Those called to practical service grow impatient with abstract thinkers. Prophets butt heads with pastors. The Martha's among us get frustrated with the Mary's. The more variety of gifts in a congregation, the richer the body and the greater the potential for fireworks. Ours is a very, very rich congregation.
Conflict can produce growth.
That, at least, is God's intent. It can also produce hurt, dissension, and division. The history of the church is rife with examples of our failure to handle conflict well. Sometimes what's at stake in church disputes is a matter of genuine principle. More often, I suspect, the real issue isn't racial justice, the ordination of women, or capital punishment.