byIf you have been in the ministry terrain for a while, you may have realised and possibly encountered disagreements among ministers of God. I’m not talking about offences against others. No. I’m speaking about preachers disagreeing on a matter that’s somehow relevant to the work of God’s kingdom. When it happened for the first time to you, you may have thought, “I didn’t know that so-and-so, who is a staunch Christian, can do this.” Yes, you got hurt; you lost trust in people, etc. But these are not new cases before God. Several of them happened in scripture, even in the Old Testament. Abraham separated from Lot; Esau had issues with his brother, Isaac. Cain went as far as killing Abel because of a simple offering God rejected (in order for him to do the right thing).
I can mention more and more from scripture. But I want you to know that if it happens to you, don’t treat it as if you are the first person to encounter it in the world. There is nothing new under this sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). However, handling disagreements in ministry is one art you must learn as a Christian, especially if you are a leader in the ministry.
Ideas are not the same.
As long as we are humans, each person is different. Even science has revealed that each person’s fingerprint is different. That shows how unique God has made every individual. With this in view, understand that ideas are not the same in each person’s mind. What an associate thinks may be similar to another person in the team, but it is likely not the same. Because each person’s thinking pattern is different, it is possible to have team members disagree with one another. It happens in the ministry, workplaces, and even in families (among couples and siblings). Let’s look at an instance in the Bible that occurred between Paul and Barnabas.
[36] “Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” [37] Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. [38] But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. [39] Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; [40] but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. [41] And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.” — Acts 15:36-41 (NKJV)
In this scripture, we realise that Paul had a sharp disagreement with Barnabas because Paul didn’t want Barnabas to take John Mark with them on their next ministry trip. For Paul, it was because that guy (John Mark) departed from them in Pamphylia on an earlier ministry trip. According to Colossians 4:10, John Mark was Barnabas’ cousin. It could be that Barnabas insisted that he follow them because of their family ties.
However, I see Paul as right in his idea because when the Holy Spirit told the believers that he and Barnabas were to do ministry together in Acts 13:2, He didn’t say they were to add family members to their trips. Unfortunately, Barnabas fought so hard with his idea that the two separated. Imagine letting your idea destroy a God-ordained relationship. So bad. Right? The effect of this separation became so evident that to this day, Paul did more exploits than Barnabas.
Don’t hire anybody you cannot fire. Don’t appoint anybody in a leadership position as a minister or boss without letting them know they can lose that position if they mess up. Define roles, not personalities.
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Aim for harmony, not union.
In their earlier ministry trips before the disagreement, it was clear that Paul was the leader among the two (see Acts 14:12). So, if not at all, Barnabas should have learned how to treat Paul as a leader when it came to decision-making. That would have made him more submissive to Paul. But he didn’t. Well, there is a scripture that speaks on the importance of subordinates submitting to their bosses (see 1 Peter 2:18-20). However, I don’t want you to limit that Bible verse to only bosses at the workplace, but also in the ministry — be your senior pastor, departmental lead or even cell leaders.
Submission helps run a vision with harmony, not union. In other words, team members don’t need to agree on every idea that comes up. However, after the final decision is taken, everyone will have to accept and work with it. The results will show whether it’s a good or a wrong decision. Once you are a team member and have this in mind, you’ll be able to work with others, whether in the secular workplace or ministry.
Let go if the need be.
I don’t see any sense in Barnabas splitting with Paul over a disagreement. However, being a leader in ministry for a while, I have experience managing team members for some years. Sometimes, the best decision is to let some team members leave the ministry, especially those who cause strife and constant contentions. Abraham became better, not worse, after he let Lot leave. Because when God called him to leave his father’s home in Genesis 12:1, He didn’t tell him to let Lot follow him. Paul had more committed team members later on, especially Silas after Barnabas left.
As much as possible, train your team. But also be on a constant lookout for stubborn people who may have mixed up with the multitudes around you who are noted for always causing problems, and get rid of them. Don’t hire anybody you cannot fire. Don’t appoint anybody in a leadership position as a minister or boss without letting them know they can lose that position if they mess up. Define roles, not personalities. Let nobody become so crucial that your ministry or business starts to crumble without them. Take this advice. It’ll help you for many years.
You’re a blessing!
