The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict - Softcover

Alfred Poirier

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0801065895 ISBN 13: 9780801065897

Publisher: Baker Books, 2006

Synopsis

Seminaries generally are not very effective in equipping pastors to be ministers of reconciliation, says pastor and experienced mediator Alfred Poirier. The result is pastors trained in biblical exposition, well-ordered worship, and good theology, but with little practical know-how about one of the most important functions they will be expected to perform: conflict resolution.

The Peacemaking Pastor provides a survey of the nature and kinds of conflict typical in the pastorate to bring to light the need to recover the ministry of reconciliation. Poirier, chairman of the board of Peacemaker Ministries, shows pastors the importance of a reconciliation ministry, gives them a theological framework for peacemaking, and provides practical tools for facilitating the peacemaking process.

Written by a pastor for pastors, this insightful book will encourage and equip seminaries and ministry leaders in their original calling-promoting a culture of peacemaking in the church.

About this title

About the Author

Alfred Poirier (M.A., M.Div., D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary) is chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries and serves it additionally as adjunct instructor and mediator. He is senior pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.

From the Back Cover

Peacemaking: The healing alternative to conflict in the church

Every pastor faces conflict in the church, and Alfred Poirier has this loving reminder: we can run, but we can't hide. Jesus set the example as the Incarnate Peacemaker, and Scripture clearly calls his servant-pastors to be ministers of reconciliation. So the issue is not whether to be a mediator but what kind of mediator to be.

Thoroughly exploring the theology of reconciliation, Poirier adds lessons from personal experience and lists practical steps for effective mediation. With this comprehensive guide, you can embrace peacemaking confidently as a way to glorify God through the overcoming power of the gospel. And, as Jesus promised all peacemakers, you will be blessed.


"This book provides a gospel-centered strategy for equipping pastors to be highly effective peacemakers who can lead their flocks safely through conflict while building a culture of peace in the church."--Ken Sande, president, Peacemaker Ministries

"In solidly scriptural fashion a veteran pastor here explains how the local church through its leaders can become the community of peace and safety that it is called to be rather than the hotbed of hostilities that it too often is."--J. I. Packer, board of governors' professor of theology, Regent College

"A culture of peace should characterize God's covenant people. The Peacemaking Pastor by Alfred Poirier is a solid overview of biblical peacemaking, which can help pastors and their churches carry forth the gospel of peace in their personal, family, church, and community lives."--Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; president, The Urban Alternative

"Funded by an unusual combination of research and practical experience, Alfred Poirier's The Peacemaking Pastor is essential reading for everyone who cares about the peace and purity of Christ's visible church. Read it before the storm and you will be much better prepared to handle it!"--Michael Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

Alfred Poirier is chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries and serves it additionally as adjunct instructor and mediator. He is senior pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Books
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801065895
• ISBN 13: 9780801065897
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 320