About 4.5 million students attend the 21,000 elementary and secondary private religious schools in the United States, representing approximately eleven percent of our nation's children. With such a significant portion of the population represented, it is no wonder that Christian educators take so seriously their task to teach students from a biblical worldview—helping them grow in wisdom, knowledge, and maturity, and helping them learn to think critically and biblically about the world around them. These children are the future leaders of our nation, businesses, and churches, and therefore, such an investment in them is crucial.
Despite the Bible-centered foundation laid in Christian schools, conflicts still occur. The board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and students too easily find themselves in heated, destructive conflict. That these conflicts exist is not a big surprise—as sinners, conflict is inevitable.
"Christian schools have a unique opportunity to respond to conflict in a way that is markedly different."
But Christians associated with Christian schools have a unique opportunity to respond to conflict in a way that is markedly different. Instead of being filled with rancor, infighting, and even lawsuits, Christian schools should be an example and training ground for how to prevent and resolve conflict in a biblical way. Our very witness for Christ depends on it. As Jesus says in John 17, the world will know that Christ has been sent by the Father when Christians live in unity. What an opportunity to learn and model the very foundation of both Christian education and peacemaking—biblical principles.
The biblical principles of peacemaking do not vary. God's Word is sufficient, and the commands and promises contained in Scripture apply to all conflicts, whether on the playground or in the courtroom. Therefore, if you have not done so already, we invite you to read the Foundational Principles articles for summaries of what the Bible says about conflict and how to respond to it. Reading these articles is a good starting place for anyone—teachers, administrators, and students alike.
While teachers and administrators at Christian schools can teach biblical peacemaking to their students, they also have an outstanding opportunity to demonstrate it themselves. Students watch with great interest as conflicts arise involving staff, board members, parents, and the administration. Again, Christians involved in those conflicts should not respond as the world would respond. They should instead follow the example and admonition of Christ, even in the midst of difficult conflicts. The article A Time to Confront demonstrates how biblical peacemaking plays itself out in the lives of two Christian teachers in conflict. You might also be interested in other Articles and True Stories that address how to handle conflict in a biblically faithful manner.
Even as interpersonal conflicts are solved using biblical principles, there is still a strong temptation for Christians to resolve contract or employment disputes through lawsuits and legal action. But 1 Corinthians 6 says explicitly that this is not to be the case for Christians. There are much better ways to handle such conflicts.
To this end, Peacemaker Ministries has worked closely with the Association of Christian Schools International to develop biblical conflict resolution helps and tools, including recommended mediation/arbitration contract clauses. See the list below. (Please consult with your attorney before implementing any changes to your policies or contracts.)
A complete listing of articles and true stories related to Christian Educators can be found here:
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. In this article, Ken introduces the basic principles of biblical peacemaking through the story of a real-life conflict between two teachers.
by Burt Carney, ACSI Director, Legal/Legislative Issues. In the context of using a "Christian conciliation clause" in Christian school employment contracts, this article (the most recent on the topic from ACSI) gives a summary of the impact of recent court cases, other factors to consider in using such agreements, and the recommended language for contracts.
by Burt Carney, ACSI Director, Legal/Legislative Issues. In this article, Burt gives a real life example of use of a conciliation agreement in a Christian school employment contract.
This article aimed at Christian school administrators includes the definition of the important terms used in the discussion of conciliation clauses as well as other considerations in using these clauses in contracts.
by Dr. Paul A. Kienel, former president of Association of Christian Schools International. A thoughtful article on the application of the peacemaking principles found in Matthew 18 to Christian school administration.
by Chip Zimmer, Director of International Ministries. Chip answers the question, "How do I become a peacemaker?" by providing practical advice to begin a lifestyle ministry as a peacemaker.
by D. Wayne Myrick. As a business owner who works frequently with churches, contractors, and other professionals, Wayne shares his insights related to resolving (and avoiding) conflicts in business relationships.
by David V. Edling, Jeffrey Dodd, and Molly Routson. This article makes the case that according to Scripture, the church, in fact, must be a peacemaking forum.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. As we interact with other people, we must constantly make judgments about their words and actions so that we can respond to them appropriately. But the Bible warns that we are prone to look for the worst in people at times, and we judge them more critically than they deserve. In this article, Ken Sande provides practical ways to guard against this tendency and to follow Jesus' example of making accurate and charitable judgments about others.
by Gary D. Friesen, Executive VP for Peacemaker Ministries. An article on issues related to the use of conciliation clauses and their impact on insurability.
by David V. Edling, Senior Ministry Consultant, Peacemaker Ministries. How does a church follow the biblical admonition to be in the world but not of it? One way to address the culture within the church is to be intentional about how it prepares for and handles conflict.
by Ted Kober. While this article's original purpose was to speak to the root causes of conflict within a specific denomination, it also applies to anyone who wants to see the church—the bride of Christ—healed of unresolved conflict.
by Dean Ridings. An article containing engaging stories and thoughtful considerations related to conflict in the Christian camp and conference setting.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. This article outlines four basic steps that every Christian business or ministry should consider—for their own good and for the good of the Kingdom.
by David V. Edling and Lynn Pace. This article addresses the relationship between civil law and people of faith, especially as it relates to Christian conciliation.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. This article discusses the appropriate role for "professionals" in the area of peacemaking and Christian conciliation.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. When conflicts involve the pastor, the whole church suffers. In this article, Ken Sande looks at the pressure that pastors face and how to prepare and protect them from conflict.
by Dr. Alfred J. Poirier, former Chairman of the Board of Directors for Peacemaker Ministries. This article is a thorough critique of a "scientific" view of forgiveness and a discussion of the role of psychological empirical research in Christian counseling.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. In an eye-opening look at several empirical studies, Ken estimates the staggering financial cost of conflict in the church today.
For some of us, it can be extremely difficult to confront--it is much easier to ignore a conflict and hope it will go away. In this story, even though Janet hated confrontation, she knew that she could not remain silent when a Christian co-worker's behavior became increasingly destructive. While it wasn't easy, Janet learned that loving confrontation can be good for everyone involved.
Getting fired, especially in a way that seems completely unjust, can feel like the ultimate slap in the face. Retribution is the standard reaction, but this story shows how going a different route—conciliation, humility, confession, and forgiveness—honors God and often brings about true peace.
by Ken Sande, President of Peacemaker Ministries. In our litigious society, we often hear the cry that, "My rights have been infringed!" In this story, when a man forgives his boss for hurting him, he discovers that there is something far more valuable than asserting legal rights.
We repeatedly mention on this web site the benefits that biblical peacemaking brings to Christians' personal lives, relationships, churches, and witness for Christ. But a non-profit ministry director wrote this letter to describe an additional benefit of using biblical peacemaking—it makes good business sense!
When we are hurt or mistreated, our first reaction is often to strike back—with angry words, hateful actions, or even a lawsuit. In short, we respond just like non-Christians. In this story, against his instincts, an employee first takes the time to consider God's interests and look at his own contribution to a conflict before confronting others.
Business disputes between Christians are more common than you might think, and they often result in an unecessary lawsuit. This story illustrates how a church can encourage Christian conciliation (in this case, mediation), helping to bring about a just solution to a dispute while facilitating personal reconciliation.
Peacemaker Ministries also can provide customized in-service training on biblical conflict resolution for Christian Schools. If you have questions or want to discuss these possibilities further, please contact the Peacemaker Ministries office.
May God bless you as you seek to be a peacemaker in your Christian school. The opportunities and rewards are surely great!
