Managing Church Conflict

by Hugh F. Halverstadt

In this instructive book, Hugh Halverstadt advocates a Christian vision of shalom for an ethical process of conflict management. He shows how respectfulness, assertiveness, accountability, and a focus on the larger common good should all serve as Christian behavioral standards. The book is ideal for addressing ministries, church systems, and other nonprofit organizations in conflict.

236 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Chet Lee Kowalski · Rating 4 out of 5]

For class

Solid read for class. Interesting and at times confusing but good. Recommended bc it’s more than just about church conflict. But conflict wherever we go.

[David A-S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Halverstadt's book is one that should never be read by a seminarian. For the student simply can't grasp the realities of the struggles or the clothe the nomenclature in lively forms. The book is dense. It involves in-depth-steps to a programmed process that I can't see myself having the discipline to fully apply. But I learned about about the family system of the church, trying to encourage people to fight fair, and letting people go when overall church health is at stake. He also spends time in theory and anecdote to ward pastors away from triangulation and "simple fixes". Worth the time, even if it is not one you read from page 1 to the end.

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A manual on managing church conflict, it is an indispensable aid for the pastor and/or church conflict manager.The author describes the goal as one of shalom--wholeness. Because of the depth to the book, it deserves a second and third reading.