Pastors & Conflict

George Grant

Mention church conflict in a group of pastors and ministry leaders. One by one they will nod knowingly and share war stories of betrayal, conflict and relationship damage. We hear about pastors taking their own lives and the many who are leaving the ministry, tired of the in-fighting, unfair criticisms and unbiblical treatment of not only them but their families. The Covid pandemic created even more stress for pastors as a key strengthening and essential piece of the church – community – shut down. Many had to learn how to use technology and work even harder to stay connected to the congregation. Then politics entered the scene and former good friends demanded the pastor take positions he could not. Pastors are weary and not sure what the future holds. George Grant and Chuck Betters, seasoned pastors and ministry leaders talk frankly about the intense pressures pastors and ministry leaders experience and offer insights on how to navigate these turbulent times. Pastors, this is for you.  

This conversation is part of a series for Ministry Families.

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Biography of George Grant

George Grant is the Pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church, Director of the King's Meadow Study Center, Founder of both Franklin Classical School and New College Franklin, and Coordinator of the Chalmers Fund.  He is the author of dozens of books in the areas of history, biography, politics, literature, and social criticism and he has written hundreds of essays, articles, and columns.  His work on behalf of the homeless, for international relief and development, for racial reconciliation, and for the sanctity of life has been profiled in such varied media outlets as the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Focus on the Family, The 700 Club, the Coral Ridge Hour, Point of View, Crossfire, World Magazine, and Christianity Today.  

He served as an assistant to D. James Kennedy at the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and taught at Knox Theological Seminary and New Geneva International Seminary. He has pioneered efforts to establish Classical Christian Schools in the US around the world—particularly in the Muslim world (with several large and thriving schools in Iraq and Indonesia).

In addition to his pastoral responsibilities and regular classes in history, literature, theology, and the arts, he maintains an active writing and speaking schedule in this country and around the world.  He has academic degrees in Political Science at the University of Houston (B.A.), Philosophy at Whitefield Theological Seminary (M.A., D.Litt., Ph.D.), Humanities at Belhaven College (D. Hum.), and Theology at Knox Theological Seminary (D.Min. Cand.).  He makes his home in Middle Tennessee near the historic town of Franklin with his wife and co-author Karen.  Together they have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Some of his recent books include - Keystones: How Thomas Chalmers Mentored, Discipled, and Equipped Men through Scripture Memory (5 volumes); An Experiment in Liberty: America’s Path to Independence, In the Shadow of Plenty: Biblical Principles for the Care of the Poor, Killer Angel: A Biography of Planned Parenthood’s Margaret Sanger; The American Patriot’s Handbook (3rd Edition).  These books (link to books), innumerable podcasts, a variety curriculum packages, and a host of other resources are available at www.GeorgeGrant.net.