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The Ten Most Predictable Times of Conflict

Pastors are better prepared for church conflict if they know when it's more likely to come.
—Speed Leas

Pastors have learned not to be discouraged the week after Christmas or the week after Easter. Those Sundays are traditionally the lowest in attendance. Coming as they do immediately after high points in the church year, the unprepared pastor sets himself up for despair if he doesn't recognize the pattern.

In the same way, pastors are better prepared for church conflict if they know when it's more likely to come. Certainly, pastors know that church conflict is coming—it has been part of the church since day one. Knowing when it's apt to come is a different matter and one that pastors are wise to be alert to.

1. Easter


During Lent and just after Easter, the number of calls for help received by the Alban Institute rises substantially: up 28 percent over the normal number of calls per month.

Easter is usually the busiest time of year—even outdoing Advent and Christmas. Usually during Lent, a ...

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March
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