Facing Opposition in Ministry

When Charles Stanley arrived in Atlanta as an associate pastor, the long‑time senior pastor left abruptly. A group of seven men, led by one outspoken member, declared that Stanley would never be chosen as the next pastor. The challenge was not only the threat of dismissal but the emotional turmoil that followed.

Three Ways to Respond

Stanley explains that people often react to conflict in one of three ways: running away, fighting back, or standing in prayer. He emphasizes that the biblical model, highlighted in Ephesians 6, points to prayer as the most powerful response. The choice of how to act shapes the outcome of the struggle.

The Power of Quiet Prayer

In the weeks that followed, Stanley found himself weeping in a prayer room, wrestling with anger and bitterness. He recalls a moment when God seemed to speak to him, urging him to “pray, love, and keep quiet.” This experience taught him that the true battle is fought before God, not in the church hall or in public debate.

A Surprising Outcome

After a tense three‑hour meeting, the church council voted to appoint Stanley as pastor, a decision that surprised the men who had opposed him. The event, Stanley says, demonstrated that persistent prayer can lead to unexpected vindication and that conflict can draw new members to the church.

For a fuller picture of Stanley’s story and the lessons he draws from it, listeners can hear the complete program on the In Touch website.