Are You a Peacemaker or a Source of Conflict?

Greetings from Sandy Cove! I am here at a pastor's conference to promote the ministry of Insight and to provide counseling free of charge to an pastor or couple who desire some help. The main speak during this time is Ken Sande, the founder of Peacemaker Ministries. God has used him and his organization to servce the church in helping Christians and churches to resolve conflict in a biblical fashion. He made a statement last night that really caught my ear, "Christ is the reason many people go into ministry, and conflict is what drives them out." Every pastor nodded his head in agreement, myself included.
I have counseled many discouraged pastors, talented, gifted, and called to the ministry, who are ready to call it quits because of conflict. Certainly there are pastors who are off base, power hungery, and do things to stir conflict. But in the majority of cases, the source of the conflict are certain people in the pew who thrive on conflict, especially when the dreaded "change" word is mentioned. "We've never done it that way before." "This is the way we have always done things, and this is the way we always will." Or people who just like to take pot shots at the pastor and his family. Who their friends are, how they dress, the behavior of their children, the kind of car he drives, how he uses his time, the list is endless.
So let me ask you, are you are peacemaker or a source of conflict? You may be saying to yourself, well I have never done any of the above. That is good as far as it goes, but how do you respond to others who act this way. Do you admonish them in the spirit of Galations 6:1? Do you encourage them to talk to the pastor directly if they have a problem with something, or offer to go with them? If not, then you too are contributing to a culture of conflict in your church.
Certainly when there are issues of fundamental doctrine or moral failure, the congregation and its leaders need to respond, but that is obviously not what I am talking about.
Here is something you can do right now to bless your pastor, call him and thank him for his ministry, or send him a note of encouragement. You might be the difference between a pastor who stays in the ministry, and one who throws in the towel.
Blessings,
Dr. Paul