An Insiders Guide to Resolving Faith Community Conflicts
I have been fascinated by the emotional and psychological dynamics of internal organizational conflicts since I studied organizational behavior as a graduate student at The University of Michigan. The instructor was Bill Dunifon, a pioneer of organizational behavioral studies.
Organizational fights are complex, but follow predictable patterns. Secular organizations have rules and procedures to activate when angry eruptions occur.
Churches generally lack these safeguards, so reactions are slower and less effective. On top of that, church fights are much more relational, making them more personal. This addition also makes them far more complex and more damaging.
Secular approaches end with a settlement agreement, which is insufficient. Scripture calls for complete resolution and reconciliation. That is what Small Wars is all about.
"To restore the heart of the Church by bringing true and lasting peace to congregations in conflict through Christ-centered reconciliation, healing dialogue, and the practical tools needed to build a unified future."
The Path to Healing and Reconciliation
My newest book, Small Wars, completes a trilogy of faith and research-based books designed to help congregations navigate the fights I term "small wars."
Small Wars - An Insider's Guide goes where no other books of this type go. It offers a holistic approach to these disruptions and covers issues mostly ignored in other books but vital to church health.
The answer is not conflict management; it is conflict resolution. It requires a deep-dive approach to identifying, treating, and healing wounded relationships based on biblical imperatives and clinical science - they fit together perfectly!
I have worked with organizational and interpersonal conflicts for 50 years. My goal is to pass along what I have learned! These three books do exactly that!
The Fastest and Most Effective Way to Destroy a Church. . .
. . . is from the inside. This statistic has remained unchanged for more than 20 years: 20% of all American churches are experiencing internal conflict as you read this. In 2020, the total number of churches was 356,642.
That equates to 71,328 congregations in conflict today. Most will survive, but some will not. All will be damaged. Small Wars offers unique, proven intervention strategies that anyone can use.
The Trilogy
Dive deeper into faith community conflict resolution with these three books. Each one is crafted to provide practical tools and spiritual wisdom to help navigate challenging situations and build bridges of understanding.
When your pastor is the problem
The taboo topic: pastors with dangerous mental health issues do horrible damage to their victims and their churches. Let Us Prey goes to the roots of the problem and exposes them in clear terms while offering practical ways to deal with the problem, prevent it from happening again, and heal the spiritual and psychological wounds that remain.
Practical forgiveness
Why do we find forgiving so difficult? Could it be that we do not really know what forgiving is, how it works, or how it benefits the one forgiving? Learn practical steps to mend relationships and foster unity within your family, community, and faith group.
Small Wars - An Insider's Guide to Resolving Faith Community Conflicts is my latest book. In it, I share insights and discoveries that have helped resolve these fights over the past 50 years. This book is unlike any other because it starts where the others end and refuses to settle for less than permanent and deep peace. The theories behind it seem complex, but the processes it uses are straightforward, even if you have no training in conflict management.
Spiritual reconciliation
Explore the spiritual dimensions of conflict resolution and find pathways to reconciliation.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
About Darrell Puls
Darrell Puls brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to faith-based conflict resolution. His work is dedicated to helping individuals and communities find peaceful and constructive ways to navigate disagreements, fostering environments of trust and mutual respect.
"I have been immersed in the dynamics of conflict for five decades. I am a highly trained and experienced mediator and negotiator, certified by the University of Michigan in Labor Relations, and I hold a doctoral degree in conflict management from Trinity Theological Seminary. More than that, I have applied what I know to hundreds of conflicts, ranging from divorces and family disputes to large, internal organizational fights involving hundreds of angry people.
"My articles have been published in textbooks, peer-reviewed academic journals, magazines, and specialty websites. My roles have included president of a bi-county mediation center, federal bankruptcy mediator, and president of the Washington Mediation Association, to police hostage negotiator, conflict interventionist trainer, conference speaker, and Dean of Academic Affairs at Pacific Northwest Christian College.
"My work has been defined by my personal mission statement: 'To be willing to march into hell for a heavenly cause,' from the musical The Man from La Mancha. My passion is to heal distressed churches and help people transition from combatants into Peacemakers. It is not an easy role, but it is deeply gratifying."
Are you called to become a Peacemaker?
Coming: Insights from the field
Explore thoughtful articles and resources on faith community conflict resolution. This blog will offer practical advice, inspiring stories, and deeper dives into the principles that guide this work.
So Let Your Light Shine!
"Small Wars by Darrell Puls provided invaluable tools for our church leadership. The insights were practical and deeply rooted in faith, helping us navigate a difficult situation with grace."
Pastor Michael Evans
"The resources from Small Wars were instrumental in helping our congregation heal after a period of division. Darrell's approach is both compassionate and effective."
Deacon Sarah Chen
"I highly recommend Darrell Puls's books to anyone seeking to improve conflict resolution within their faith community. They offer clear, actionable advice grounded in biblical wisdom."
Reverend David Kim
Get in touch
Contact Information
Email: Darrell@darrellpuls.net
Phone: 509.308.2737
Website: darrellpuls.net