Uniting a Divided Team
Recently, I sat with the leaders, staff, and key volunteers of a local church. From the outset, it was clear that something wasn’t right. Tensions sat just below the surface. Communication had broken down. But the most striking issue? There were multiple competing visions pulling the church in different directions.
This scenario is not uncommon. Many churches and faith-based organisations face similar internal struggles: passionate people working hard—but not always together. When a team is divided, even the best intentions can lead to confusion, frustration, and burnout.
DS Ministry Services exists to help churches navigate these exact challenges. Here are a few key principles we use to help teams move from conflict to cohesion:
1. Stop and Listen Before rushing to solutions, it’s vital to listen well. Division often stems from people feeling unheard or undervalued. Creating space for honest, facilitated dialogue can bring to light unspoken tensions—and begin to heal them.
2. Identify the Real Issues Symptoms like poor communication and friction are usually just that—symptoms. The deeper issue is often misalignment in vision or values. Unless the root issues are addressed, any progress will be short-lived.
3. Clarify the Vision A united church needs a united vision. Not a vague set of aspirations, but a clear and compelling direction that everyone can own. Vision brings focus. It helps teams make decisions, set priorities, and work together more effectively.
4. Lead Change With Purpose Change is hard. It requires courage, patience, and humility. But it also requires process. We work with leaders to create realistic, Spirit-led strategies for implementing change—without losing the heart of the ministry or the people who make it happen.
Your Church Doesn’t Have to Stay Stuck If your team is experiencing disunity, low morale, or competing visions, you are not alone—and you don’t have to navigate it alone either. DS Ministry Services exists to support churches through seasons of challenge and change. Whether through leadership coaching or pastoral supervision, team workshops, or vision & strategy sessions, we’d love to journey with you toward health and clarity.
Let’s talk. The church is too important to be held back by internal division.
Get in touch today to explore how DS Ministry Services can help your church thrive.
