A study by Leadership Journal found that 79 percent of pastors who used conflict-mediation consultants found them “very helpful” or “somewhat helpful.”
But most wished they had called for help sooner.
To help pastors and churches find that help, Leadership asked conflict mediator Marlin Thomas to list consultants who:
- Are Christian and church-focused
- Have training in congregational conflict resolution
- Belong to professional organizations or associations
- Offer letters of reference.
Most of the agencies have multiple consultants and offer training in conflict mediation or related topics.
Alban Institute, Inc. Alda Whitt 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 1250W Bethesda, MD 20814-3211 800-486-1318 301-718-4407, ext. 229 Fax: 301-718-1958 pwalker@alban.org www.alban.org Approach: Uses approaches from mediation, family systems, organizational development, and human relations theory—plus Alban’s own methodology developed by senior consultant Speed Leas.
Bridge Builder Peter L. Steinke P.O. Box 160693 Austin, TX 78716 512-342-8684 Fax: 512-342-8684 Approach: Emphasizes (1) family systems—shifting emotional processes to change the church’s functioning, (2) five-step process, and (3) high involvement of laity.
Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies Mark Roy Fresno Pacific University 1717 S. Chestnut Ave. Fresno, CA 93702 209-455-5840 Fax: 209-252-4800 mediate@fresno.edu www.fresno.edu/dept/pacs Approach: Primary models: (1) reconciling interests/injustices, and (2) family systems.
Church Conflict Solutions Marlin Thomas P.O. Box 9673 Colorado Springs, CO 80932-0673 719-380-1065 Fax: 719-574-7885 IL office: 815-625-8023 Info@rrcinc.org www.rrcinc.org Approach: An evangelical, biblical, relational, and organizational-systems base. Always includes prayer.
Church Vitality Resources James Qualben P.O. Box 65059 San Antonio, TX 78265 210-822-4273 Fax: 210-822-5014 langmarc@flash.net Approach: A values-led and belief-based systems approach to underlying problems; used by churches where mediation-arbitration or family-systems methods seem inadequate. Six weeks of local preparation and judicatory participation required.
Conflict Management Consultants H. Newton Malony Fuller Theological Seminary 180 N. Oakland Pasadena, CA 91101 626-584-5528 Fax: 626-584-9630 Malony@fuller.edu Approach: A three-member team that often consults together: David Augsberger from psychodynamic/ theological viewpoint, Robert Gorsuch using conclusions of social psychology, and H. Newton Malony employing organizational theory and faith dynamics.
Conflict Management Services David Brubaker 916 N. Cameron Ave. Casa Grande, AZ 85222 520-421-2134 Fax: 520-421-9196 brubaker@casagrande.com Approach: When working with “simple conflict,” uses basic mediation process; when intervening in organizational conflict, uses an organizational development approach with a family systems model.
Conflict Resolution & Conciliation Services Ronald C. Zabel 10521 Judicial Dr., Ste. 207 Fairfax, VA 22030 703-385-9877 Fax: 703-385-4353 crcs4p@aol.com www.members.aol.com/crcs4p/peace.html Approach: Uses mediation and rebuilding communication to identify roots of conflict. Addresses dynamics of the organization as structured and as actually functioning.
Institute for Christian Mediation & Conciliation Studies Jim Morris 908 E. Magnolia Terrace Mustang, OK 73064 800-285-2584; 405-376-1381 Fax: 405-376-5512 Approach: Through Christian mediation and extended mediation, helps churches re-establish communication and address issues.
Institute for Peacebuilding Ron Kraybill Eastern Mennonite University Harrisonburg, VA 22802 540-432-4490 Fax: 540-432-4449 kraybilr@emu.edu www.emu.edu/units/ctp/ctp.htm Approach: Draws mostly on mediation and facilitation approaches.
Life Enrichment Wes Roberts, Harvey Powers 17053 Hastings Ave. Parker, CO 80134 303-840-4371 Fax: (303) 840-4372 110072.2534@Compuserve.com Approach: Uses collaborative problem-solving with sensitivity to individual and systemic issues.
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) Richard Blackburn 1263 S. Highland Ave., Ste. 1N Lombard, IL 60148-4527 630-627-0507 Fax: 630-627-0519 103627.3505@Compuserve.com Approach: Uses mediation, oriented toward family systems. On-site visits use structured dialogue to gather information, bring healing, and generate outcomes.
Mediation and Dispute Resolution Services Alice M. Price P.O. Box 306 La Jara, CO 81140 719-843-5118 Fax: same, but call first alicep@amigo.net Approach: Assesses leadership meetings and conducts interviews, then recommends systemic change and/or organizational development, as well as specific mediation, evaluation, and/or other processes.
Mennonite Conciliation Service (MCS) Carolyn Schrock-Shenk 21 S. 12th St. P.O. Box 500 Akron, PA 17501-0500 717-859-3889 Fax: (717) 859-3875 MCS@mccus.org Approach: Network of trainers, mediators, and consultants. Call for referral.
Ministry of Reconciliation Bob Gross 4898 E 1400 N North Manchester, IN 46962 219-982-7751 Fax: 219-982-7751 bgross@igc.org Approach: Systems theory, mediation, group facilitation, etc.
Peacemaker Ministries Gary Friesen, Peggie Smith 1537 Avenue D, Ste. 352 Billings, MT 59102 406-256-1583 Fax: 406-256-0001 peace@mcn.net Approach: Seeks to determine the root causes of the conflict and guides leaders and congregants to respond with biblical faithfulness.
Shawchuck & Associates, Ltd. Cannonball Trail 7905 64th Ave. SW Leith, ND 58529 701-584-3002 Fax: 701-584-3245 nDAKOTAs@tic.bisman.com Approach: Works with client to identify problems and design interventions, since people support what they help create.
Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Larry O. Sullivan Pepperdine University School of Law 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263-4655 310-456-4655 Fax: 310-456-4437 losulliv@pluto.pepperdine.edu www.pepperdine.edu/idrweb/christian.htm Approach: Includes nine hours of training in conflict management, interviews, and mediations. Uses a conflict management style that is collaborative, interest-based, and biblically guided.
Trinity Center for Conflict Management Terry Wise P.O. Box 717 4233 Medwel Dr. Newburgh, IN 47629-0717 812-853-0611 Fax: 812-858-6403 75413.22@compuserve.com www.Trinitysem.edu Approach: Assesses the intensity, type, and nature of conflict and uses strategic, biblical, intervention.
—Marlin Thomas
Further information: Inclusion on this list does not imply endorsement. Neither Leadership nor Marlin Thomas can accept responsibility for the actions of any person or group listed. To inquire about additions to the list, please contact Marlin Thomas through this location.
1998 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. For reprint information call 630-260-6200 or contact us.
