Robert S. Kreider and Rachel Waltner Goossen. When Good People Quarrel: Studies in Conflict Resolution. Herald Press, 1989. Referenced in: Conflict Education – Case Studies From the Publisher Conflict happens whenever people live together — even in Christian families, Christian schools, Christian businesses — and even in the church. These case studies, both present day
Penny Edgell Becker, Congregations in Conflict: Cultural Models of Local Religious Life. Cambridge, 1999. Referenced in: Conflict Educaiton – Case Studies LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is not a book on conflict skills or intervention strategies. Its main contribution is offering perspective on how conflict is experienced by congregations based on their size and identity. This is
Barry Johnson, Polarity Management: Identifying and Managing Unsolvable Problems. 2nd edition HRD Press, 1996. Referenced in: Church Conflict, Navigating Ongoing Unsolvable Tensions – Polarity Management LifeandLeadership.com Summary Many problems cannot be solved or laid aside to never occur again. They must be managed as ongoing dynamics. Polarities such as present/future, large gatherings/small groups, traditional/contemporary, stability/change,
Roy Oswald and Barry Johnson, Managing Polarities in Congregations: Eight Keys for Thriving Faith Communities. Alban Institute, 2009. Referenced in: Church Conflict, Navigating Ongoing Unsolvable Tensions – Polarity Management LifeandLeadership.com Summary Roy Oswald, a popular author published by Alban Institute, teamed up with Barry Johnson, author of the business classic, Polarity Management to discuss specifically
ChurchSmart Resources on Congregational Spiritual Revival Referenced in: Congregational Renewal through Spiritual Revival LifeandLeadership.com Summary In the broader work of congregational renewal, spiritual revival certainly has its place. As indicated in the Resource Guide on this subject, not all those interested in church renewal will wish or need to see their situation through the eyes
Kenneth O. Gangel and Samuel L. Canine, Communication and Conflict Management in Churches and Christian Organizations. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2002. Referenced in: Managing and Resolving Church Conflicts From the Publisher Churches thrive on communication; they are stifled by conflict. Renowned Christian educator Kenneth O. Gangel joins his colleague Samuel L. Canine to bring good
Norma Cook Everist, Church Conflict: From Contention to Collaboration. Abingdon, 2004. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a good text overall, but Section 2 is especially heflpful. It contains an excellent discussion of seven conflict styles – avoidance, confrontation, competition, control, accommodation, compromise, and collaboration – along with the
David W. Kale and Mel McCullough, Managing Conflict in the Church. Beacon Hill Press, 2003. Referenced in: Managing and Resolving Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary Results from a survey of over 40 pastors regarding their experiences of church conflict. Discusses the common list of subjects in volumes of this kind, but from a pastor’s perspective. From
Luke Timothy Johnson, Scripture and Discernment: Decision Making in the Church. Abingdon Press, 1996. Referenced in: Conflict Education, Biblical Visions of Peacemaking/Reconciliation Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary This a frequently refrenced text on the theology of conflict and the role of community discernment through prayer and biblical reflection. See the publisher’s summary
Jim Van Yperen, Making Peace: A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict. Moody Press, 2002. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary Van Yperen is the founder and executive director of Metanoia Ministries. Among the many contributions of this volume is Van Yperen’s distinction between peace-making and peace-keeping, and his bold call for
