We're human. Sometimes we disagree with one another. Occasionally a disagreement becomes severe and cannot be resolved. It can then impact on our lives, on our Christian witness, and on our SOWERS work. These conflicts need resolving. Use the principles below. If conflict about SOWERS matters cannot be resolved, an appeal may be made to the next higher authority in SOWERS.
SOWERS policy is that conflict resolution should be based on Biblical principles. It should have the objective of reconciliation and restoration using the following specific principles:
Principle 1
Each party has the responsibility to pursue reconciliation – the first situation is when you have something against your brother (Matthew 18:15-16), and the second when your brother has something against you (Matthew 5:23-24). In each case we are to initiate reconciliation and not leave it for the other party to make the first approach.
Principle 2
Restoration is best achieved through proper process – Matthew 18:15-16, “If your brother sins against you go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. If he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
Principle 3
Independent witnesses verify the truth – Deuteronomy 19:15, “One witness is not enough…A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” 2 Corinthians 13:1, “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
Principle 4
Disputes must be settled among Christians, if necessary with Christian arbitrators, not in Court – 1 Corinthians 6:1-7. If a dispute cannot be settled after exhaustive efforts then there should be an agreed going of separate ways. Gen 13:8-9.