Conflict and Culture

I remember very clearly my first conflict experience with cultural diversity as a newly arrived cadet from New Jersey to North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia in the summer of 1969. Being a northerner in the deep south made me a target for jokes and ridicule. Those southerners kept reminding me to save my southern money as the south would rise again. After several days of light hearted ridicule, I finally responded by telling my fellow cadets that their southern money would not be needed as we northerners would just send General Sherman on his march through Georgia again. It was the wrong thing to say. Needless to say, I was nearly crucified for my insensitive remarks. I had stirred some deep feelings and had created conflict.

On another occasion after having just moved to Ellsworth, Maine, which is considered a part of “Down East” Maine to plant a new church, I stood in line at the local post office to open a new postal box. There were a number of individuals ahead of me in line. The postal clerk behind the counter would take a few minutes to converse with each individual. The subject of each conversation was the same. It had to do with that day’s weather. My New Jersey upbringing caused me to believe that such conversation was a needless waste of time when there was a line of individuals waiting to be assisted. I had places to go, people to see, and things to do. I fumed and sputtered under my breath as I waited my turn. When it arrived, I found myself being confronted by the exact same conversation. Here I was, a complete stranger, and now the postal clerk was engaging me in the same manner. Fortunately, I did not allow my cultural past to create conflict in my new cultural setting.

Cultural diversity and subculture exist everywhere in society. Such settings are bound to cause conflict. We are living in a world in which different cultures are becoming increasingly interlocked to one another by technological advances in travel and communication. In order to be more effective in ministry we need to have a clearer understanding of and sensitivity to the various dynamics that are at work in a conflict that crosses cultural environments. It is important to understand how our own and other cultures’ responses to conflict are formed and influenced by cultural myths, histories and values.

Cultural customs and traditions have an influence on how we deal with and resolve conflict. These all vary from culture to culture. The same holds true for individuals since they are members of and influenced by cultural subgroups that have their own personality, values and rules. It is important for pastors to understand the culture within which they are ministering. Understanding the culture of the geographical region, community and local church will not necessarily eliminate conflict but will help to resolve conflict in a creative or constructive manner
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George Barna, founder and president of the Barna Research Group, wrote, “To remain relevant and influential, we must be current in our understanding of cultural changes and their implications. The changes that influence our lives and ministry fall within these key domains: demographics, attitudes and values, lifestyle and behaviors, and spirituality” (“The Second Coming of the Church,” Enrichment, Winter 2000). Barna goes on to write that if we understand the culture we are in, the more responsive we can be in developing and providing for the needs of the people to whom we are ministering.

Conflicts are inevitable. How we resolve conflict is important. As believers in Christ, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.