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Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict
Women have a strong desire for relational connections. Relationships between women can be especially enriching, but when conflict arises, they also can be especially damaging. Too many women approach conflict as if they were unbelievers-with gossip, spiteful actions, bitterness, and even hatred.
In Peacemaking Women , Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler offer a meaningful, lasting message to lead women out of conflict to a state of peace where they can live as representatives of Christ to one another and well as unbelievers. With advice that is firmly rooted in Scripture, the authors bring sound, practical help for women who want to know what the Bible says about conflict resolution and how to achieve peace in their relationships with God, self, and others.
In Peacemaking Women , Tara Klena Barthel and Judy Dabler offer a meaningful, lasting message to lead women out of conflict to a state of peace where they can live as representatives of Christ to one another and well as unbelievers. With advice that is firmly rooted in Scripture, the authors bring sound, practical help for women who want to know what the Bible says about conflict resolution and how to achieve peace in their relationships with God, self, and others.
350 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2005
40 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Tara Klena Barthel
7 books9 followersTara Klena Barthel formerly served as the Director of the Institute for Christian Conciliation, a division of Peacemaker Ministries. As such, she oversaw the delivery of all conciliation services and advanced conciliator training. Currently, she serves her family as a homemaker while regularly mediating, arbitrating, writing, and speaking at conferences and retreats.
Prior to moving to Billings, Montana to join the staff of Peacemaker Ministries, she worked as an attorney and business consultant in Chicago, focusing on both high net-worth estate planning and change management. Tara earned her law degree (cum laude) and M.B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and her B.A. in psychology (summa cum laude) from Augustana College (Illinois). As an advisor to advisors on complex estate cases, Tara formerly held licensures in finance and insurance (Series 24, 7, 66, IL Life & Health). Baker Books published Tara’s first two books: Peacemaking Women—Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict and Redeeming Church Conflicts, and Peacemaker Ministries released her video series: The Peacemaking Church Women’s Study—Living the Gospel in Relationships. Tara also serves as an Adjunct Instructor and Certified Christian Conciliator™ with Peacemaker Ministries, and a consultant to businesses and Christian ministries.
Tara has served on three short-term missions projects (Estonia, Slovenija, and Outer Mongolia) and she enjoys SCUBA diving with her husband, Frederick. Tara, Fred, and their daughters Sophia and Ella are members of Rocky Mountain Community Church (PCA) where Fred serves as a deacon. Tara is currently enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Religion.
Prior to moving to Billings, Montana to join the staff of Peacemaker Ministries, she worked as an attorney and business consultant in Chicago, focusing on both high net-worth estate planning and change management. Tara earned her law degree (cum laude) and M.B.A. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and her B.A. in psychology (summa cum laude) from Augustana College (Illinois). As an advisor to advisors on complex estate cases, Tara formerly held licensures in finance and insurance (Series 24, 7, 66, IL Life & Health). Baker Books published Tara’s first two books: Peacemaking Women—Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict and Redeeming Church Conflicts, and Peacemaker Ministries released her video series: The Peacemaking Church Women’s Study—Living the Gospel in Relationships. Tara also serves as an Adjunct Instructor and Certified Christian Conciliator™ with Peacemaker Ministries, and a consultant to businesses and Christian ministries.
Tara has served on three short-term missions projects (Estonia, Slovenija, and Outer Mongolia) and she enjoys SCUBA diving with her husband, Frederick. Tara, Fred, and their daughters Sophia and Ella are members of Rocky Mountain Community Church (PCA) where Fred serves as a deacon. Tara is currently enrolled at Reformed Theological Seminary where she is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Religion.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
November 15, 2021
One of the best counseling books that I’ve read!
Convicting, practical, and compelling!
5/5 🌟
Convicting, practical, and compelling!
5/5 🌟
January 29, 2011
This is a life=changing book...one worth reading every single year.
August 22, 2019
This book is an absolute treasure chest of spiritual truths undergirded by an abundance of practical examples & personal applications that would benefit all of Christ’s peace seeking women at any stage of spiritual maturity.
The chapters that especially spoke to me were on the subjects of idolatry & suffering. Just these two chapters alone were life changing & made me more aware of my own lack in sanctification.
Barthel & Dabler left no rock unturned & they really dug down into the depths of some severely fallow ground in my heart concerning the topic of idolatry, areas I hadn’t confronted in almost 30 yrs of being a Christian.
The chapter on suffering was balanced yet so challenging & as with all the chapters was very much supported by scripture, scripture & more scripture. The more we understand suffering & the role it plays in our lives & in the lives of our brethren, we are better able to be the peacemakers we’re called to be.
So many intricate parts in the peacemaking process, all of which were covered in the chapters with much skill & great detail.
The last chapter was such an interesting twist that was so unexpected but it definitely provided a powerful testimony to the whole subject matter of the book.
The questions after each chapter were in no way superficial; instead they made me long to gather a group of women together & really talk them through with honesty, empathy & transparency.
For me, Peacemaking Women wasn’t a reference manual on what a peace seeking woman should do, although plenty wise counsel is provided; it was more about what a peacemaking woman should be.
