Church Health
Churches that thrive have systems in place to minimize the level of conflict among the ministerial staff, key leaders and members at large. They rely upon Biblical principles and processes to guide them in times of crisis and conflict. The following resources will be an asset to restore health and prevent unhealthy experiences within the church.
Conflict Management/Conflict Mediation Consultants/Books/Ethics
Book: Lott, David. Conflict Management in Congregations
Book: Hobgood, William C. Welcoming Resistance
Book: Oates, Wayne. The Care of Troublesome People
Book: Boers, Arthur, P. Never Call Them Jerks: Healthy Responses to Difficult Behavior
Christian Unity Ministries, Blake Coffee, 210.349.0515, www.faithfulreader.com Blake Coffee is the founder and executive director of Christian Unity Ministries. A Christian author and speaker, he is called to a ministry of training and equipping the Body of Christ toward unity. Also a practicing attorney, his law/mediation practice is in San Antonio, Texas, but his ministry of reconciliation and unity spans the globe.
DKE Conflict Resolution Resources, 210.497.8046, Jerry and Pam King experienced lawyers and mediation specialists who assist churches to navigate the difficult land minds during periods of conflict.
Book: Richardson, Ronald W. Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and Congregational Life
Book: Steinke, Peter L. Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach
Book: Morris, Danny & Olsen, Charles. Discerning God’s Will Together: A Spiritual Practice for the Church
Book: Pearsons, George & Leas, Speed. Understand Your Congregation as a System
Book: Sellon, Mary, Smith, Daniel & Grossman, Gail. Redeveloping the Congregation: A How to for Lasting Change
Book: Avery, William, O. Revitalizing Congregations: Refocusing and Healing Through Transitions
Book: Eeman, Carl, G. Generation of Faith: A Congregational Atlas
Book: Gaede, Beth A. Size Transitions
Book: Greenfield, Guy. The Wounded Minister: Healing From and Preventing Personal Attacks
Book: Hart, Archibald, D. Coping with Depression in the Ministry and Other Helping Professions
Baptist Center for Ethics [info@ethicsdaily.com] a periodic electronic newsletter covering a variety of ethical issues Christians and Baptist are concerned about.
Christian Ethics Today Magazine, 940.262.0450, www.christianethicstoday.com, quarterly magazine on the hot ethical topics for the day.