The statement has been made on many occasions that the “problem with the church is people!” It is true that since the church is made up of people, any problems arising within are highly likely to find “people” as the source. I use the plural form of person in the word “people” due to the fact that only one person would not present a problem in the church.
The problem usually becomes an issue once it has passed from one person to another. Very rarely is the issue contained within a single person; it normally radiates to others. If there was only one person, there would not be problems. However, the church is made up of many.
References to those in the church of the New Testament often take place in the plural form. Even elders and deacons are listed in plurality, indicating that a solitary individual can not occupy an office in the church. This leads us back to our original problem: When two people interface in the church, differences of opinion and attitudes will lead to conflict. This is natural.
There are two sides of the church, the divine side and the human side. The divine side is established perfectly, will always be perfect, and is held by God’s unchanging hand. The human side is made of mortals and will always be imperfect. In Acts chapter 15, we have an example of two men who do not see eye to eye. Beginning in verse 37 we read, “Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. Then their contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed.”
That contentions will arise in the church is inevitable, the true test is how we will handle them as Christians.
By Tony Williams, For the elders