When Church Conflict Happens: A Proven Process For Resolving Unhealthy Disagreements And Embracing Healthy Ones

About the Author DR. S. MICHAEL HARE never imagined a life looking for conflicts to resolve. Becoming a Christian at 19, he went to Bible college simply desiring to find out how to better serve God. However, following that path has led to over two decades of serving in the role of senior pastor in church turnaround ministries, 15 years of working as a church conflict consultant, and recently completing a PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. Dr. Hare also serves as a senior staff chaplain and ombudsman for Compassion with its nearly 4,000 employees ministering in 26 third world countries. He has served as an adjunct instructor in several universities and is currently teaching mediation courses in a doctoral program in Denver. Michael and his wife Colleen live in Colorado Springs, CO and have four children and six grandchildren who live in Africa, Germany, and the US. You Don?t Have to Dread ConflictEvery church will experience conflict at some point. But it doesn?t have to destroy you. In fact, conflict can be an incredible opportunity, if you know how to seize it. Unfortunately, very few churches use the opportunity well, but your church can.Michael Hare, PhD, has been helping churches recover (and even grow) from conflict for over 20 years, and now he can help you too. Learn: how to recognize healthy and unhealthy conflictswhat the five levels of conflict are and why they matterhow to design an action plan that will succeed how to prevent unhealthy conflict before it beginsWith copious case studies and practical tools, you?ll find it?s surprisingly manageable to develop these new skills. Learn to lead confidently in the face of conflict and invest in your church?s future today. PLUS! Additional Resources in the back include: Conflict management Style SurveyConflict Assessment ToolsInterview Questions for Assessing Conflictand more! "I enthusiastically endorse this book and welcome it as a valuable addition to the growing stable of peacemaking resources!"KEN SANDEAuthor of the Peacemaker and Founder of Peacemaker Ministries and Relational Wisdom 360"Few things break God?s heart more, and cause the hosts of hell to rejoice more, than conflict among His followers. My friend Mike Hare is well-qualified to prepare church leaders with practical intervention strategies (brought to life by case stories) that enable us to anticipate, analyze, and resolve conflict, moving step-by-step through processes that result in unity and blessing." DR. WESS STAFFORDPresident Emeritus, Compassion InternationalAuthor of Too Small to Ignore and Just a Minute Review Praise for When Church Conflict Happens?Dr. Michael Hare?s new book is a carefully crafted study of the role of conflict in churches. One of the greatest tragedies in our churches is the massive destruction brought about by poorly handled conflict. Too often, there is an explosion resulting in an implosion that leaves the congregation and leadership reeling with hurt, disillusionment, and even doubting or abandoning their faith. Dr. Hare debunks the myth that all conflict is negative and helps the reader see it as an opportunity and challenge for skillfully designed growth. Moreover, he does not leave us with only understanding conflict, he provides us with a model, and a workbook for implementation and team building. This is an important book filled with new hope and opportunities for transformational change. I highly recommend it!?-JUDITH MCKAYDirector of Conflict Resolution Studies at Nova Southeastern University?Conflict! Few like it; many ignore it; most misunderstand it. Yet, when church leaders look to the Holy Spirit for guidance, and engage in healthy practices, it is a golden opportunity for transformative growth. When Church Conflict Happens shows you how to redeem conflict in your church for God?s glory.?-GARY L. MCINTOSHWriter, speaker, and professor, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University?It is a pleasure to recommend Mic