When Polarization Becomes a Tug-of-War
Can we find ways to call ourselves back to constructive ways of managing our differences?
conflict
What Causes Polarization?
If we are to successfully overcome polarization, we must first look deeply into its roots.
Inequality, Polarization, and Congregational Life
Economic inequality has increased, even inside congregations.
Taking Time to Get from Here to There
In a time when polarized opinions are rampant and vigorously defended on social and other media, we need to intentionally invite each other to show up at congregational meetings with more than our opinions.
Want Less Conflict? Look Out the Window!
Congregations that started a “new community outreach” in the previous five years were much less likely to report a significant conflict than similar congregations that did not.
Tolerating Bad Behavior in the Church
This morning as I was driving to one of the churches in my district I listened to the radio to get caught up on the news. It was all about President Trump’s tweets regarding the NFL and the National Anthem, escalating tensions with North Korea, and the impact of the latest hurricane on Puerto Rico. I couldn’t help but think about how the intense divisiveness in our country right now impacts congregations. I wonder if we have become too tolerant of bad behavior.
Why We Fight
Why is conflict so common in congregations? When we ask people what they are fighting about, the responses focus on the usual suspects—members’ behavior, money, worship, leadership style, and decision-making. But are these really the deepest causes of congregational conflict?