Who Ya Gonna Call? - Christianity Today

According to Leadership‘s research, 79 percent of pastors who used professional mediation consultants found them somewhat or very helpful.

But respondents wished they had called for help sooner. Those who didn’t find consultants helpful admitted they entered the formal mediation process too late.

Here is what to expect if you call a consultant.

WHAT THEY DO

There are usually four stages to the consulting process.

Consultation. A mediator will interview congregants, lay leaders, and staff. The consultant will also review financial reports and board minutes. This consultation over a weekend is sometimes done on an expenses-only basis.

Next, the mediator will develop an evaluation, identifying the depth of the problem, and, if clear, the reasons conflict escalated.

Out of the evaluation comes a proposal, which spells out the procedures the mediator will lead the parties through, as well as suggested goals. Immediate goals will likely include reducing tension. Another goal will be educating the congregation in conflict management skills. Costs and time commitments should be clearly stated.

If the congregation votes to proceed, the mediator will begin implementation. The consultant will look for unresolved grief, anger, or disappointment that play into current tensions. One distinctive of Christian conciliators is that they can help parties identify sinful behavior and repent.

Expect three to five days of implementation, followed by monthly visits for continued training and evaluation. Some mediators close their relationship with the church by holding a service of reconciliation.

WHAT THEY CAN’T DO

Mediators cannot guarantee the pastor will keep his or her position. In fact, about one in four times when a church in conflict calls a mediator, the pastor leaves anyway.

Nor can mediators resolve conflict for people who are unbending and unrepentant. When a church has been sick for years, they can’t restore health in a matter of weeks.

Well-known consultant Speed Leas has tracked the following results from his consultations with congregations in conflict:

—47 percent of congregations reach most of their goals.

—25 percent of congregations reach some of their goals.

—22 percent show no improvement.

—6 percent get worse.

Costs range from $600 to $1500 per day, plus expenses. However, some mediators offer a sliding scale for fees.

WHOM TO CALL

Consultants vary greatly in competency and experience. One pastor quipped, “We thought we were getting an expert. What we got was just another burned-out pastor who had taken up consulting.” Begin your search with organizations that have networks of trained mediators:

Alban InstituteSuite 433 North4550 Montgomery AvenueBethesda, MD 20814-3341800-486-1318, ext. 229Contact: Roxanne Englund

Mennonite Conciliation ServiceP.O. Box 500Akron, PA 17501-0500717-859-3889Contact: Carolyn Schrock-Shenk

Institute for Dispute ResolutionPepperdine University School of Law24255 Pacific Coast Hwy.Malibu, CA 90263Contact: Larry Sullivan

Association of Christian Conciliation Services1537 Ave. D, Suite 352Billings, MT 59102406-256-1583Contact: Ken Sande

Consultant Kennon Callahan wrote, “Hope is stronger than memory. Salvation is stronger than sin. Forgiveness is stronger than bitterness. Reconciliation is stronger than hatred. Resurrection is stronger than crucifixion. Light is stronger than darkness.” That is the message of those called to the ministry of reconciliation.

—Ed Rowellassistant editor, Leadership

1996 Christianity Today, Inc./LEADERSHIP Journal