Managing Conflict Creatively (30th Anniversary Edition): A Guide for Missionaries & Christian Workers

What does the Bible say about conflict resolution? Nobody likes conflict, especially when both parties are “part of the same team.” Unresolved conflict can lead to missionary attrition, but healthy conflict-resolution can be a wonderful growth opportunity, leading to problem-solving and team-building.In Managing Conflict Creatively, Dr. Palmer first introduces the dynamics of conflict and the common styles of conflict management. After providing a Biblical background, he then identifies types of conflict and how to develop conflict management skills, specifically in cross-cultural situations. Lose your fear of conflict as you walk through case studies, engage in discussion questions, and learn to:Identify the stages of conflict and steps of healthy problem solvingEncourage healthy conflict resolution in its early stagesIdentify your personal conflict style and the characteristics of an effective moderatorOverreact less amid conflictConsciously choose a conflict-resolution style tailored to each situationDisagree well and resolve conflicts and misunderstandings without harming your witnessManage conflict in positive ways that foster growth and collaborationThis manual is intended to serve as a teaching tool and a study guide for cross-cultural conflict management courses in Bible colleges, mission organizations, and churches. Thirty years after its original publication, this practical, Bible-centered approach to the dynamics of conflict and conflict management in cross-cultural situations remains relevant, both abroad and in today’s hybrid cities.