The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict

Where Ken Sande, in The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, gives an excellent exposition of the practical steps to resolve conflict as told in the Bible, Kenneth Poirer makes the scripture sing the gospel of reconciliation. Poirer's use of scripture and exegesis is powerful, easy to read, and very important to the hermeneutical principals to which he is speaking. A powerful use of exegetical and hermeneutical understanding leads to the powerful practical theology of peacemaking as the pastoral calling. Much like Sande, Poirer does not attempt to use scripture to back up his practical theology or creative "new approach" to pastoring; he develops his theology and his thesis around the word of God. Poirer makes it very clear that God's word is a word of reconciliation, beginning with the fall and culminating with the defeat of Satan in the end times, everything from Genesis 3 through Revelation 20 is about conflict and how God brought reconciliation to his people. Poirer gives example after biblical example of mediation and peacemaking. Abraham, Moses, Paul, Barnabas and Jesus all worked as mediators in their pastoral calling. Abraham and Moses actually mediated with God for His people. Barnabas served as a mediator between Paul and the rest of the apostles! The beauty of this exposition as given by Poirer is that we are shown through Scripture how God himself wants us to relate to one another. No part of the Bible denies that conflict will happen, but the Bible does give practical steps on how to resolve the conflict to the glory of God and as a part of our sanctification in Him. By the end of Pastor, the reader feels confident to explain the gospel of reconciliation as described in the Bible. Peacemaker is a book that makes the reader understand that he knows how to handle a conflict, where Pastor helps the reader develop an understanding for why Christians are to behave this way. Reading Pastor helps a believer to be "prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks...for a reason for the hope that is in [him]." (1 Peter 3:15) Peacemaker gives the reader a tool to use in an effort to resolve the conflicts that are a part of life and helps the believer glorify God in all things (1 Corinthians 10:31) while understanding how scripture mandates such an approach to resolving conflict. Pastor helps the reader to understand that peacemaking is not a tool, but it is the whole toolbox! All of scripture is an approach to peacemaking as a part of the ministry of reconciliation that is given to every believer. (II Corinthians 5:18 ) Just as marriage, parenting, business and church life are representative examples pointing everyone to God's glory and Christ's love for his people as he laid down his life, Pastor helps believers to understand that all of those things should be bathed in the gospel of reconciliation that we have been given. (II Corinthians 5:18 ) In this way we can become "sons of God". (Matthew 5:9) As "ambassadors

A very comprehensive analysis of conflict. A great resource for understanding biblical resolution processes. I would recommend this text.

Many of the Christian books I purchase I donate or re-sell after reading them. This one however, will take its place among the few titles on my bookshelves. Having been a pastor for 25 years, I have seen many conflicts erupt again and again in congregations. Usually they are not handled in a Biblical manner, simply because most church leaders and pastors do not know how to do so. Poirier here gives solid, Biblically-based insight on how to be a peacemaking pastor in a society increasingly obsessed with personal rights and public litigation. This book is not an easy read, but worth the time and effort required to absorb its contents. If we all lived in Mayberry, with the only church struggles being the constant gossip of Clara or the grating voice of Barney in the choir, then this book would be unnecessary. The struggles in our churches today however, are far more complex and volatile. The author's example of whether or not a registered child molester should be allowed membership in a church is one striking example of situations in which strong, passionate arguments can be made for both sides of an issue. This book is a great investment for any pastor or church leader today who is willing to take the time and energy to read it. I also plan to use it as a reference volume, one to which I can refer again and again as I face the knotty issues of ministry.

This book addresses the need for true peace within in the church - and how to achieve that peace. Currently, the church often looks more like the world than the church. Repentance and forgiveness have been replaced by modern psychology. True love has been replaced by a counterfeit. This resource takes us back to the roots of Christianity - Jesus came to die, and through his blood we are reconciled to God so that we might have life everlasting. Even though the book targets pastors, it is also a very helpful resource for all, as we are all called to be peacemakers in the body of Christ. It builds beautifully on The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande, and gives additional guidance in a new, refreshing way.

Rev. Dr. Alfred Poirier has written a biblical and practical book that is sure to help all pastors, church leaders, and church members to understand and faithfully live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in both their personal and corporate lives. This book is actually a storehouse of information! From a systematically biblical approach to conflict resolution (Pastor Poirier is the Chairman of the Board of Peacemaker Ministries and has extensive experience in Christian conciliation), to the important legal risk management issues associated with redemptive and loving church discipline, this book has it all. If you are looking for an extensive case study on how to handle a repentant sex offender in your community, read this book! For detailed information on what it looks like for an entire church to be a part of the restorative aspects of church accountability and discipline, this book contains example after example. If you are wondering if it is even possible for Christians to have authentic, intimate, REAL friendships and relationships that persevere over time ... read this book and be encouraged and helped. As an attorney, a Certified Christian Conciliator with the Institute for Christian Conciliation, an author ("Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict", Baker 2005), and a frequent speaker at women's retreats and conferences, I have the privilege of observing "Body Life" (The Bride! The Church!) in contexts across the nation and even around the world. And I can tell you that, beyond a doubt, this book is going to have a profound impact on the ministry of the gospel. Read it and be blessed! And thank you, Pastor Poirier, for your labor of both scholarship and love. Your grateful sheep, Tara Barthel