Often read as a companion to Moving Your Church Through Conflict, this book gives a more thorough description of six styles of approaching conflict: persuading, compelling, avoiding/accommodating, collaborating, negotiating, and supporting. Each of them is defined, with suggestions as to how and when to use them, and the probable outcomes one can expect. A self-scoring inventory is included. This is a brief book (only 44 pages), but what it lacks in size it makes up for in practicality. No church leader should be without this resource.

This tool breaks conflict managment into six styles. It contains an instrument (a self test) to help one determine what is one's dominate style. It also contains detailed descriptions of each style of conflict managment, situations in which each style is strong, and situations in which each style should not be used. A wonderful tool to use in management groups which have difficulty with latent conflict; it may help participants to determine what behaviors are maintaining the conflict.

Practical Insights into the Mechanics of Conflict January 6, 2003
I read this book nearly 10 years ago and found it very helpful. As a pastor of over 23 years and a survivor of a few humdinger conflicts, it was comforting to know that conflicts have patterns. It also helped me control my own responses.

I wouldn't wish church conflicts on a dog, but they seem to come (to most of us in the ministry, not dogs!) no matter what precautions we take. But they can often be contained early, and this book can help. It will also help you accept that conflict is common and to be expected, therefore leading us to the conclusion that one should be as prepared as possible. The chapters are all pretty good, but those written by Speed Leas excel.

The time to read this book is before (or early on)conflict begins. Every pastor needs to be prepared for what is inevitable. Lay leaders (board members, etc.) can also benefit from this book. Also helpful would be Terry Muck's book, "When to Take A Risk."

The authors approach Church Management from their various perspectives, but all seem to have a grip on managing a church, everywhere from facilities to staff to offering security to planning.

This is a fine book with some great specific suggestions.

This work by Alban Institute Consultant, Speed Leas, is a standard for understanding congregational conflict. Leas' unique contribution is his Five Levels of Conflict that describes how conflicts begin as problems to solve but can escalate into intractable situations if not managed well in the early stages. He suggests helpful strategies for each conflict level, including when to bring in a third party and what to expect. There is also a section on dealing with difficult individuals and tiny minorities. Leas' other book, "Discover Your Conflict Management Style" is an excellent companion volume.