Daniel AGALA

The Archdiocesan Board of Church Wardens seminar is a yearly event to educate and re-educate members of the Board on the different aspects of the Board's activities and what surrounds it. This year's edition is no different on purpose, hosted by St. Kizito, Oluyole Parish, and facilitated by Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede on the theme "Christ-like Discipleship Amidst Conflict Management as a Church Warden." A convincing number of members from parishes across the Archdiocese were in attendance.

The facilitator, Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede, pointed out that, as long as we are all human beings, conflict is bound to happen and disagreement will occur. When it happens, we as Christians and members of the Board of Church Wardens must understand that we must see Christ in each other, even when the situation is not pleasing or goes our way. It is important to find a peaceful way to resolve whatever conflict or disagreement that may have ensued.

It is equally important that we live and pray in unity as a body of Christ. One of the ways our prayer is pleasing to God is that we should pray in unity and as a unit. For Christ said, "For where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there with them" (Matthew chapter 18:20). To pray in unity, we must address what prevents us from doing that.

He went further to say a Christian Church warden should not see conflict as an avenue to always prove who is right or wrong; the most important thing is to find ways to live in peace and unity. For Christ had said, "By this, everyone will know you are my disciple..." (John chapter 13:35). As much as we are active in Church, we must be truly active in the same way in Christ. A true test of Christian maturity is revealed not when everything is peaceful but when provoked. Conflict is not necessarily evil; sometimes, it exposes a genuine issue(s) that needs to be addressed. Exercise authority in love and aim to correct and not to impose and discriminate; neither should it be used for double standards. It is important to understand our different personalities.

Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede encouraged the use of Jesus Christ's model of conflict resolution as stated in the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 18:15-20. Confront offenders with love, discuss disagreement in love, do not encourage silent treatment, and don't promote gossip. Correction should preserve human dignity and demoralize them. Always go for reconciliation and not victory. Our objective should not always be, "How can I prove myself right?" But "How can I preserve our relationship as brothers and sisters in Christ?" Learn to use the power of listening as it is enacted in the letter of James, chapter 1:19. "Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." "Sometimes, people become angry because they feel people don't listen to them; avoid taking sides.

Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede followed up with another approach to conflict management, which he tagged ‘the SAINT approach’. S: This is staying calm. Do not respond immediately. A: Access the situation. Take time to look into the matter and come up with a good conclusion of what has happened and the cause(s). Then know if it needs an immediate response. I: Investigate by listening. Give room for explanation and listen with the aim to understand; avoid jumping to conclusions. N: Navigate. Navigate towards a solution that is acceptable to the parties concerned, and lastly, T: Treat. Treat with dignity; the ability to see the other person as a friend, a brother, or a sister that is Christ-like.

In conclusion, the facilitator, Rev. Fr. Edward Olojede, emphasized that Church wardens are one of the image makers of the Body of Christ, the Church, and should always strive to be better and lead by example. It is equally important to nurture in the right way the young ones coming behind, teach, protect, and guide them in the right path.