Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

Confrontation

How to Prepare to Confront as a Missionary leader

Know that it will happen - Expect God to help.

Be sensitive - Be aware of your way of dealing with people. Can you take the risk to approach?

Ask God for wisdom, discernment, and emotional stability.

Know the importance of relationship - Relationships are not easy to maintain. Make harmony a priority.

Understand the personalities of your team members - Some will hold things in while others express openly. Some may have outbursts while others have the attitude, "I'll get you later".

Understand the many conflict possibilities - Conflict possibilities may occur because of gender, wounding, personalities, gifting, strongholds, attitudes, defense mechanisms, hiding, the attitude of peace at any price, or not facing reality.

Recognize conflict when it comes - You will notice the change in atmosphere when something is wrong. Problems are not to be avoided. They can lead to psychological side effects. They are not to be procrastinated. They should be given prompt attention, but not in haste. Emotions and imagination can take over and can become a big problem that can make any problem become more complicated.

Be accessible and readily available - Be there and don't delay. Have an empathetic ear even if you are not in agreement.

Act quickly and directly - 95% of all problems are people problems. Keep them little.

How to Confront as a Missionary leader

Pray first - Ask for God's wisdom. See James 1, Deut. 19:18.

Listen to both sides carefully - Be sure to show no favoritism, and be impartial. Let them know you value their human dignity.

Select the appropriate time - Tactfulness is important. Intuitive perception is insight that is fit and proper in a given situation which helps avoid giving offense.
Select the right words - Wrestle first with God because you need the right attitude. Don't be overly critical. Use phrasing that does not offend but demonstrates the fruit of the spirit. Ps. 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath."

Be humble and gentle - Respect the right of others, and reaffirm your love. Gal. 6:1 says to restore gently.

Look at the positives first - Show them you care.

Watch your own perceptions - Remember that anger destroys. Don't respond subjectively but with an unprejudiced view.

Be able to handle criticism - Be courageous.

Never carry gossip - Say only what is good, and don't allow rumors to continue. Don't ever give an unfavorable light which destroys one’s effectiveness. Proverbs 10:18.

Practice and encourage love which covers all transgressions - Be eager to forgive and forget. Encourage forgiveness. Show love and patience.

Treat each case as unique and different - Don't prejudge. Respond flexibility and appropriately to the person and occasion. Dealing with unreasonable people is an art.

Monitor closely the situation - Bring encouragement and hope, and reaffirm your love. Use extreme care.

Don't be overly sensitive or face too deeply any resistance - Don't overreact with hurting people, but give it to God. Don't put labels on team members, because you will react according to the label rather than to the real person. Hebrews 12:3.

Spend time with God committing your heartache and burdens to him - Don't store up frustration.

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