Transforming Church Conflict: Compassionate Leadership in Action

With many pastors facing burnout and congregations suffering from internal divisions, there is a need for Christian resources that present concrete problem-solving techniques for handling conflict in the church. This book offers practical skills and strategies that the authors have learned through years of studying nonviolent communication (NVC) as described in Marshall Rosenberg's book, Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, and as developed by numerous NVC trainers all over the world. Using real-world case studies and examples, Hunsinger and Latini helpfully guide pastors and lay leaders through effective and compassionate ways to deal with discord. These strategies include differentiating observations from evaluations, experiencing and expressing feelings, identifying and connecting with needs, and making requests rather than demands. By learning the basic skills of compassionate communication, church leaders can be empowered to transform, rather than merely manage, church conflict

Author: Deborah Van Deusen Hunsinger,Theresa F. Latini
Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
Published: 04/12/2013
Pages: 270
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9780664238483

Review Citation(s):
Christian Century 07/10/2013 pg. 41

About the Author
Latini, Theresa F.: -

Theresa F. Latini is the George Weinman Chair of Pastoral Theology and Ministry at Luther Seminary and Parish Associate at Lake Nokomis Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she is the author of The Church and the Crisis of Community: A Practical Theology of Small-Group Ministry.

Hunsinger, Deborah Van Deusen: -

Deborah van Deusen Hunsinger is the Charlotte W. Newcombe Professor of Pastoral Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), she is the author or editor of several books, including Pray without Ceasing: Revitalizing Pastoral Care.