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,
Ron Susek, Firestorm: Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts. Baker, 1999. Herald Press, 1999. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary The title evokes a powerful image of the destructive forces at work when churches are overcome by conflict. Susek, who has first-hand experience of the lasting effects of church controversy and has
Carolyn Schrock-Shenk and Lawrence Ressler, Editors, Making Peace With Conflict: Practical Skills for Conflict Transformation. Herald Press, 1999. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary Produced by the Mennonite Conciliation Service, this is a very practical resource on conflict transformation. It draws a distinction between conflict resolution, management, and transformation, and suggests
Gordon MacDonald, Who Stole My Church? What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century (Thomas Nelson, 2007). Note: This listing is part of the site archive. While these materials may have some enduring value, it is strongly suggested that you use the reference link below for possible updates or
Marshall Shelly, Editor, Leading Your Church Through Conflict and Reconciliation: 30 Strategies to Transform Your Ministry. Bethany House, 1997. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary From the Library of Leadership Development, this is an excellent collection of articles from Leadership magazine. Contributors include Speed Leas, Bill Hybels, Chuck Swindoll, Stuart Briscoe,
James Qualben, Peace in the Parish: How to Use Conflict Redemption Principles and Processes. Langmarc Publishing, 1991. Referenced in: Managing and Resolving Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is an excellent resource that originated from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s “Peace in the Parish Project.” Qualben discusses the role of purpose systems, biblical theology (especially regarding forgiveness
Carl G. Eeman, Generations of Faith: A Congregational Atlas. Alban Institute, 2002. Note: This listing is part of the site archive. While these materials may have some enduring value, it is strongly suggested that you use the reference link below for possible updates or click through to Amazon and allow their settings to suggest more
Jackson W. Carroll and Wade Clark Roof, Bridging Divided Worlds: Generational Cultures in Congregations (Jossey-Bass, 2002). Note: This listing is part of the site archive. While these materials may have some enduring value, it is strongly suggested that you use the reference link below for possible updates or click through to Amazon and allow their
David B. Lott, Editor, Conflict Management in Congregations. Alban Institute, 2001. Referenced in: Understanding the Dynamics of Church Conflict LifeandLeadership.com Summary This is a good collection of articles from Alban Institute consultants. It is divided into three sections on conflict dynamics, conflict responses, and conflict situations (cases). Articles include helpful pieces by Speed Leas, “The
Speed B. Leas, Discover Your Conflict Management Style, Revised edition. Alban Institute, 1997. Companion volumes: Bullard, Every Congregation Needs a Little Conflict Leas, Moving Your Church Through Conflict Referenced in: Church Conflict, Strategies for Managing and Resolving LifeandLeadership.com Summary Often read as a companion to Moving Your Church Through Conflict, and more recently, George Bullard’s
