We offer individual conciliation guidance in the form of conflict coaching. Our goal is to help people get to the
root
of what drives their choices, communicate effectively, and dismantle any barriers to constructive change so that conflict
can be addressed in a healthy, non-adversarial manner. This is not a clinical counseling approach; rather, the coaching is
based on biblical principles that promote understanding, personal responsibility, justice, and reconciliation.
Taking steps toward resolution and reconciliation: Conflict coaching is provided not only in the initial
stage of mediation or conciliation but throughout the process. There are key steps parties are encouraged to take as the
process proceeds. A person involved in a dispute is first given counsel as to how the dispute might be resolved without requiring
litigation, arbitration, or mediation. Sometimes going to the other person privately and gently and gracefully "speaking
the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15) is all it takes to find a solution and be reconciled.
There are four key
steps: - Honor values - For a Christian this means doing everything to the glory of God
- Take
responsibility for your role in the conflict - "Get the Log out of your own eye"
- Examine both attitudes
and actions
- Offer meaningful apology for your contribution to the conflict
- Help the other
party take responsibility for their role in the conflict - "Gently restore"
- Be prepared to listen
to understand rather than respond
- Seek mutual understanding of divergent perceptions of the circumstances
- Share impacts of the conflict without judging
- Pursue restoration and resolution "Go and be
reconciled"
- Be prepared to respond to an apology with forgiveness
- Seek clarity and agreement
concerning the issue to be addressed
- Seek clarity of positions and understanding of each other's interests
- Develop and evaluate potential solutions that meet each other's interests
