Dealing with Conflicts in Teams
Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. (Acts 15:37-39)
Conflict is like cancer; early detection increases the possibility of a healthy outcome (J. C. Maxwell). Remember how God continually demonstrates that effective service is done in teams: For Isaiah there was Micah, for Jeremiah there was Ezekiel, for Haggai there was Zechariah – these prophetic pairs served together, proclaiming the Word of God with adequate reinforcement and confirmation. And later in the prayer meeting in Acts 13, the Holy Spirit requested for two to be set apart: Barnabas and Saul. There is something crutially important in companionship or teaming up for mission work. I see the result of such teamwork as multiplying strength both at that time and future results.
How then do we deal with conflicts that tend to tear team members apart? I bring you this reflection for three reasons: first, that we may be thankful to God because he never sends us out lonely; He sends you out with help. Think about it – and you will find reason to be thankful to God for someone that is a great help in the ministry or God-given task. Give thanks to the Lord. Secondly, to encourage teamwork; this emphasis of its importance will awaken someone to value and make the most of this system that God blessed us with. And when you value it more, you are more deliberate at playing effectively as a companion. And thirdly, to call upon you to overcome the obstacles that this set up may meet – especially conflicts that may be experienced from time to time.
Five ways of dealing with conflict have been been observed, out of which only one is healthy (see detailed article / sermon). But, I have proposed this important position: In conflicts, you should never lose sight of the main thing; the main objective that brought you to the team should always remain in focus. Barnabas and Saul who later are seen as Paul and Barnabas were later battered by disagreements over people and places – with whom should we go, and where should we go for more missions work? This eventually tore them apart. Nonetheless, they did not stop; they each continued with the main objective – evangelistic mission. More so, they still did not go solo each, but instead found more team members.
The point has been made: we should thank God for companionship and teamwork in mission; we should detect and deal with any conflicts early enough before they bite and tear apart; an we should keep the main objective in focus, and even form more teams to advance this cause – all this because in teamwork is where strength is multiplied, the Master served effectively and glorified all the more.
God bless you all!