CONFLICT RESOLUTION POLICY

                                  Conflict/Disagreement Resolution Measures

“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if the offender refuses to listen even to the church, let such a one be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again, truly I tell you, if two of you agree on earth about anything you ask, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”  Matthew 18:15–22 (NRSV)

Our goal, as a community of the faithful, is to work together in all things as we share the gospel, and to encourage each other to be the best we can be as we serve the community and the world. How we handle disagreements and conflicts says a great deal about who we are and what we value. So, when we disagree or have conflicts with one another, we will use the following tools to remain a blessed community.

In the event of alleged physical or emotional abuse, sexual misconduct, or financial misconduct with regard to the congregation’s finances, by someone other than the Pastor, the complainant should contact the Pastor. If the allegation is about the Pastor, the complainant should contact the Chair of the Personnel and Ministry Relations Committee.

In all other circumstances, the first step in addressing disagreements, conflicts and concerns is for the complainant to have a conversation with the party with whom they disagree, in an attempt to resolve the concern. Should such a conversation be uncomfortable, the complainant may invite the Pastor or a church leader to be a party to the conversation. It is essential to complete this step prior to forwarding the concern to the Personnel and Ministry Relations Committee, the Consistory, or the Spiritual Council.

Going forward, none of the above-named groups or subgroups will meet with a complainant, or read or distribute anonymous or signed letters, unless the person making the complaint has first met with the party with whom they have the problem in an effort to reach mutual understanding or resolve the issue.

In the event that an individual (or group of individuals) reaches out to a member of one of the above-named groups and indicates they are uncomfortable meeting with the party with whom they have a complaint, the church leader who receives the initial contact will offer to accompany that individual/group to meet with the party with whom there is an issue. After such a meeting/conversation occurs, if there is a failure to reach mutual understanding or resolution, the appropriate Ministry teams will become involved as follows:

1.    If the concern involves staff, the Personnel and Ministry Relations committee will meet with both parties in an attempt at resolution. If not resolved at that level, the Spiritual Council will be invited into the discussion. If agreement cannot be reached at that level and in the best interests of the life of the church, the parties will be asked to agree to disagree and to set aside the conflict, to forgive what needs to be forgiven and to focus on ways to move the congregation forward.

2.    If the concern involves another member of the congregation, the Spiritual Council will be invited into the discussion. If agreement cannot be reached at that level and in the best interests of the life of the church, the parties will be asked to agree to disagree and to set aside the conflict, to forgive what needs to be forgiven and to focus on ways to move the congregation forward.

3.    If the concern involves expenditures of money or the use of church facilities, Consistory will be invited into the discussion. If agreement cannot be reached at that level and in the best interests of the life of the church, the parties will be asked to agree to disagree and to set aside the conflict, to forgive what needs to be forgiven and to focus on ways to move the congregation forward.

It is our hope and intention that following this procedure will bring peace, understanding and grace to our community.