Synopsis:Every church will experience conflicts. How a church handles these inevitable conflicts determines its future and the spiritual health of its members. If properly approached, church conflicts can be used for spiritual growth–both individually and corporately as the body of Christ. Redeeming church conflicts–making something glorious out of something awful–provides evidence to a watching world that the gospel is real and powerful.

In this purposeful and practical book, two church-conflict resolution experts take readers through the Acts 15 model of approaching conflict in order to help them understand the intricacies of their church conflict. The book provides a clear, godly way forward into redemptive reconciliation, regardless of how the people involved in the conflict respond or fail to respond.

From the Back Cover:“In Redeeming Church Conflicts Tara Barthel and David Edling draw on their extensive experience helping brothers and sisters resolve serious divisions in ways that bring glory to Jesus, the prince of peace.” Rev. Dr. Dennis E. Johnson, Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary California and the author of The Message of Acts in the History of Redemption

“Church conflicts are a shameful thing–they hurt, divide, and besmirch the name of Christ. This volume does more than lament the problem. It digs deeply into the experience of the New Testament church to discover a model of forgiveness and redemption that can help the witness of the church to shine once again.”Dr. Timothy George is the founding dean of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and general editor of the Reformation Commentary on Scripture
“Tara Barthel and David Edling do the body of Christ a significant service inRedeeming Church Conflicts … Have your staff and your entire church read this book. It will go a long way in creating a culture of peacemaking in your church.” Dr. Tim S. Lane, President, Christianity Counseling and Educational Foundation
“This book delivers exactly what is needed in church conflict: a wealth of biblical wisdom and professional expertise as well as an unflinching challenge toward self-examination and away from angry entrenchment and graceless condemnation.” Nancy Guthrie, teacher and author of the Seeing Jesus in the Old Testament Bible Study Series
“Redeeming Church Conflicts is that rare book that proves what it promises by showing how the gospel truly affords the church in conflict real means of redeeming the seemingly irredeemable.” Rev. Dr. Alfred Poirier, Senior Pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church (PCA), former Chair of the board of Peacemaker Ministries
“Conflicts within the Church strike at the heart of our witness to the world, and yet there are very few rigorously biblical resources available on this topic … this book is soundly biblical from beginning to end, with a practical, gospel-centered approach to disputes within the Church.” Glenn Waddell, President, Birmingham Theological Seminary
“With delight I commend this much-needed contribution to the field of church conflict intervention… few writers so richly blend sound theology with seasoned ministry experience, all in a readable case-wise manual that will aid church leaders on all levels. ” Rev. Dr. Robert D. Jones, Biblical Counseling Professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Author of Uprooting Anger
“Redeeming Church Conflicts is Biblical, insightful and practical; based on wisdom born of faithful service to the Lord and a keen understanding of people. Barthel and Edling present a framework for conflict resolution that is God honoring, sanctifying and redeems what is often times very destructive. Much personal heartache and wounding in Christian ministry could be avoided if church leaders would follow this hermeneutically sound counsel. Dr. Andrew S. Zeller, President, Sangre de Cristo Seminary, Chaplain (COL) U.S. Army (Ret.), D. Min., Th.M., M. Div., B.A.

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