Conflict Resolution Policy

Preventing and Resolving Conflict at Beloved Community Co-op

Conflict is inevitable when people come together in community. As with anything, conflict with our brothers and sisters in Christ presents an opportunity to honor them as fellow image-bearers and ultimately bring glory to God. For just as we have been reconciled to God by the blood of Jesus Christ, we should strive to reconcile our relationships. The world tells us relationships are disposable, but God’s Word encourages us on to a different path. (Hebrews 12:14)

First, love, unity, humility, thoughtfulness, and forgiveness are the foremost qualities we will seek to exhibit to prevent conflict and throughout the process of conflict resolution. According to Jesus, the two greatest commandments are to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (See additionally, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)

Therefore, whenever possible we, as members of Beloved Community Co-op, will demonstrate the love prescribed by God’s Word. We will:

Be patient.
Not be jealous.
Not boast.
Not act unbecomingly.
Not seek our own way.
Not be easily provoked.
Not take account of wrongs.
Protect, Trust, Hope, Persevere.

Second, preserving the unity of the co-op and its members and maintaining a posture of humility are key to preventing and resolving conflict. (Ephesians 4:3-6; Philippians 1:1-4)

Therefore, whenever possible, as members of Beloved Community Co-op, we will promote unity and display humility. We will:

Be unifiers.
Be teachable.
Not be selfish.
Put others first.

Third, other key elements to an atmosphere of love within Beloved Community Co-op are thoughtfulness, caution, and listening. (James 1:19-20)

Therefore, whenever possible we, as members of Beloved Community Co-op, will focus on truly listening to others and being thoughtful with our words and cautious with the temptation to become angry. We will:

Be careful listeners.
Be conscientious speakers.
Not be easily angered.

Finally, we will allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts, and just as God freely forgives us through the life of Jesus Christ, we will forgive those who have committed wrongs against us. (Colossians 3:12-15).

Therefore, whenever possible we, as members of Beloved Community Co-op, will promote peace and extend grace and forgiveness to one another. We will:

Be peacemakers.
Be gracious.
Be forgiving.

As a result, the following is how we will approach conflicts*:

I will assume the best in you.
When others believe the worst, I will come to your defense.
If what I experience erodes my trust, I am coming to you directly after reflecting in prayer.
When I cannot deliver on my promise, I will own it.
When you confront me, I will listen to what you have to say with an open mind and heart responding thoughtfully and truthfully.
When a breach in trust has taken place due to my words or actions, I will do whatever I can to repair the damage.
When all appropriate steps have been taken, then and only then, will I invite a member of leadership into the conversation, not in an attempt to have them take a side, but only to appropriately mediate the situation.

In summary, we will demonstrate love and honor God in our interactions with our neighbors, all members of Beloved Community Co-op, and with one another, including when conflict arises.

*Important Notes: When approaching any community member about a difficult topic including but not limited to something personal, a conflict, or a religious, legal, performance-related, or financial issue, face-to-face or phone communication is best. These matters should not initially be addressed in a text, an email, or another written format. However, basic documentation may be necessary for accountability purposes. If any of the above situations arise, please reach out to a director in order to make them aware of the situation. Please also reach out to a director should you desire support or guidance in carrying out these steps.