PEN conflict resolution is founded on repentance and forgiveness at the institutional level as well as at individual member level:
“Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.” Luke 17:3
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Galatians 6:1
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 1 Corinthians 6:7
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. Galatians 5:15
When conflict become severe, the following resolution rule shall apply:
- the offended must take the lead and go tell the offender his/her fault
- If the offender does not recognize his/her fault, then the offended must again take the lead and take two or three trustworthy believers to attempt to resolve the issue
- If the offender again will not receive it then, the offended shall present the matter to the body of elders of the church.
- If one more time the offender refuses to listen then the matter shall be closed with the offended fully restored but the offender un-restored.
“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Matthew 18:15-17
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