Our Community: Dealing with Conflict in Our Congregation (Book)
Susan M. Lang, Author.  Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress Press, 2002.

Our Community, one of the titles in Augsburg's "Congregational Leader" series, focuses on the roots, perceptions, and experiences of conflict. Author and pastor Susan Lang explores how conflict can develop and grow in family and congregational systems. She describes both healthy and unhealthy conflict by giving real-life examples. A brief, to-the-point, and clear text is augmented with informative sidebars and text boxes. In addition, every chapter is grounded in Scripture. Exercises, prayer suggestions, and useful tools make this a book that leaders can turn to again and again for guidance.

Our Community reads like a reality-based novel. Try reading it straight through: experience the building tension of conflict; the relief of its resolution; the necessity of cleaning up after the storm has passed; and the reassurance of God's love. "When we learn to deal with conflict in healthy ways and keep it in the light, we can learn to trust God and grow through all things," says Lang in her closing chapter.

Ministers, lay congregational leaders, pastoral coaches, and consultants will all benefit from Lang's experience and wisdom. The book will be especially helpful for those in positions of authority during conflicted times.

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See also these resources:

Insights into Congregational Conflict (Article)
Confirming that congregational conflict is widespread, "Insights into Congregational Conflict" focuses on a range of related issues: the use of money, norms of behavior, forms of worship, leadership styles, and decision-making processes.