Conflict in life and relationships is inevitable, but conflict doesn't have to end in disaster. In this episode, we're joined by special guest Rev. Bruce Case to discuss how followers of Christ can learn to disagree, resolve the conflicts we tend to avoid, and create real change.

Bruce is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and has served as the lead pastor of Parkway Heights UMC in Hattiesburg, MS for the last five years. He grew up in Brookhaven, Mississippi, has served churches in central and south Mississippi, and also founded a church in Palmer, Alaska. Bruce is a leader in the group End Racism for Good  (ER4G) for the Mississippi Annual Conference. He is also a certified life coach.

Bruce is married to Jennifer, who is a fifth-grade math teacher at Oak Grove Upper Elementary School.  They have two children: Tripp, 23, and Susannah, 19.  They have a beautiful Great Pyrenees named Luna.  

Bruce will be taking a new appointment in June of 2022 where he'll serve as the lead pastor at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Jackson, MS.

Questions for Personal or Group Reflection

How do you respond or react to conflict?

How do you see conflict being fueled in toxic ways on social media?

Have you ever considered that conflict can result in a gift? If not, how might this perspective change how you approach or handle conflict?

"If you discover yourself on the extreme end of anything but love it's time to reevaluate."
Ashley Abercrombie,  Love is the Resistance

How do you put your own opinions and rights above love when it comes to being in conflict with others?

"The narrative of Scripture is trying to mark us as ambassadors for Christ." ~Bruce Case
As you consider the truth that followers of Christ are his ambassadors in this world, how do your words and actions reflect Christ in the face of conflict? What adjustments do you need to make? What attitudes do you need to confess?

Bruce said, "If you want to make everyone happy, sell ice cream." Where are you "selling ice cream" instead of leaning in and dealing with conflict in healthy ways?

How will you use what you've heard today to engage in better conflict? Check the list below. What on this list might be the hardest for you to put into practice?

Listen more than you talk.
Consider where the other person is coming from.
Consider that there is some truth in what they're saying. Look for it. Bring it out.
Find the common ground you share.
Pray and be reflective before engaging.
Don't handle conflict on social media or via text or email. Meet face-to-face as often as possible.
Don't ask loaded questions. Ask "help me understand" questions.
Give the other person time to process and think.

"What are you growing when no one is watching? What are your faithful ordinary practices and will they sustain you when conflict calls?" ~Ashley Abercrombie

Resource mentioned: Love is the Resistance by Ashley Abercrombie