Avoiding All-Out Church War

Difficult people. Misunderstandings and miscommunications. Staff turnover. Hot theological or community issues. Satan can use any of this to create major conflict in your church, if not handled appropriately and maturely. These eight articles from Leadership journal help you know what to do when a fight is brewing and how to preempt congregational, board, or staff conflict. You'll learn common reactions people have in an argument, tips for running productive mediation sessions, and guidelines for restoring peace back to your church. Table of Contents: Stopping Conflict Before It Starts Clear explanations can dampen the misunderstandings that cause fights. Larry Osborne Inside Church Fights by Marshall Shelley and Kevin Miller Marshall Shelley and Kevin Miller Six Rules for a Fair Fight Observing these rules can keep conflict from turning into full-scale warfare. Edward G. Dobson, Speed B. Leas, and Marshall Shelley Six Steps to Settling Differences After two failed attempts, I asked a pro to lead the meeting. Here's what he did. Steve Larson Anatomy of a Church Fight How would you handle this real-life story of a lightning strike that ignited a firestorm? Leadership Journal Animal Instincts Five ways church members will react in a fight. Norman Shawchuck and Robert Moeller Surviving a Power Play When the smoke cleared, this pastor was still standing. Marshall Shelley When Community Strife Divides the Church Keep the peace when both sides are represented in the congregation. Timothy M. McQuade