CONFLICT In 1996, I was called to serve as pastor of the Pryorsburg Baptist Church, located near Mayfield, Kentucky. The Pastor Search Committee had informed me that the church was currently experiencing a time of great unity, harmony, and growth. They also told me that my call was unanimous. They said the church had grown to the point that the last pastor resigned, after a three-year term, because he had been promoted to dean of students at a nearby Baptist college and could no longer serve as pastor of a church of this size . .I arrived at the church ministry camp on the Sabbath and preached the morning and evening services the next day. On Monday evening a member came to my home and informed me that the Pastor Search Committee had lied to me on several points. He said that my request was not unanimous and that he had voted against me because he "didn't like that the PastorSearch Committee had shoved me down the church's throat, and given them no time to ask questions or pray about the matter." He then claimed that the last pastor had not resigned: he had been forced out of "them" (a group of people who had taken over the church). He also informed me that I was the third pastor in less than two years. He concluded by telling me that my calling had been very strong, and that if I faithfully preached the Word of God, and served as pastor to all the people of the church, I would not find him behind me when the going got tough - I found him at my side and he helped me support my arms. I prayed to ask God to direct me to those who would be honest with me about the church and its past. It took me... halfway through the paper... good they didn't come back. All of this has been the result of much prayer, and the church continues to be a family of "prayer warriors." What suggestions could I offer to improve the resolution? Well, after much prayer and consideration, I believe the results were as good as could be hoped for, as the control group chose not to repent, but to rebel. We tried to communicate with the control group the night they decided to leave, but they did not have an attitude that allowed for a productive discussion. We attempted to bridge the gap a little later, but they were unwilling to discuss a solution that would allow me to remain as pastor of the church. I prayed to God to allow me to leave many times, but He told me to "stand in the gap." So I did, until he informed me that it was time to resign and minister elsewhere.