Turning Crisis into Opportunity in house churches
Last week, a pastor in Korea shared a story with other pastors about overcoming conflict in a house church.
One member told the shepherd and shepherd’s wife that they wanted to leave the house church due to a conflict with them. The member even mentioned leaving the church if they couldn’t switch to a different house church. Since the issue wasn’t based on a specific reason but rather personal conflict, the shepherd didn’t allow the member to switch. As a result, the member stopped attending the house church meetings.
Time passed, and though the member didn’t leave the church, they endured a difficult period. Recently, during a Sunday message, they responded with tears during the time of dedication, making a fresh commitment. Their dedication was about obeying God’s Word rather than being led by personal emotions. The member expressed their desire to return to the house church meetings as well. The shepherd and shepherd’s wife also experienced a challenging time but decided to obey God’s Word instead of following their own emotions. They warmly welcomed the member back without any conditions. Since then, the house church has grown in peace and health. Interestingly, this wasn’t an isolated case. Similar conflicts happened in other house churches within that church. Although each house church experienced struggles, they all eventually overcame the conflicts and adapted well.
In every house church, weaknesses and immaturity are inevitable. Conflicts may arise from unexpected misunderstandings or disappointments. However, these moments of crisis can be transformed into opportunities for growth and maturity.
When problems arise, many church members become trapped in their emotions and lose sight of the bigger picture. During such times, it is crucial not to make decisions but to wait patiently. Attempting to resolve things based on emotions often escalates the conflict and causes people to miss opportunities for growth.
The key is to remain in place, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and strive to obey God’s Word. In doing so, the Holy Spirit brings clarity, healing, and opportunities for growth. When the shepherd, shepherd’s wife, and house church members all choose to listen and obey the Holy Spirit amid conflict and mistakes, they grow and mature. Seeing such transformation fills the senior pastor with pride and gratitude for the church members.
Word of the week
The Life Bible Studies for the first half of 2025 are now open for registration. If you have not yet taken Living life Bible study after registering with the church, we encourage you to sign up. For those who have completed Living life Bible study, please take one course each year from the next-level Life Bible Study series.
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이동주 2025.02.08 08:55
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Last week, a pastor in Korea shared a story with other pastors about overcoming conflict in a house church.
One member told the shepherd and shepherd’s wife that they wanted to leave the house church due to a conflict with them. The member even mentioned leaving the church if they couldn’t switch to a different house church. Since the issue wasn’t based on a specific reason but rather personal conflict, the shepherd didn’t allow the member to switch. As a result, the member stopped attending the house church meetings.
Time passed, and though the member didn’t leave the church, they endured a difficult period. Recently, during a Sunday message, they responded with tears during the time of dedication, making a fresh commitment. Their dedication was about obeying God’s Word rather than being led by personal emotions. The member expressed their desire to return to the house church meetings as well. The shepherd and shepherd’s wife also experienced a challenging time but decided to obey God’s Word instead of following their own emotions. They warmly welcomed the member back without any conditions. Since then, the house church has grown in peace and health. Interestingly, this wasn’t an isolated case. Similar conflicts happened in other house churches within that church. Although each house church experienced struggles, they all eventually overcame the conflicts and adapted well.
In every house church, weaknesses and immaturity are inevitable. Conflicts may arise from unexpected misunderstandings or disappointments. However, these moments of crisis can be transformed into opportunities for growth and maturity.
When problems arise, many church members become trapped in their emotions and lose sight of the bigger picture. During such times, it is crucial not to make decisions but to wait patiently. Attempting to resolve things based on emotions often escalates the conflict and causes people to miss opportunities for growth.
The key is to remain in place, listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, and strive to obey God’s Word. In doing so, the Holy Spirit brings clarity, healing, and opportunities for growth. When the shepherd, shepherd’s wife, and house church members all choose to listen and obey the Holy Spirit amid conflict and mistakes, they grow and mature. Seeing such transformation fills the senior pastor with pride and gratitude for the church members.
Word of the week
The Life Bible Studies for the first half of 2025 are now open for registration. If you have not yet taken Living life Bible study after registering with the church, we encourage you to sign up. For those who have completed Living life Bible study, please take one course each year from the next-level Life Bible Study series.