The Peacemaking Pastor, A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict
Peacemaking: The healing alternative to conflict in the church. Every pastor faces conflict in the church, and Alfred Poirier has this loving reminder: we can run, but we can't hide. Jesus set the example as the Incarnate Peacemaker, and Scripture clearly calls his servant-pastors to be ministers of reconciliation. So the issue is not whether to be a mediator but what kind of mediator to be. Thoroughly exploring the theology of reconciliation, Poirier adds lessons from personal experience and lists practical steps for effective mediation. With this comprehensive guide, you can embrace peacemaking confidently as a way to glorify God through the overcoming power of the gospel. And, as Jesus promised all peacemakers, you will be blessed.
Publisher: Baker
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780801065897
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Alfred Poirier (M.A., M.Div., D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary) is chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries and serves it additionally as adjunct instructor and mediator. He is senior pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.
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"The Peacemaking Pastor is pastoral theology at its best. It is, first, theology, a profound biblical exploration of the gospel of God's grace in the cross of Christ and of its power to overcome the conflicts that divide us and damage our witness. This is not, first of all, a handbook of negotiation techniques and communication skills, but rather an exploration of what it means for pastors to cast themselves on the mercy and heart-changing power of God, and then to lead people in conflict to do the same. And, because The Peacemaking Pastor is theological, it is profoundly pastoral and practical, peppered with illustrations from the author's experience that show Christ's power to smash our hearts' idols, break down walls of suspicion and self-defense, and bring us together in surprising unity and love. Pastor, if you are looking for tools to make others behave better and to make conflict 'just go away,' while you yourself remain unchanged, you should steer clear of this book. But if you are prepared to be challenged to live by faith in a God whose grace can heal relationships in ways beyond our imagination, take up and read--and pray and preach and counsel." Dennis E. Johnson, academic dean and professor of practical theology, Westminster Seminary California