At Grace Community Church we understand that we are all imperfect people who are part of an imperfect church. We all have baggage, struggles, and challenges that God is bringing us through to sanctify us and conform us into the image of Christ Jesus our LORD. We know that we are not in a battle against flesh and blood, but against the powers and principalities of darkness (Eph 6:12). We know that Satan is a very real enemy with a very real agenda  that stands opposed to Christ Jesus and His (2 Cor 2:11; John 10:10). While addressing difficult issues within the Body of Christ (the church) is often hard and even painful, we know that conflict delayed only results in conflict multiplied. Therefore, as devoted members of this local church we are committed to glorifying our God of Holy Trinity in everything we do (1 Cor 10:31) by faith in Christ Jesus (Rom 14:23b). This includes addressing, confronting, and resolving conflict in a God-honoring fashion for the edification of this local church and the unity of Christ's Body and Bride.

1. Look to Heaven First & Frequently
Prayer: As a person of faith in Christ Jesus, pray for discernment, wisdom, patience, and a heart of reconciliation (Psalm 139:23-24; James 1:19-20; Pr 15:1; Gal 6:1; Eph 4:15; Pr 12:18; 1 Pet 4:8; Col 3:13; Matt 7:5)
Identify the Issue: Clearly define what the issue is and why it concerns you. Focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than general character judgments.
Self-Examination: Consider your own role in the situation. Are there ways you might have contributed to the conflict or misunderstanding?
Intentions: Approach the conversation with the goal of understanding and reconciliation, not merely to express grievances or assign blame.
Be Objective: Feelings, while important, are subjective. "I feel" statements are neither biblical nor a healthy road to resolution or reconciliation. Feelings are subjective while truth is objective. Unless one can move past personal feelings into objective reality to identify a legitimate offense, confrontation is unwise (See Pr 18:13; 19:11; Ps 119:165).

a. Individual Reconciliation
Matthew 18:15-17: Jesus provides a clear process for resolving personal conflicts:
Private Confrontation: If someone sins against you, go to them privately and address the issue with gentleness and respect rather than accusations and emotional outbursts. The goal is always God-honoring reconciliation.
 -Assumptions: Don't assume the alleged offender is aware of their sin or transgression. We call blind spots such because we are unaware of things that are typically obvious to others. Ask questions to gain a better understanding of perspective. Use open-ended questions to encourage dialogue.
 -Be Gracious: Describe the specific action or behavior that was problematic. Avoid vague statements and generalizations.
 -Delivery: Ensure that your body language and tone convey openness and respect. Strive to maintain eye contact and use an open posture. Refrain from crossing your arms, rolling your eyes, pointing, or other gestures that might be perceived as aggressive, defensive, or dismissive.
 -Common Ground: Emphasize common goals, vision, and values to build a foundation for understanding and resolution.
 -Solutions: Work together to find solutions or compromises that address both parties’ concerns.
 Involving Witnesses: If the person does not listen, take one or two others with you to establish the matter by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
Church Involvement: If the person still refuses to listen, bring the matter before the church. If they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as a “pagan” or “tax collector,” meaning they are to be excluded from fellowship.

b. Seek Mediation
Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” This principle suggests that resolving conflicts should be done with patience and kindness.
Proverbs 18:17: “In a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.” This emphasizes the need for careful consideration and fairness in resolving disputes.

Because The Bible reveals that both Christ and His Church will be opposed, hated, and rejected (John 15:18-25), and that Satan will used false prophets, teachers, and wolves in sheep's clothing in an effort to undermine the effectiveness and impact of the Church (Matt 7:15-16; Acts 20:29-30; 2 Cor 11:13-15; Gal 1:6-9; 2 Pet 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1; Jude 1:3-4), the church, leaders, and members, are compelled to maintain diligence regarding the integrity of church leaders.
From time to time, questions and concerns may arise from members or other leaders regarding either a) obvious and overt outward behaviors (lying, dishonesty, inappropriate conduct, poor treatment of others, or specific moral failures) or b) from subtle and covert inward motives (pride, selfishness, bitterness, insecurity, or a desire for control). Regardless of the nature of the offense (obvious/overt or subtle/covert), church members are not only entitled, but obligated to prayerfully discern, confront, and resolve issues in an orderly, healthy, edifying, and God-honoring fashion.

