There is a "Peanuts" comic strip in which Linus is listening carefully as his sister, Lucy, boasts about her religious faith and her potential as an evangelist.

She says to Linus: "I could be a terrific evangelist. Do you know that kid who sits behind me in school? I convinced him that my religion is better than his religion."

Linus asks: "How did you do that?"

Lucy replies: "Simple, I hit him with my lunch box."

Lucy's method apparently worked well for her. There are better methods, however, especially for those of us who take church seriously. The Church in every age has dis­agreed. So the question facing us is how can we disagree and yet not impede the mission of the Church?

This is a question we encounter on a regular basis when working in conflicted situations. So, here are four truths that I have learned over the years:

Truth #1: Conflict is a part of everyone’s life. It is a universal phenomenon occurring regularly in marriages, families, friendships, work situations, communities (including churches) and nations. So, when people gather as a faith community, don’t expect that they have left all of that conflict on the doorstep.

Truth #2: Conflict is normal and necessary for change. Growth involves change. Change always involves conflict.

Truth #3: Conflict is uncomfortable - in fact, it is often painful. But, it is the pain that stimulates both personal and corporate growth.

Truth #4: Confront it, or it will eat you alive! Running from the reality will only make it worse.

I will admit, however, that I often have been tempted to carry a lunch box!

Les Robinson March 2011