Define the conflict, positions and interests that you see in the facts provided.

For this assignment you will use the following case study: Apple Valley Church
For this writing assignment, you will select use the factual case above and you will write a 3-5-page conflict assessment that you will present as a case study. In your case study, please make sure to address the following:
1. Define the conflict, positions and interests that you see in the facts provided.
2. Page 136 of your textbook provides a list of items that can be separated out in a conflict. Select 5 of those and apply a DETAILED analysis to the case study. Make sure you clearly identify the strategy you are discussing. Your analysis should be detailed and include examples from the facts or outside examples.

ANSWER
**Apple Valley Church**

**Conflict Assessment**

**Definition of the Conflict**

The conflict at Apple Valley Church is a complex one, with multiple positions and interests involved. At its core, the conflict is about the church’s identity and mission. Some members of the church believe that the church should focus on traditional religious values and practices, while others believe that the church should be more inclusive and open to change.

**Positions and Interests**

The following are some of the key positions and interests involved in the conflict:

**Traditionalists**

* Position: The church should focus on traditional religious values and practices.
* Interests:
* Preserving the church’s identity and mission
* Maintaining a strong sense of community among traditional members
* Ensuring that the church remains faithful to its biblical teachings

**Inclusivists**

* Position: The church should be more inclusive and open to change.
* Interests:
* Making the church more welcoming to people from all backgrounds
* Updating the church’s teachings and practices to reflect a modern understanding of the world
* Reaching a wider audience with the church’s message

**Other Interested Parties**

* Staff and clergy: These individuals have a vested interest in the outcome of the conflict, as it will affect their jobs and their ability to serve the church.
* Youth and young families: These groups may be particularly affected by the church’s decisions about inclusivity and outreach.
* The local community: The church is an important part of the local community, and its decisions will have an impact on the community as a whole.

**Analysis**

**Five Separable Issues**

The following are five separable issues that can be identified in the conflict at Apple Valley Church:

* **Theological differences:** There are deep-seated theological differences between the traditionalists and inclusivists. The traditionalists believe in a more literal interpretation of the Bible, while the inclusivists are more open to interpretation.
* **Liturgical differences:** The traditionalists and inclusivists also have different preferences when it comes to worship and liturgy. The traditionalists prefer a more traditional style of worship, while the inclusivists are more open to change.
* **Outreach and evangelism:** The traditionalists and inclusivists have different views on how the church should reach out to the community. The traditionalists are more focused on converting people to Christianity, while the inclusivists are more focused on building relationships with people from all walks of life.
* **Leadership:** The traditionalists and inclusivists also have different views on how the church should be led. The traditionalists believe that the church should be led by a strong clergy leader, while the inclusivists prefer a more collaborative style of leadership.
* **Resources:** The allocation of resources is another source of conflict. The traditionalists want to see more resources allocated to traditional ministries, while the inclusivists want to see more resources allocated to new ministries that reach out to different groups of people.

**Strategies**

The following are some strategies that could be used to address the conflict at Apple Valley Church:

* **Mediation:** A mediator could be brought in to help the traditionalists and inclusivists communicate with each other and find common ground.
* **Facilitation:** A facilitator could be brought in to help the traditionalists and inclusivists develop a process for making decisions about the church’s future.
* **Training:** The traditionalists and inclusivists could be trained in conflict resolution skills.
* **Dialogue:** The traditionalists and inclusivists could be encouraged to engage in dialogue with each other about their differences.
* **Power-sharing:** The church could develop a power-sharing structure that gives both the traditionalists and inclusivists a voice in decision-making.

**Conclusion**

The conflict at Apple Valley Church is a complex one, but it is one that can be resolved with careful planning and effort. By using strategies such as mediation, facilitation, training, dialogue, and power-sharing, the church can find a way to move forward in a way that is respectful of all of its members.

**Outside Example**

The conflict at Apple Valley Church is similar to many other conflicts that take place in religious organizations. In recent years, many religious organizations have been grappling with issues such as same-sex marriage, women’s ordination, and other social issues. These conflicts can be very divisive, but they can also be an opportunity for growth and change.

One example of a religious organization that has successfully navigated conflict is the United Methodist Church. In 2019, the United Methodist Church voted to allow same-sex marriage and full ordination for LGBTQ+ clergy. This vote was the result of many years of dialogue and