22/12/2025
Pastor, I have an issue with someone in the church so I think weโre going to start attending another one.
After Pastoring for over 20yrs, and interacting with other Pastors, itโs amazing how common that statement is.
So, hereโs 3 things to do when thereโs an offense with someone in your church:
1. Pray about it. As simple as it sounds, some things are fixed with a good prayer meeting.
When we get full of The Holy Ghost, it makes some things not bother us as much so we can forgive and move on. It also fortifies the walls that โprotect our heart/spiritโ.
2. Go to the person. This is often extremely difficult because people generally do not like confrontation, or want to cause drama, so they refrain. By not taking this step, you allow satan to fertilize the growing bitterness in your heart and spirit, until it grows and you share it with other people. In the end possibly having ill feelings towards people that you love, and care for you.
Going to the person directly may expose a misunderstanding, or misinterpretation of words or actions, and bring instant resolution.
3. If it canโt be resolved after talking with them directly, get someone you both trust(Pastor, Elder etc.) and sit down to discuss it. If you have someone you trust there, they will be fair and see without personal emotion and can help get resolution.
Also, be willing to receive and give grace. Rarely is one side completely innocent, so both sides have to accept some responsibility in order to have resolution.
In the end, repairing your relationship is paramount if you plan to make heaven.
You canโt make it with bitterness towards someone in your heart (even if you donโt see them anymore), and there will only be one Heaven youโll spend eternity together in.
-NSchexnayder
