Peacemaker Project
The Peacemaker Project
Liberty University
Introduction
“Conflict Resolution is an essential element of life, but a task filled with so many diverse issues, that not many can engage in it without feeling a bit unprepared. Through the grace of God we have been given a wonderful ministry of reconciliation and direct commands to live at peace with others”. (Nemitz, 2013) In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul teaches that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, to serve others, and to grow to be like Christ. This concern for faithfulness to God, compassion and mercy towards others, and righteous behavior is echoed throughout Scripture. In Michah 6:8 we are told, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” (Holy Bible, NIV). As we live out the gospel and make the Lord’s priorities, our own priorities, we can turn every conflict into a stepping stone to a closer relationship with God and a more fulfilling and fruitful Christian life as we have been called to do by Christ.
Part 1 - Glorify God
Conflict Provides Opportunities Let me start off by giving you a brief overview of the conflict that I was involved in.
The personal conflict situation I was involved with occurred with a co-worker at the beginning of the 2012 – 2013 school year. I am an administrator at the New York State School for the Deaf. I oversee the entire residential portion of our school. I have been in this position for 2.5 years. On the particular day of the conflict I was walking down the hallway to attend a meeting. As I was walking down the hall I could hear faculty in one of the classrooms talking about administration in a negative manner. The door was wide open to the room and I could hear one teacher in particular continuing on and on. It really bothered me that this particular teacher was so boldly talking about administration, so I decided to enter the
Liberty University
Introduction
“Conflict Resolution is an essential element of life, but a task filled with so many diverse issues, that not many can engage in it without feeling a bit unprepared. Through the grace of God we have been given a wonderful ministry of reconciliation and direct commands to live at peace with others”. (Nemitz, 2013) In 1 Corinthians 10:31, the Apostle Paul teaches that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, to serve others, and to grow to be like Christ. This concern for faithfulness to God, compassion and mercy towards others, and righteous behavior is echoed throughout Scripture. In Michah 6:8 we are told, “He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” (Holy Bible, NIV). As we live out the gospel and make the Lord’s priorities, our own priorities, we can turn every conflict into a stepping stone to a closer relationship with God and a more fulfilling and fruitful Christian life as we have been called to do by Christ.
Part 1 - Glorify God
Conflict Provides Opportunities Let me start off by giving you a brief overview of the conflict that I was involved in.
The personal conflict situation I was involved with occurred with a co-worker at the beginning of the 2012 – 2013 school year. I am an administrator at the New York State School for the Deaf. I oversee the entire residential portion of our school. I have been in this position for 2.5 years. On the particular day of the conflict I was walking down the hallway to attend a meeting. As I was walking down the hall I could hear faculty in one of the classrooms talking about administration in a negative manner. The door was wide open to the room and I could hear one teacher in particular continuing on and on. It really bothered me that this particular teacher was so boldly talking about administration, so I decided to enter the
References: Holy Bible: New International Version Nemitz, D. (2013). Peacemaker Project Instructions. Sande, Ken. The Peacemaker: Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004. ISBN: 0-8010-6485-6 Peacemaker Workbook. Adapted from The Peacemaker: Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict by Ken Sande (Baker Books, 3d. ed. 2004). Billings, MT: Peacemakers Ministries, 2006.