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CURRENTLY IN RESOURCES
Get this video on conflict in the church

Speed Leas

Conflict in the Church
Mennonite Central Committee, 1999.

I have been an admirer of Mennonite Central Committee for many years. What they produce in the way of conflict management resources is consistently useful and insightful. MCC has just produced another fine resource that would be an excellent addition to any church audiovisual library.

The video Conflict in the Church runs for about 40 minutes. It is densely packed with good information, and the viewer will miss much of its richness if he/she tries to swallow it without chewing and savouring. It is put together with a study guide that asks viewers to discuss their perceptions of what is going on in the film. Along with the provocative questions in the study guide, Conflict in the Church could easily be used to stimulate discussion and reflection for four one-hour conversations.

I liked the video’s emphasis on the importance of emotional and spiritual perspectives in dealing with conflict: “What you expect is what you get.” This is not a Pollyanna view, but a realistic understanding that hope is the foundation of reconciliation.

The presentation begins with a helpful discussion of healthy versus unhealthy division within a church body, and how to tell the difference.

In the latter part of the video, the viewer will find helpful and practical advice for giving leadership to a congregation in conflict, or, for those not in a position of leadership, for understanding whether the conflict is being handled well or poorly.

The acting was not stilted or phony. The people in the video seemed like real people in real situations.

I recommend this video. Get it for your church.

Speed Leas is a senior consultant for the Alban Institute, specializing in conflict management in churches and synagogues. He has worked full-time as a consultant to congregations in conflict since the publication of his book (with Paul Kittlaus) Church Fights in 1973. He has published six other books on conflict in churches and several books and numerous articles on other subjects relevant to congregational development. His most recent book is Congregational Conflict, Real Life Strategies (Alban Institute, 1999).

Conflict in the Church can be borrowed (free of charge) or purchased (for $38 plus tax) from any Mennonite Central Committee office.

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Last modified May 3, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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