Conflict in our lives is inevitable.  As Christians, we are called
to handle conflict in a way different from the way the world
handles conflict.  God’s Word is totally authoritative and completely sufficient for all aspects of life, which clearly includes conflict. 

Sometimes conflict is as a result of sin as shown in James 4:1-3.  When parties are unable to resolve conflict themselves, the Reconciliation Ministry exists for the purpose of coming along side of conflicted parties to help them unlock communication to reach a biblical resolution.  If no biblical resolution is reached, God has given the church authority to handle such matters in accordance with 1 Corinthians 6:1. The Reconciliation Ministry, Our Conflict Resolution Ministry is HERE TO SERVE YOU!

Using the Reconciliation Ministry to assist in resolving disputes helps you comply with God’s Word. This can also save you time, stress, and money.   Contact Us today.

Contact Us | Complete the Intake Form | Download the Intake Form

Below are some commonly asked questions about the process.

Q: How can conflict be used?
A: Conflict, in and of itself, is neither good nor bad, however, it has the potential for either good or bad. When we appropriately manage conflict, we can not only resolve issues, but use it as an opportunity to grow to become Christ-like. When we model peace in the midst of conflict, it is a witness of who Christ is in our lives. 

Q: What is the reconciliation process?
A: The reconciliation process is the church process of using trained Christian mediators to aid the parties toward biblical resolution of their conflict.

Q: What do you mean by neutral, objective facilitators?
A: The facilitators are neutral toward the parties, but not neutral toward God's Word. The facilitators point the parties toward God's Word. God's Word is the ultimate authority by which parties are encouraged to operate.

Q: Who are the mediators?
A: The mediators are selected leaders of the church who have  a passion for helping people resolve conflict biblically and are trained and experienced in helping people resolve conflict.  Each has attended the Conflict Coaching and Mediation Training provided by Peacemaker Ministries and some are Certified Christian Conciliators.  

Q: Why would I use the process?
A: To be obedient to God's Word in accordance with Matthew 18:16 where one or two others are used to aid in resolving a conflict that parties have been unable to resolve.

Q: What kind of disputes do you mediate?
A: All types of disputes, including marital conflict, contracts, property issues, or other relational issues, whether legal or non-legal.

Q: Who will know that I requested that the conflict be mediated?
A: The process is confidential and will not be shared with those who do not have an official reason to know.

Q: How do I start the process?
A: Complete the Intake form online and then click on submit, which will automatically send the form to the Reconciliation Ministry. You may also download the Intake form and mail it to the attention of Oletha Barnett, Reconciliation Director at 1808 W. Camp Wisdom Rd or fax it to the Reconciliation Ministry at 214-672-9108. 

Q: What if a person does not have a computer to access the Intake form?
A: They may contact the Reconciliation office at 214-672-9100 for an Intake Form to be mailed.

Q: What happens after the Ministry receives my Intake Form?
A: The other party will be contacted to also complete an Intake Form.

Q:  When will a meeting be scheduled?
A:  A meeting will be scheduled after both Intake forms have been completed and returned to the Reconciliation Ministry.

Q:  How many meetings will take place?
A: Generally two meetings: (1) a pre-mediation coaching session held separately with each party and (2) the mediation held with both parties together. In some cases, depending on the complexity of issues and cooperation of the parties, the mediation can take more than one meeting.

Q:  When are the meetings generally held?
A:  The meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the evenings due to the fact that the members of the Reconciliation Ministry are all volunteers, who work during the day.

Q: How long will each meeting last?
A: The pre-mediation coaching meeting lasts an average of approximately 2 hours. The mediation can last up to 5 hours. Please eat dinner before coming. 

Q:  What about child care?
A:  Child care is not provided. 

Q: What happens if I refuse to reconcile or make peace with the other party(ies)?
A: It depends. If a sin issue is involved, it could result in church discipline.

Q: What happens if we resolve the issue?
A:  God is well pleased that you have been obedient and restored peace and harmony in the body. In addition, you and the other party sign a written agreement evidencing your resolution.

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For more information about this ministry, please contact:
Oletha Barnett - Reconciliation Director
obarnett@ocbfchurch.org
214-672-9100, x3728