Church of the Brethren
300 E. Monument Street
Pleasant Hill, Ohio 45359

Nick Beam, pastor

Telephone 937-676-2281

Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Worship at 10:30 a.m.

A Message from Our Pastor

My neighbor, who is a German Baptist, and I have had several conversations over the past several months about the conflicts they are experiencing in their church. The conflicts are fairly serious and could cause a split in their denomination. This is probably not that much different from when we split from the German Baptists and the Brethren Church split from us in the 1880's.

Conflicts, unfortunately, are normal in life. None of us are immune from them, there are always going to be disagreements among us and depending upon how passionate we are about our points of view determines the level of the conflicts. Sometimes these are serious enough to cause splits in personal relationships and in church denominations.

Jesus knew these things would happen. At the end of the 10th chapter of Matthew Jesus spells out pretty graphically the expectations' of discipleship. To be the kind of disciple that Jesus wants us to be based on our understanding of the scriptures may even pit us against family members and other church members. Therefore, following Jesus should never be done with a cavalier attitude. Following Jesus is very costly and unfortunately there are many who deem the cost too high.

I also believe, though, that conflict can be a good thing. Great growth and vitality can come out of a season of conflict. I believe that we can always come to a peaceful resolution, even the resolution to agree to disagree, if we are willing to talk honestly and openly with one another as children of God.

After Jesus talks about the conflicts and divisiveness that comes from following him, he then goes on to say, "Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me."  Can we be in conflict with someone with a welcoming spirit? Can we share a cup of cold water with someone we disagree with? Unfortunately many cannot. It is a difficult thing to do. But I really believe that if we can deal with our conflicts with these attitudes then they won't be as painful and hurtful and divisive.

As I've said before we all have pieces of the truth based on our own experiences and understandings. And it's when we can sit down at the table in true Christian fellowship with respect and love for one another and discuss the issues before us, even when we disagree, that we begin to get more of an understanding of the bigger picture that Jesus wants us to see.

May it be so.

Shalom, Pastor Nick