Conflict Management

OUR COMMUNITY Book Review

Susan Lang has contributed to the subject of congregational leadership with a very helpful resource on conflict. "Our Community: Dealing with Conflict in Our Congregation," will be both a practical handbook for congregational leaders and a resource book for those who are asked to work with congregations experiencing conflict.

Lang's book begin with the refreshing premise that conflict is a natural part of any community's life. When a community is changing (either by choice or because of outside influences) conflict is likely to follow. At that point, it's important to recognize that the conflict is NOT the problem. What becomes problematic is how a community deals with the conflict.

While the book does not promise to and could never be "everything you ever wanted to know about conflict management and resolution," it does give those who must lead during times of conflict or intervene in conflicts a healthy place to begin.

I hope this book will find a place on the library shelf in every congregation. It will send a signal that this congregation is not afraid to recognize that even healthy congregations experience conflict. And having it on the shelf will help remind congregational leaders that, rather than ignoring conflict when it is present, there are resources close at hand.

Richard Bruesehoff
Director for Leadership Support,
Division for Ministry, ELCA