3 Tips for Institutional Conflict

How have you handled conflict with existing institutions? 

You discern God’s call to start something new. Your excitement builds as you imagine partnering with Jesus in creative, redemptive work. And then, when you share your faithful innovation with institutions from which you need support, you’re met with doubt and skepticism. 

Instead of finding partnership, it feels like you’re being put on trial. 

If you can relate to this struggle, you’re not alone. Many faithful innovators struggle when trying to work with established institutions that have different values and risk tolerance. The challenges go on and on…

• financial conflicts and entanglements
• a change in leadership makes it more difficult for a new innovation
• hearing something from one committee member that is completely contradicted by another
• support structures that end up being inaccessible or non-existent
• discrepancy between supports offered existing churches versus new churches and innovations

Institutional conflict is not an easy path to navigate, and there are no quick fixes. However, through my work with Cyclical over the years, I’ve learned a lot as I’ve guided many leaders like you in managing this particular challenge of faithful innovation. 

Here are a couple of big-picture reminders and encouragements that I tell church starters and other faithful innovators about how to manage conflict with established institutions:  

1. Conflict does not necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. Faithful innovation is inherently risky work — institutions that value stability, tradition, or survival often struggle to understand or support creative and entrepreneurial leaders. Systems are calibrated to support what already exists. Sometimes, they need time to catch up to what could be possible through your faithful innovation. Keep doing your good work and expect conflict to arise.
    
2. Conflict gives you an opportunity for clarity. While you cannot control the outcomes that others experience in dealing with their anxiety, you can utilize those moments of pushback to clarify your sense of purpose, calling, and mission. The more you understand yourself and your faithful innovation, the better you’ll be able to navigate the many challenges all faithful innovators face.
    
3. Conflict might help lead to a healthier ecosystem. In nature, distressed or polluted ecosystems reduce biodiversity. Often, these poisoned environments leave only small groups of homogenous survivors. Flourishing ecosystems are diverse ecosystems. Perhaps your faithful innovation is part of the diversity required to bring flourishing to your local ecosystem. Rather than negotiating and eliminating difference, look for opportunities to celebrate it as a sign of healthy growth.

I understand how difficult conflict can be. You probably have moments where you feel invisible and unlikely to succeed. Nonetheless, I am rooting for you! Above all, thank you for being an important expression of God’s love for the world that is inspiring faithful innovation through the church.