaeng Church.

Interviewer: Lers Thisayakorn

Interviewee: Deacon Chalid Saetou (Deacon of Prapradaeng church between 1992- 1998

Time: A.D. 1998

Cause of conflict
Personality clashes and power struggle between Pastor and Deacon There were arguments between the two parties on almost all church and non church matters. The final show down was both were exchanging punches up on the altar on one Sunday morning worship.

The way it was handled
Both sides tried to gather supports of the church council and members.

The result
There were serious arguments going on for a long time between the two in and out the church. Finally, the pastor managed to rally sufficient supports to oust the Deacon off the church. The Deacon left the church with one third of the church members immediately after the defeat.

How should it be better handled?
It seemed that it was only a matter of time the two would part. Separation was really inevitable. But certainly the conflict should not have been developed into the point where Pastor and Deacon were fighting in front of the members of the church on Sun day morning service. Both were born and grown up in the church. Both had been teacher and preacher for years. It would be difficult if not impossible for others to stop the prolonged on fighting between them. It was certainly a mishandling of church conflict by the two top leaders.

Biblical example
1 Corinthians 6:1-4 Corinth is a New Testament church with numerous internal church conflicts.

Cause of conflict
Personality clashes and power struggle in the church. They were unable to settle the conflict amicably among themselves.

The way it was handled
They took the case to the worldly court to settle their dispute.

The results
They relied on judges to make a verdict instead of seeking advice from the Saints to mediate their differences.

Could it be better handled?
Paul advised that they should appoint judges from among the believers in the church to conciliate and if necessary arbitrate on them.

The writer was a Deacon of the Prapradaeng Church between 1992-1995. He became a senior Pastor of the Tabernacle Church during 1995-2001