Customer Reviews

Firestorm: Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is one of those books that I wish our church leadership had about 18 months ago. This past year has been the most difficult of my entire 40 years. I can say that because I grew up in a very abusive, dysfunctional home with an enormous amount of trauma. Yet, none of that compared to what our "Firestorm" trauma caused to me and my family. My husband was the asso. pastor and wasn't even the "target", but the "collateral damage" (See Clergy Killers) just about destroyed him. The aftermath of a "firestorm" causes one to totally re-evaluate one's call, one's relationships with "close" friends, but most of all leaves one swirling in a whirlpool that makes you feel like your drowning -- and at times you wish you were. In Part I, Ron Susek does an incredible job of breaking a "firestorm" into phases with very practical "Dynamics" and "Recommendations" for each of the 6 phases. In Part 2, he helps sift through the mire to prompt one to evaluate oneself as well as those who "caused" the firestorm. The bottom line is an issue of the heart. Part 3 gives very practical ways of "Fighting a Firestorm", but Part 4, "Out of the Ashes" was of most value to me in that I had already experienced all the other "parts". The final chapter, "Coming Forth as Gold," caused me to sob for at least an hour. It's because that is my heart's desire. The healing that came to me from this last chapter has helped seal in my heart what God has done in me through our "firestorm". I must admit, it's extremely difficult to watch your most loved one almost incinerate before your eyes and you're helpless to change anything or take the pain away. What I have found to be the most devastating thing is to see your whole life ministry, your whole identity go "up in smoke". What I have learned through this is that our identity isn't in our ministry, but in Christ and Him alone. This "firestorm" has caused me to seek the Heart of the Father like never before. And I will actually say that I wouldn't trade what He has done in my heart because of this firestorm for anything. I have come out desiring to know Christ in a deeper way than I ever thought I could. It still hurts tremendously, but the purification of my heart is what God has been faithful to do (James 1:1-5). I believe that those who give this book a 1-star either have never been through a "firestorm" or they are either the perpetrators of a "firestorm" or potentially could be. If I had the funds, I would send a copy of this book to all the ministers in my community, especially the ones who now have those attending their churches who started our "firestorm". They're going to need it. It is a MUST READ for ALL LEADERS in the church, either vocationally or as laymen. God never does anything apart from the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5) which is His Character, but the works of the flesh savagely run untamed and unchecked in a "firestorm." Both "sides" make grave mistakes and/or fall into severe sinful acts when a firestorm is under way. No one is guiltless, but how we respond to what we have done to one another speaks loud and clear of what is in our heart. It is of utmost importance that we protect the Body of Christ (not sin) and not destroy our brothers when we have conflict or disagreements. We must obey what God's Word tells us to do when we face conflict with another: Matt. 18:15-17, Gal. 6:l, I Tim. 5:19-22 and Titus 3:10. May you be strengthen do all that you have been called to do and be: Conformed to the Image of Christ.

As a lay person you see and hear things happening in your church. This book will give insight as to the meaning of those happenings and who and what to pray for. Will be a great help in preventing one to be led blindly by one faction or another. My church board members each have their own copy as does the pastor. The congregation is encouraged to read it also.

Susek in this volume provides a simply excellent treatment of the vicious, destructive nature of church conflict. In the first part of his work he gives the account of an actual church, describing how the sparks of conflict were scattered, the flames were fanned, and the fierce firestorm was unleashed. While Susek's example is extreme for many churches struggling with lesser issues, the escalation of conflict is basically the same regardless of the scale.

In the second part of his book Susek addresses the various causes of a church firestorm. The third portion offers practical instruction on getting a firestorm under control. The fourth and final section gives suggestions on binding the wounds of the various parties who have been burned by the conflict.

I recommend this title to all pastors. For most of us, it is not a matter of IF we encounter a firestorm in our ministry, but WHEN we will experience one. I also see this book as being very helpful for church leaders who are dealing with conflict situations, regardless of their severity. Susek's work here is well-worth the price, offering healing and hopes for the conflict-scorched congregation.

