I did research on “chronic church conflict.” This concept is an oxymoron as conflict dies off unless it is repeatedly re-ignited and maintained. One pastoral couple in a mainline church told me that their church conflict had lasted since 1949 (I did my research in 2005). The themes repeated generation after generation where each antagonist and protagonist was replaced in each generation (about 5 years) with others who knew the roles. In this kind of conflict, it is seldom the “issue” (whatever it might be) but the necessity of maintaining the conflictual status quo. Chronic conflict occurs mostly in closed contexts (like the church) where the roles in the conflict are well known. Congregants who are not particularly involved in the conflict adapt to it as if it is “normal.”
I did research on “chronic church conflict.” This concept is an oxymoron as conflict dies off unless it is repeatedly re-ignited and maintained. One pastoral couple in a mainline church told me that their church conflict had lasted since 1949 (I did my research in 2005). The themes repeated generation after generation where each antagonist and protagonist was replaced in each generation (about 5 years) with others who knew the roles. In this kind of conflict, it is seldom the “issue” (whatever it might be) but the necessity of maintaining the conflictual status quo. Chronic conflict occurs mostly in closed contexts (like the church) where the roles in the conflict are well known. Congregants who are not particularly involved in the conflict adapt to it as if it is “normal.”
Paddy, this is fascinating, if somewhat troubling.
Thanks for the helpful insight.
Would love to hear more. Send me a note and we’ll set up a coffee time if you’re open to it.
Great piece. Thanks for sharing.