Donald Bossart has summarized the views of sociologists and psychologists that conflict is necessary in a normal social group. Conflict serves as a vehicle for change, group definition, and self-expression. He states, Conflicts which concern goals, values, or interests that do not contradict the basic assumptions upon which relationships are founded tend to be positively functional for persons and social structures. There is no reason to think we will ever be without conflict. Here we are suggesting in addition that we should never want to be without it.
Conflict is important in creating the tension needed for creativity and accelerated learning.
In the book of Acts, we see the apostles and others engaging in conflict, and this conflict in turn issuing in positive change. For example, in Acts 6 the conflict between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews resulted in the appointment of the seven servants. In Acts 15, the dispute over law and grace resulted in a definitive declaration of the doctrine of grace. God has used the pressure of conflict at many junctures to further his purposes. If a leadership never experiences conflict, it suggests one of several pathologies, including repression of conflict and premature consensus.