Dr. Mike Smite, president of Jacksonville (Texas) College, has conducted a 30-year analytical and insightful study on the often painful subject of conflicts in ministry.
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A couple of New Testament disagreements … yes, conflicts …come to mind. Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15:36-41 …. and Paul and Peter as descried in Galatians 2:11.
He describes ten primary causes of conflicts revealed in the study. In his book: Conflict: Causes and Cures, he lists those ten areas and recognizes, analyzes, and prioritizes each point.
It is, again, painful that such a study is needed, but it is certainly helpful. Wise Christians can benefit and hopefully can learn from them.
Dr. Smith’s desire to be accessible wherein he is needed is expressed by his listing his cell phone number: (903) 721-0279.
A copy of Conflict: Causes and Cures can be obtained by clicking on http://www.amazon.com/CONFLICT-CAUSES-CURES-MIKE-SMITH-ebook/dp/B00JDOAK2M . There, about Dr. Smith’s book, we read …
“Conflict is serious and needs the church’s serious attention. Every eight hours a pastor is terminated. Every year over a thousand churches disband; often because of conflict.
“Supported by over thirty years of academic research and based on real-life experiences in ministry, Conflict: Causes and Cures presents practical perspectives, solutions, and resources for dealing with conflicted churches.
“Dr. Smith shares the top ten causes of conflict in a lively case study format and discusses three necessary approaches to conflict—education, mediation, and restoration.
“Complete with scripture references and biblical applications, Conflict: Causes and Cures is essential reading for those who are concerned about this critical problem that confronts our churches today.”