Jim Van Yperen

Solid, practice talk about conflicts within churches, what causes the conflict, and how the author has helped to solve these conflicts in the past. He specializes in conflict resolution within 'unhealthy churches', and it was both fascinating and saddening to read some of the case studies concerning pastors and elders who allowed their pride to get in the way of effective church leadership and ministry to those in need.

Van Yperen is a no-nonsense kind of guy, basing his conflict resolution strategies on biblical principles and an understanding of human psychology. A great resource for anyone whose church is struggling, or -- and this is what I found most intriguing -- anyone needing a reminder on the effective ways to solve conflicts between people in the church. Yes, that means between you and whoever it is that you keep avoiding in the hallway or that woman you haven't talked to since the potluck last summer... think that's a healthy way of dealing with things, because avoiding it isn't hurting anyone? It is, and it's not healthy. It's a simmering pot of resentment that, over time, will infect and permeate the attitudes of those around you.

I think I could have used this book about seven years ago. :)… (mer)