Problem Solving in the Church

In an ideal fantasy world the words church and problem would never be used in the same sentence. However, we don’t live in a fantasy world and all too often those two words are the path of everyday life. People are people and even though we who are Christians have been justified, sanctified and look forward to being glorified with Christ, we are still people.

We are human after all
People are prone to mistakes, miscommunication and, let’s be honest, we still sin. Positionally, I may be perfect in Christ. My sin is covered by his blood. However, in practice I still struggle with the flesh. I’m in good company. The apostle Paul spoke of his continued struggle to let the spirit win over the flesh in Romans 7:14 saying, “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.[1]

We are still sinners
It is this bent toward sin that causes most church problems. I say often because sometimes problems arise simply because we live in a fallen world. Things break down, wear out and need to be repaired or replaced. We no longer live in the Garden of Eden (thank you, Adam). So since most problems come from personal failure, it follows then that solutions must also be personal. Solutions start with me, not you, with us, not them.

Our Attitude
Our perspective and attitude have much to do with it. Again, listen to the Apostle Paul. “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.” [2]

How do you perceive others? Do you see them as good brothers and sisters? Do you see the good in them? Are you kind and considerate toward them? Continuing to encourage us from Romans 12 the Apostle urges us to “be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.”[3]

Many of us are like that. Some of are not. Problems and mistakes will always be with us.
However, how we handle them makes all the difference.

Solving Church problems begins with me NOT the other guy.
Most churches’ problems will be solved when I solve my own problems. This is because most of our problems are between each other. Our selfish fleshly nature gets in the way of our spiritual journey. We are at times inconsiderate, insensitive, and uncaring. We may be arrogant enough to think that we are better, more important than others, and “we are right.” What I am describing is self-righteousness and it is a cancer in the body of Christ. Its reversal is the beginning of interpersonal problem solving. Let me do a little cherry picking from the same chapter in Romans. Here are a few of the habits we are to develop with the help of the Holy Spirit. I might add that they are completely contrary to the flesh.

• Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
• Live in harmony with one another.
• Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
• Do not be conceited.
• Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
• Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.
• If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
• Do not take revenge
• If your enemy is hungry, feed him
• If he is thirsty, give him something to drink.

If we do these things regularly, our attitudes toward others will change and we will no longer be able to hold onto the self-righteous attitudes that cause 90% (my anecdotal number) of the churches problems.
[1] New International Version
[2] Ibid
[3] Op cit