Pastors Forum

We were blessed to host Brian Croft, founder and executive director of Practical Shepherding and long-time pastor, for a timely conversation on navigating church conflict.

Watch the Q&A session here

Brian shared from his own pastoral experience the importance of distinguishing between wounded sheep who need care and wolves in sheep’s clothing who seek to divide. He addressed two primary areas of conflict: struggles between pastors and members, and disputes among members themselves. Drawing from passages such as 1 Corinthians 16 and James 4, he reminded us that running from conflict is not biblical—pastors are called to stay, stand firm, and shepherd faithfully.

Brian also outlined principles for managing conflict with wisdom:

• Recognizing how pastors’ natural tendencies (avoidance or aggression) can shape their responses
  Understanding that member-to-member conflicts often flow from heart issues, not just circumstances
  Striving toward unity, restoration, comfort, and peace as described in 2 Corinthians 13

Throughout, Brian encouraged pastors to cultivate a culture of love and peace, even when full agreement is not possible, trusting the Holy Spirit to work restoration in God’s people.