The Peacemaker by Ken Sande

At my church we are going through Ken Sande’s The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict this summer, watching the DVD’s together while some of us also have the book. We are not doing this because there is conflict in the church. Indeed, just the opposite. We typically do some special study on Wednesday nights in the summer, and we decided it would be good for us to consider this material because conflict of various sorts on various levels is a regular part of life.

We are only three sessions (chapters) in, but so far it is exceptional. Sande holds up good, rich biblical doctrine, and then applies it to concrete areas of life where we face conflict (again from things we consider very small to major issues). So many ‘conflict management’ resources are very thin on biblical, theological reflection that they are practically useless. I rejoiced last night as I listened to Sande root the approach to conflict and restoration in the fact that God is in control, that this did not surprise Him and that He is at work to bring about good for His people.

Conflicts always arise and so often they are handled poorly in the church. I would encourage you to consider using this material with your people to prepare yourselves ahead of time so that the Church might be protected and His name glorified in the way His people conduct themselves.