Sermon: Conflicts in Christian Ministry

CONFLICTS IN CHRISTIAN MINISTRY

(This is the outline of the sermon video I posted a few days ago about the conflict between Paul and Barnabas. I pray the video and this outline will be a blessing to you.)

 Acts 15:36-41 ^“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them,³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

Main thought: God can bring blessing out of all the conflicts or challenges we face.

1. THE CONFLICT AROSE OVER A GOOD PLAN

 Acts 15:36 ^“Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

The plan was to visit and encourage the churches they had been to on their previous Missionary journey. It was a good plan with a good purpose.

2.  THE CONFLICT AROSE OVER A PAST FAILURE

 Acts 15:37-38 “Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work.”

 Acts 15:37-38 “From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem.”

The conflict arose because of a failure on the part of John Mark who had deserted them on the previous journey.

 Paul wanted the mission to succeed. Barnabas probably wanted both the mission and a failed man (John Mark) to succeed.

III.        THE CONFLICT LED TO A  PARTING OF WAYS

 Acts 15:39 “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company.,..”

 Sharp disagreement – “A sudden uncontrollable expression of strong feeling”

• Because of conflicting views the agreement ended in an argument

• ‘Our attitude matters more than the argument’

• Paul and Barnabas moved on with their lives without damaging each other. Paul took Silas with him while Barnabas left with John Mark.

1. THE CONFLICT LED TO GREATER EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL

 Acts 15:39 – 41 “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus,⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

The benefits of the conflict:

• Instead of one team they were now two teams

• The Gospel expanded in different directions

• New leaders were raised. The ministries of a Writer (Mark) and a Prophet (Silas) were strengthened.

• Barnabas took on a leadership role again.  Paul changed history through his ministry

Romans 8:28 ” And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Conclusion: God eventually brought much good out of the conflict. He can do the same with all the conflicts we face.

See also:

Sermon : Conflicts in Christian Ministry