Peacemaking Pastor, The: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict (Paperback)

by Alfred Poirier (Author) "I did not plan to be a heretic..." (more)
Key Phrases: Jesus Christ, God's Word, Christ Jesus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
Peacemaking: The healing alternative to conflict in the church Every pastor faces conflict in the church, and Alfred Poirier has this loving reminder: we can run, but we can't hide. Jesus set the example as the Incarnate Peacemaker, and Scripture clearly calls his servant-pastors to be ministers of reconciliation. So the issue is not whether to be a mediator but what kind of mediator to be. Thoroughly exploring the theology of reconciliation, Poirier adds lessons from personal experience and lists practical steps for effective mediation. With this comprehensive guide, you can embrace peacemaking confidently as a way to glorify God through the overcoming power of the gospel. And, as Jesus promised all peacemakers, you will be blessed. "This book provides a gospel-centered strategy for equipping pastors to be highly effective peacemakers who can lead their flocks safely through conflict while building a culture of peace in the church."--Ken Sande, president, Peacemaker Ministries "In solidly scriptural fashion a veteran pastor here explains how the local church through its leaders can become the community of peace and safety that it is called to be rather than the hotbed of hostilities that it too often is."--J. I. Packer, board of governors' professor of theology, Regent College "A culture of peace should characterize God's covenant people. The Peacemaking Pastor by Alfred Poirier is a solid overview of biblical peacemaking, which can help pastors and their churches carry forth the gospel of peace in their personal, family, church, and community lives."--Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship; president, The Urban Alternative "Funded by an unusual combination of research and practical experience, Alfred Poirier's The Peacemaking Pastor is essential reading for everyone who cares about the peace and purity of Christ's visible church. Read it before the storm and you will be much better prepared to handle it!"--Michael Horton, professor of systematic theology and apologetics, Westminster Seminary California Alfred Poirier is chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries and serves it additionally as adjunct instructor and mediator. He is senior pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.

About the Author
Alfred Poirier (M.A., M.Div., D.Min., Westminster Theological Seminary) is chairman of the board for Peacemaker Ministries and serves it additionally as adjunct instructor and mediator. He is senior pastor of Rocky Mountain Community Church in Billings, Montana.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801065895
• ISBN-13: 978-0801065897
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,627 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biblical and Practical Help for ALL Churches, October 6, 2006

By	Tara Barthel "Peacemaking Women.com" (Billings, MT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Rev. Dr. Alfred Poirier has written a biblical and practical book that is sure to help all pastors, church leaders, and church members to understand and faithfully live out the gospel of Jesus Christ in both their personal and corporate lives.

This book is actually a storehouse of information! From a systematically biblical approach to conflict resolution (Pastor Poirier is the Chairman of the Board of Peacemaker Ministries and has extensive experience in Christian conciliation), to the important legal risk management issues associated with redemptive and loving church discipline, this book has it all.

If you are looking for an extensive case study on how to handle a repentant sex offender in your community, read this book!

For detailed information on what it looks like for an entire church to be a part of the restorative aspects of church accountability and discipline, this book contains example after example.

If you are wondering if it is even possible for Christians to have authentic, intimate, REAL friendships and relationships that persevere over time ... read this book and be encouraged and helped.

As an attorney, a Certified Christian Conciliator with the Institute for Christian Conciliation, an author ("Peacemaking Women: Biblical Hope for Resolving Conflict", Baker 2005), and a frequent speaker at women's retreats and conferences, I have the privilege of observing "Body Life" (The Bride! The Church!) in contexts across the nation and even around the world. And I can tell you that, beyond a doubt, this book is going to have a profound impact on the ministry of the gospel.

Read it and be blessed!
And thank you, Pastor Poirier, for your labor of both scholarship and love.

Your grateful sheep,
Tara Barthel

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, detailed, an excellent resource for every pastor, January 11, 2007

By	Elizabeth A. Kerr "peacemaker" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book addresses the need for true peace within in the church - and how to achieve that peace. Currently, the church often looks more like the world than the church. Repentance and forgiveness have been replaced by modern psychology. True love has been replaced by a counterfeit. This resource takes us back to the roots of Christianity - Jesus came to die, and through his blood we are reconciled to God so that we might have life everlasting.
Even though the book targets pastors, it is also a very helpful resource for all, as we are all called to be peacemakers in the body of Christ. It builds beautifully on The Peacemaker, by Ken Sande, and gives additional guidance in a new, refreshing way.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely a "Keeper" for Today's Pastors!, June 2, 2007

By	David R. Bess (Charleston, WV) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Many of the Christian books I purchase I donate or re-sell after reading them. This one however, will take its place among the few titles on my bookshelves. Having been a pastor for 25 years, I have seen many conflicts erupt again and again in congregations. Usually they are not handled in a Biblical manner, simply because most church leaders and pastors do not know how to do so. Poirier here gives solid, Biblically-based insight on how to be a peacemaking pastor in a society increasingly obsessed with personal rights and public litigation. This book is not an easy read, but worth the time and effort required to absorb its contents.

If we all lived in Mayberry, with the only church struggles being the constant gossip of Clara or the grating voice of Barney in the choir, then this book would be unnecessary. The struggles in our churches today however, are far more complex and volatile. The author's example of whether or not a registered child molester should be allowed membership in a church is one striking example of situations in which strong, passionate arguments can be made for both sides of an issue.

This book is a great investment for any pastor or church leader today who is willing to take the time and energy to read it. I also plan to use it as a reference volume, one to which I can refer again and again as I face the knotty issues of ministry.