Overview

This book has put up quite the fight. It started as a chapter in my doctoral dissertation examining literature pertinent to the subject of church conflict. Instead of staying put, though, it took on a life of its own beyond the dissertation itself. Finally, after several requests, I've agreed to publish it as a stand-alone volume for use by any and all within the Church. I'm glad to report a significant body of literature regarding church conflict expounds proven principles we can use. In particular, this book will review church conflict literature that focuses on 1) introductory concepts to church conflict, 2) the inevitability of church conflict, and 3) the nature of church conflict, 4) the management of church conflict, and 5) the redemption of church conflict. Like any book, this has many limitations. For one, it is an historic document, sharing the same birth year as my dissertation. For another, it's not the last word on church conflict. Still, the biblical, theological, and psychological principles presented in this book are timeless. They're as applicable today as ever.