Useful Resources
Books
Let’s Talk: Communication Skills and Conflict Transformation - Barry C. Bartel
This workbook for group study features discussion guides, reflection exercises, and role plays. An excellent resource for developing communication skills and improving conflict management.
Restorative Christ: Jesus, Justice, and Discipleship - Geoff Broughton
A theological exploration of the restorative form of justice that Jesus articulated. Broughton’s work considers Christ through the Gospel of Luke and Acts to show how understanding the restorative Christ is key for us today.
Reconciling One and All: God’s Gift to the World - Brian Castle
This book shows that reconciliation between God and humanity is at the heart of Christian faith. From this starting point, Castle considers a range of contexts in which Christians can bring this reconciliation to the world.
Reading the Bible, Transforming Conflict - Carol J. Dempsey and Elayne J. Shapiro
A theological engagement with a range of biblical texts concerned with conflict. Dempsey and Shapiro’s work features questions and exercises to encourage readers to apply learnings from these examples.
A Culture of Peace: God’s Vision for the Church - Alan Kreider, Eleanor Kreider, and Paulus Widjaja
Asking the question why Christians find it so difficult to leave in peace, this book encourages developing the skills needed to handle conflict well, through humility and grace.
How to Learn Through Conflict: A Handbook for Leaders in Local Churches - Colin Patterson
A handbook with stories and practical exercises to help leaders approach conflict as something all can learn from. Ideal for church leaders looking to consider how they approach conflict in their communities.
Transforming Conflict in Your Church: A Practical Guide - Marlin E. Thomas, ed.
A great, pratical resource for churches navigating conflict and wondering what resources the Bible can offer.
How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems - Peter L. Steinke
A helpful resource for identifying the emotional roots of conflict in Church communities. This book includes pratical case studies and is grounded in solid theological and psychological research.
Practicing Peace: Theology, Contemplation, and Action - Michael John Wood
An exploration of the practice of peace through theology and contemplative practice. Wood’s book includes helpful, real-world examples and practical tools that can be applied in a range of contexts.
The Circle Way: A Leader in Every Chair - Christina Baldwin and Ann Linnea
This book describes the use of circles in a range of contexts, including examples from faith settings.
Setting Relations Right in Restorative Practice: Broadening Mindsets and Skill Sets - David B. Moore and Alikki Vernon
A practical guide to using restorative processes. This book speaks to a range of contexts, drawing on lessons from extensive practitioner experience in restorative work.
The Little Book of Circle Processes: A New/Old Approach to Peacemaking - Kay Pranis
Practical advice for using circles, drawing from Native American practice and traditions. Pranis’s work includes stories of circles at work in a range of contexts.
Models and Articles
The Appreciative Inquiry Model
Leadership in the Age of Complexity: From Hero to Host