Church planting is still one of the most effective ways to make disciples. According to Bruce McNichol, in an article for Christianity Today, new church plants baptize twice as many converts per attendee than existing churches. Jesus called the local church to make disciples of all nations. Those orders from the Head of the church motivate pastors to start churches all over the world. But where many planters fail to prepare is the enemy attack as they lead others to follow the Great Commission. Relational casualties, broken relationships, will come with close friends, board members, core group participants, and treasurers, and sometimes from their own children. The Apostle Paul speaking to the elders in Ephesus said, “From among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.” (Acts 20:29 ESV)
5 Tips to Handling Broken Relationships
“Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20 ESV)
1. Be Slow to Speak.
Make a decision not to react without thinking. People make foolish comments all of the time. A friend confronted me about something I did, and my response was that I had no idea why I did that. I did not have malice or intent, and my actions were completely contrary to my value system. I didn’t make excuses (oh, I had a few), and I didn’t attack his actions. Instead, I asked forgiveness, and he extended it immediately.