NOTE: Grace Community Church is part of the EFCA (Evangelical Free Church of America). The Articles of Incorporation of the Evangelical Free Church mandate the EFCA  “shall be an association and fellowship of autonomous but interdependent congregations of like faith and congregational government.” Therefore, no governing body may be established from outside or within our church that supersedes the fact that we are inherently and ultimately governed by our own current church members. Additionally, our Statement of Faith articulates that The Bible is "the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged." Therefore, while we strive diligently to adhere to our the EFCA Articles of Incorporation, our church Charter, Bylaws, and other human documents, none of these can or will ever supersede the supreme and final authority of Holy Scripture.

Qualifications for Leaders
1 Timothy 3:1-7: Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers (elders) which include being above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money, managing their own family well, and having a good reputation with outsiders. If an elder of our church is not living up to biblical standards, the issue needs to be confronted.
Titus 1:5-9: Titus is instructed to appoint elders who are blameless, the husband of one wife, whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. They should be hospitable, love what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.

If these qualifications are in question or not being met or adhered to by the church leaders of Grace Community Church, there is a biblical mandate to address, remove, resolve, and prevent them in the future.

Confronting  Leaders
Galatians 6:1: “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” This verse emphasizes the need for a gentle and restorative approach when addressing issues of sin or disqualification.
1 Timothy 5:19-20: “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” This passage highlights the need for credible accusations and public rebuke when necessary.

Confronting leaders should be done according to the standards and practices outlined in the section above "Biblical Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation" and the practical steps listed below:

Removal of Unqualified Leaders
Matthew 7:15-20: Jesus warns against false prophets and teaches that their fruits will reveal their true nature. Leaders whose actions contradict their professed beliefs should be evaluated by their fruits.
Acts 20:28-30: Paul warns the Ephesian elders to be vigilant and protect the church from false teachers who will arise from among them. This indicates the need for vigilance and corrective action when leaders lead the flock astray.
The removal of leaders should be done according to the standards and practices outlined in the section above "Biblical Conflict Resolution & Reconciliation" and the practical steps listed below:

Practical Steps for Addressing Issues:
Assessment and Evaluation: Evaluate the qualifications and conduct of leaders according to biblical standards. This involves honest assessment of their adherence to the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. (Click >HERE< for a great resource on Church Elders). 

Private Confrontation: Address issues directly with the leader in question, following the steps outlined in Matthew 18. Be sure to read and pray through Matt 5:23-24; Eph 4:26-27; Pr 17:14; Heb 12:15; Pr 6:2-5; Gen 4:7 before doing so.

Gathering Evidence: Gathering evidence is not the same as ganging up on someone or colluding against them. Ensure that accusations are substantiated by solid evidence (not hearsay) and the valid testimony of multiple witnesses.

Church Discipline: If necessary, involve the broader church community in the process, adhering to the principles of Matthew 18 and 1 Timothy 5, and always being careful not to compound the situation with gossip and slander.

Restoration and Repentance: Aim for restoration and repentance rather than punishment. The goal is to bring about repentance and healing, not merely to remove or punish.

Public Action: If removal is necessary, it should be done with transparency and accountability, ensuring that it is handled in a manner that reflects biblical principles of justice, love, mercy, and grace - mindful of our testimony of within our community.

Process Improvement: The removal of unqualified leaders should be firmly rooted in biblical principles - not hinging on technicalities within human documents (charters, bylaws, policy manuals, etc.). Since we live in a dynamic world with ever-changing challenges, it is unrealistic to expect that human documents drafted in the past could have anticipated the needs and challenges of the future. The review of existing church documents (charter, bylaws, etc.) is helpful and necessary to anticipate potential problems (many denominations altering their view of Scripture, etc.) and the repeat of past ones (churches banned from meeting together during the COVID pandemic). Therefore, the church should have clearly defined process and procedures in place to ensure we are following and regularly reviewing our biblical mandate of 2 Cor 13:5. Additionally, when necessary, the church should draft proposals to proactively address blind spots and deficiencies by amending existing documents through existing procedures and protocols to adopt and implement those changes.