Marlin E. Thomas, Resolving Disputes in Christian Groups. Windflower Communications, 1994.
Referenced in: Managing and Resolving Church Conflict
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
The author beautifully integrates scripture with insights on conflict escalation, conflict levels, and conflict styles. He also presents a thoughtful biblical theology on conflict resolution. This is followed by how personality differences affect conflict outcomes, using insights from Type A/B, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, and the Personal Profile System (DISC). There is also a chapter on how to manage emotions in conflict. The final section of the book includes several suggestions for leadership improvement and mediation. Chapter ten is a well-organized role play that can be used in a learning setting with church leaders, and chapter twelve discusses how to integrate many of the insights from the book into a weekend leadership planning retreat. The book is designed for group study, with a complete study guide at the end (thirteen chapters for a one-quarter study). Thomas does a good job utilizing some of the top sources in our recommended list such as Halverstadt, Leas, Shawchuck, Friedman, and Haugk.
From the Publisher
Marlin Thomas presents interactive skills to deal with any kind of conflict. Espousing methods to deal with “people as they are.” Thomas suggests simple explanations for even the most baffling behaviour. Resolving Disputes in Christian Groups explains how to come to terms and resolve the conflict. Full of scripture studies and applications, it can help individuals and families work out differences peacefully.
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