The striking title evokes a powerful image of the destructive forces at work when churches are overcome by conflict. Susek, who has first hand experience of the lasting effects of church controversy, traces the stages of conflict and provides practical suggestions for dealing with each phase. The book also includes a detailed plan of action. Susek incorporates a dimension that is missing from many materials on church conflict, that of the spiritual forces of evil that are often at work. The book begins by explaining the six phases of a firestorm and how to recognize the symptoms. Next it presents four pillars of strength that are crucial for healthy churches to have spiritual power, and helps church leaders evaluate themselves in light of those strengths. Special attention is given to how church leaders' family and psycho-social needs may be affecting them too deeply, either helping to create conflicts or hindering effective resolution. The book also helps leaders to assess the presence of a number of other factors that contribute to conflict, such as cultural resistance to authority, rapid church growth, etc. Susek also includes very helpful sections on church discipline, bold spiritual leadership, the use of consultants, care for badly burned church leaders and their families, and the role of interim ministers.

Firestorm definitely provides a unique and at times tragic view of church conflicts, especially what happens if a passive approach is taken and early seeds of a firestorm are allow to smolder unchecked. There are a number of (horror) stories in the book about situations that went from bad to worse, and which make clear that conflicts in the church board room can be just as ugly or worse than those in the corporate board room.

Firestorm would be of most interest to pastors facing a firestorm, in danger of facing one, or in a church where the maturity level (i.e., it's lack) is low enough that it's dry tinder waiting for trouble. Burned pastors will benefit from knowing that they are not alone and from the chapters on trying to heal from this deep pain. Leaders in the earlier stages will find value in the "symptoms" signs listed for churches in the various "stages" of a firestorm which the author discusses.

However, I had a number of concerns in reading the book. First, there is really very little presented on the positive interpersonal skills and methods of conflict resolution. Second, the driving theme of the book was "Nip it!!", repeated in different forms over and over. A danger in that the attitudes and principles here would lead to unnecessary well-intentioned efforts at rooting out problems early that cause more harm than good. Third, a number of extremely poor/unwise examples of leadership or attempted solutions were presented in the book without any comments that they were bad or why. Anyone looking to implement what the pastors tried in the stories may not like the results. In many stories the pastors are dear men of God who want to do well but simply don't have the leadership skills to cope with their highly dysfunctional congregation. So with those caveats, I would recommend this not be the only book you read on church conflicts.

A tremendous source of insight, wisdom and knowledge to help anyone who has gone through a church split of any kind. This book helped the healing process begin and come to completeness. Praise God!

If your church is going through fighting and division, this book will definately help you. First it describes the stages of the "firestorm" and then how to address the issues to bring the church through the destructive battle and begin the healing. Dr. Susek has had a lot of experience leading churches through the process, we even contacted him and he is consulting with us.

The book Firestorm has not only the essential information to equip Christians in the midst of a firestorm, but pertinent data for identifying an approaching firestorm. So much of the material laid out can be applied to other areas of conflict in our lives. Having been very active in my church for so many years I found it devastating to walk through a 'firestorm' and have spoken with so many others from different churches who have experienced the same things. Wish we'd had this book several years ago! Firestorm is an instrument of help and hope for the Christian worker in these days filled with turmoil and crisis.

An excellent help to church leaders, pastors and pastoral search committees. A must reading for all in these situations.Anyone that is concerned about their church and the difficulties of a Firestorm should read and heed what the author has to say. His insight is filled with Holy spirit boldness.

Another book, another book about church fights. At this point in the reading for the Doctorate class, I am hoping for some happy endings to all of the church fights that I am reading about. Firestorm is another excellent book concerning the process that takes place during church fights. The book has an great case study with notes at the end details the stage of the conflict. It provides warning signs and advice on helping a congregation through that stage to a healthy resolution. The book gives advice on helping a congregation overcome a fight or a major split, a preacher overcome wrongful dismissals and hurtful members, and causes of major conflicts in congregations. It is really sad that churches are some of the most likely organizations to have major fights. I guess this is because of the high emotions surrounding churches, but really churches should be able to handle conflict better in the future. This is a good book, not the best one so far.