Conflict as an opportunity
for spiritual growth, discipleship & christian virtue
by reverend Daniel devries
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What if the some of the biggest conflicts in our churches are actually opportunities for spiritual growth, discipleship, and practicing Christian virtue? This is the kind of question the Colossian Forum explores through its mission and its “Colossian Way” discipleship process. As the Colossian Forum website states, “We serve as catalysts for healing by transforming divisive topics into opportunities to be deeply formed into the image of Christ.” The organization has done extensive work helping churches navigate conversations about biblical creation and evolution, human sexuality, and is now working on material addressing the divided political atmosphere in American churches.
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On September 20-22, 2018, the Colossian Forum held its first annual conference. The conference was sold out, but several representatives from the RCA in Canada were able to attend.
Taking place in Holland, Michigan, the event was headlined by Richard Mouw, Mwenda Ntarangwi, Jenell Paris, Colossian Forum President Michael Gulker, and Director of Forums and Scholarship Rob Barrett. |
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Attendees enjoyed engaging plenary addresses and a variety of workshop options. The theme of the conference was “Moving from Fear to Hope: Christian Practices for Polarized Times.” We were consistently challenged about the posture with which we enter into and navigate conflict: Is it to “win”? What does “winning” mean? When is it better to stay connected and practice virtue and humility rather than to insist stridently that others adopt our views or convictions? We wondered together: Where are the boundaries for unity amidst conflict? What kind of conversations fall outside the pale of this approach, if any?
While each of us continues to wonder and discern these questions in light of Scripture and for our own conscience and context, some things are certain: The topic of this conference is timely, both within and without the church. Fear is real. Conflict is living among us. And refusal to enter divisive conversations is tantamount to work avoidance.
Whether (and when) we can agree to re-frame success in difficult conversations in terms of discipleship and Christian virtue rather than coming out “right” (and bludgeoning - er, convincing - others to agree with us) is a question for each person in each divisive topic. The biblical pair of “grace and truth” proves a perennially difficult odd couple, and we’re reminded again and again that Jesus Christ was the only human “full” of each of these (John 1:14). Our task is to follow the leading of the Spirit to become more deeply formed into Christ’s image. The Colossian Forum offers one timely and challenging resource to this end for churches and ministry leaders.
For more information about the Colossian Forum, visit www.colossianforum.org.
While each of us continues to wonder and discern these questions in light of Scripture and for our own conscience and context, some things are certain: The topic of this conference is timely, both within and without the church. Fear is real. Conflict is living among us. And refusal to enter divisive conversations is tantamount to work avoidance.
Whether (and when) we can agree to re-frame success in difficult conversations in terms of discipleship and Christian virtue rather than coming out “right” (and bludgeoning - er, convincing - others to agree with us) is a question for each person in each divisive topic. The biblical pair of “grace and truth” proves a perennially difficult odd couple, and we’re reminded again and again that Jesus Christ was the only human “full” of each of these (John 1:14). Our task is to follow the leading of the Spirit to become more deeply formed into Christ’s image. The Colossian Forum offers one timely and challenging resource to this end for churches and ministry leaders.
For more information about the Colossian Forum, visit www.colossianforum.org.