This study suggests a pastoral, rather than sociological, measures in recognizing and solving inner-church conflicts that obstruct the unity and breed controversy within the Korean church. It aims to identify general reasons for such conflicts and sug...
This study suggests a pastoral, rather than sociological, measures in recognizing and solving inner-church conflicts that obstruct the unity and breed controversy within the Korean church. It aims to identify general reasons for such conflicts and suggest appropriate solutions to prevent and minimize conflicts while handling those that already exist.
For this purpose, this thesis studies the case of Yum Kwang Church, the church in which the researcher is currently serving, in order to 1) expand the level of understanding of its conflict through preaching of the word, 2) survey members' sense of the present conflict by presenting different typology of conflict, 3) study ways in which the overall view of the conflict changes over time through seminars and Bible studies, and 4) lay out the pastoral challenge toward a healthy church community by suggesting an implementation of a system of conflict resolution by establishing a "Coordinating Committee for Conflict Resolution"
Accordingly, four hypotheses are instituted for the analysis of the causes of conflict.
1. Inner-church conflicts among Christians reflect universal human tendencies.
2. Inner-church conflicts significantly differ depending on spiritual characteristics.
3. Attitudes toward inner-church conflicts will change through education and praxis that heighten understanding.
4. Inner-church conflicts are stepping-stones to spiritual growth.
To examine the above issues, a survey was conducted using Thomas-Kilman Conflict Mode Instrument. The results of the examination of the thesis hypotheses are summarized thus.
First, according to the study using the Conflict Mode Instrument, it was noted that there is an overall lack of understanding concerning the conflict.
Second, it was shown that there are more conflicts among the male members of the church than the female members. Such result stems from the fact that although women are the majority members of the church, the administrative structure (session) mostly consists of men. The study also showed that the members' economic standard of living did not affect the level of conflict. Standard of living affects such outcome in many cases, although many claim that it should not. It is the evidence of great nurturing by the ministry staff.
Third, a change in the members' attitude toward conflict is possible through education (seminars, Bible study). Such result shows the amount of impact the method of education has on spiritual life. It also proves the necessity of continued education and pastoral care.
It follows such results that Changdong Yum Kwang Church's case is unique because of its unique characteristics of the members, the minister, the church, and their spiritual tendencies. Conflicts may have a positive impact, but they may also have a negative impact, causing an upheaval of church community. Hostilities between a member and another, antagonism, jealousy, envy, violence, and division may arise, and spiritual and psychological rationale may be lost, which is detrimental to church growth. However it was also recognized that through the means of education, counseling, and coordination, conflict and hostilities will disappear, and the church will be unified like it was in the early church. Based on this conclusion, it is certain that as the minister studies the word, prays, and educates the members with heightened care and concern, the church will be a community free of conflict.