The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict

Ken Sande, The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict (Baker Books 2d ed. 1997).

From the publisher, a review of the third edition (2004): When The Peacemaker was first published in 1991, it set the standard for biblical, God-honoring conflict resolution. Now in its third edition, Ken Sande freshly presents the fruit of his twenty-plus years of faithful conflict resolution ministry within the Christian community. The choicest of that fruit is to be found in chapters 5 through 7, which have been updated and reworked, as well as a new appendix on how to create a "culture of peace" in the local church. Here you will find a theology of conflict resolution even richer than that presented in the previous editions. Sande weaves that theology into a tapestry portraying Jesus Christ and his gospel as the only true foundation for peacemaking, which he illustrates with fresh examples of resolving conflict in the family, church, and workplace. Central to this enriched theology is an enlightening inquiry into how we can identify and overcome controlling desires that, left unidentified and unconfessed, can fuel conflict further. Sande also provides additional helpful insights into how we can gently and lovingly help others see their part in conflict situations and lead them to forgiveness and reconciliation. He shows how such conflict 'assignments' provide opportunities to glorify God by representing the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ. Finally, the new appendix on developing a 'culture of peace' is an article that every church and Christian should read and heed if they want to be blessed. I highly recommend this 'new and improved' version as a staple in the theological arsenal of every believer, particularly those in church and ministry leadership. --Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife* and radio host of FamilyLife Today*, Little Rock, Arkansas.