I’m thankful to both of these precious sisters for communicating their weaknesses, sharing their pain & so bravely baring their souls, revealing the beautiful tapestry Christ has weaved through it all.
This would be an amazing book for both individual & Women’s Group study & I hope to use it as such for it truly has been a tool in my life that Christ has used for His glory. I have a much greater understanding of just what it means to be a peacemaker now.
The chapters that especially spoke to me were on the subjects of idolatry & suffering. Just these two chapters alone were life changing & made me more aware of my own lack in sanctification.
Barthel & Dabler left no rock unturned & they really dug down into the depths of some severely fallow ground in my heart concerning the topic of idolatry, areas I hadn’t confronted in almost 30 yrs of being a Christian.
The chapter on suffering was balanced yet so challenging & as with all the chapters was very much supported by scripture, scripture & more scripture. The more we understand suffering & the role it plays in our lives & in the lives of our brethren, we are better able to be the peacemakers we’re called to be.
So many intricate parts in the peacemaking process, all of which were covered in the chapters with much skill & great detail.
The last chapter was such an interesting twist that was so unexpected but it definitely provided a powerful testimony to the whole subject matter of the book.
The questions after each chapter were in no way superficial; instead they made me long to gather a group of women together & really talk them through with honesty, empathy & transparency.
For me, Peacemaking Women wasn’t a reference manual on what a peace seeking woman should do, although plenty wise counsel is provided; it was more about what a peacemaking woman should be.
I’m thankful to both of these precious sisters for communicating their weaknesses, sharing their pain & so bravely baring their souls, revealing the beautiful tapestry Christ has weaved through it all.
This would be an amazing book for both individual & Women’s Group study & I hope to use it as such for it truly has been a tool in my life that Christ has used for His glory. I have a much greater understanding of just what it means to be a peacemaker now.
July 5, 2012
I appreciated this book, but really, our relationships heal when we find our security and identity in Christ.
March 28, 2025
This book has biblical guidance for every kind of conflict that women in particular may experience. The first couple of chapters feel painfully slow and remedial, however they are critically important for building the right foundation to reach shalom.
Highly recommend for self-help and healing, as well as for book clubs and Bible studies.
Highly recommend for self-help and healing, as well as for book clubs and Bible studies.
December 14, 2018
Wow. Just wow. So much truth, so much meat in the text. I was fearful this would be another watered down Christian women’s book....it’s definitely not! Really appreciated the final section where the authors address conflicts within. Looking forward to reading this again in the future and always having it on my bookshelf for future reference!
July 31, 2017
This book started out very well and was, in fact, well written and insightful. The authors were very knowledgeable and related their information well. I really liked the real life examples they gave. However, I came away with the feeling that if I was having a relational problem, I really needed to seek counseling. Here in small-town rural USA that is not an easy option. I also felt that at times they drew out scriptures to support their thinking rather than letting scripture dictate their thinking. All in all, I can see this book being helpful to many.
May 29, 2014
This is one of the best books I have ever read. It's not just about dealing with conflict but it's about dealing with all of life, relationships and yourself. I highly recommend this book!! I have read this book a number of times and every time I read it I gain something new.
February 2, 2011
I learned so much about myself and how to employ the peacemaker techniques into my daily life. Great for all women!
April 17, 2018
This is one of those books that I would love to give six stars. So, so incredible. This book came into my life at just the right time. Praise God. I will use this book for many, many years. I love it.
November 12, 2021
Great book that tackles lots of topics pertaining to conflict. Helpful resource, and easy read. I also was really encouraged by the author's honesty to include personal stories of their own conflicts throughout their lives.
February 23, 2019
The Peacemakers Ministry is amazing and produces fruit in every area of my life!
April 26, 2022
Very dense. Will need to reread again someday.
May 6, 2008
An honest look at our lives in conflict--and a biblical call to reconcilliation and peace with ourselves, others and the church. When I began reading I didn't realize how applicable it would be in every area of my life--it was challenging. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 4 on Biblical Peacemaking and chapter 12 on Fear.
June 2, 2007
This is an excellent book. We read it in our Bible Study and then we had Tara Barthel (one of the authors) come to do a women's retreat...AMAZING!! Such challenging and thought provoking material that points us all back to Christ. So, so good!
November 16, 2007
Our most important relationship is with our Heavenly Father and I love that the authors start with God. This is a practical, easy yet convicting read. It makes me realize my total dependence on my Savior Who made peace between God and me.
July 10, 2014
Very helpful book! Used this for a ladies Bible study along with Tara Barthel's Peacemaking Women DVD sessions, which are wonderful. The DVD version makes the wisdom of this detailed book accessible for all women and led to some great discussion.
September 8, 2008
i did this with my church bible study and really liked it. i highly recommend it to anyone!
May 26, 2016
Doing the DVD series and study guide in Bible Study
April 6, 2017
This is one of the most helpful books I've read. I think my copy has highlighting on every page. The authors give practical examples of doing (biblical) conflict resolution. They use a strong gospel-centered approach. Would be a great study for a group.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews