The Crucible of Conflict at Stn Mnt IPN

At our recent International Pastors Network gathering, Ethiopian pastor Dr. Chernet Hadbacho shared insights from his new book, The Crucible of Conflict. Drawing from a deeply personal experience in a previous church—where a member even threatened to take him to court—Pastor Hadbacho walked us through the five stages of conflict: identifying the conflict, disagreement, a contest, fight or flight, and finally, intractability—the point where one party seeks to destroy the other. His message reminded us that while the stages of conflict are universal, the roots of these disputes in ethnic churches often run deep and uniquely reflect cultural realities. Unlike many Western congregations, these conflicts are rarely about buildings, since facilities are frequently shared. Instead, they may stem from issues like tribalism, memories of political oppression in home countries, jealousy, and struggles over authority.

Pastor Hadbacho’s teaching was especially meaningful given his recent achievement—earning a Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. His scholarship and life experience equip him to address conflict not merely as a problem to be solved, but as an opportunity for growth, understanding, and spiritual maturity. By helping pastors and church leaders recognize both the visible and hidden layers of conflict, he challenges us to lead with wisdom, patience, and grace. The discussion left our network encouraged and better prepared to navigate the unique challenges of ministry in multicultural and immigrant church settings, where reconciliation is not just a biblical calling—it is a testimony to the power of the Gospel to unite people across cultures and histories.