Reconciliation | Resolve Christian Mediation

RESOLVING CONFLICT involves two different processes:

RECONCILIATION – Focusing on restoring relationships & healing wounds
MEDIATION – Focusing on resolving specific issues & negotiating agreements

Why is biblical resolution of conflict among Christian important?

Inevitably disagreements do arise & the Bible clearly tells us to do all we can to put matters right quickly. Forgiveness & Reconciliation are at the heart of the Gospel.

It is important for a Christian to resolve disputes privately or by mediation or arbitration in order to prevent the dispute becoming public and thereby giving others opportunity to criticise and mock Christianity. Resolving conflict biblically enables us to demonstrate through our actions that we genuinely believe in Jesus Christ and trust in his teachings. (See John 13:34; 14-15; 17:20-23; Eph. 4:1-3)

For detailed ‘Information & Answers’
see FAQ’s page and Download a PDF copy.

Our intention in Resolve is to serve & assist the church to implement Reconciliation & initiative of Christian Mediation

We encourage Christians involved in conflict to turn first to their church leaders
for counsel and assistance.
If subsequently, Christian parties desire to refer a case to Resolve, we will assist their churches throughout the reconciliation & mediation process.

RESOLVING CONFLICT
Responsibilities –

For Church Leaders
Jesus has given the Church primary responsibility &
authority for resolving conflict among Christians.

For You & Me (personal)
Jesus has instructed that we are personally to initiate the
process of Reconciliation and take the first STEP

The Biblical Process –

Jesus sets out a process which involves private discussions,
forgiveness, mediation and the use of authority to make a
binding decision to settle disputes.

Matthew 18:15-20
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.
If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.
But if he will not listen,take one or two others along so that
“every matter may be established by the testimony of two/three witnesses.”
If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…..
I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for,
it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.
For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them”.

Who can refer a dispute to Resolve

Any person or organisation who accepts the Christian nature of the service and agrees to the Rules can refer a dispute to Resolve, provided the other party does the same. Resolve always retains a discretion as to whether to accept any mediation request.

Are there times when litigation is appropriate for a Christian?

YES!

God has given the courts jurisdiction to enforce the laws of the land and restrain crime (Rom. 13:1-7). Therefore, criminal acts, constitutional questions and a variety of other disputes may legitimately be resolved through litigation.
However, if one of these disputes includes personal differences between Christians, they should attempt to resolve the problem in a personal way before seeking redress through the courts.

What principles are we expected to follow
in Christian mediation?

Resolve promotes traditional Judaeo-Christian values & principles which are
for the most part central to our common law. These values & principles promote healthy relationships & the proper functioning of society.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law & the Prophets” Matt. 7:12

Peace & Unity are of paramount importance to Jesus

He commands us to seek reconciliation with an offended person
even ahead of public worship:

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother
has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.
First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court.
Do it while you are still with him on the way” (Matt. 5:23-25)

This command is not conditional on how serious the other person’s
complaint might be or whether it is even justified.
Even in difficult circumstances the Bible instructs us to make every effort
to resolve personal differences outside of courtroom.

The bible clearly states that unresolved conflict between Christians has serious consequences.

When relationships remain broken (including the case where an individual professes forgiveness but privately decides to avoid the other party) the individuals themselves and very often the people close to them, continue to be adversely affected.

A dispute affects not just the individual but also those with whom they interact,
for example the whole family, the local church or colleagues in the work place.

DISUNITY – Dissipates spiritual strength & protection & the witness of the whole church is compromised when disagreements continue between Christians.
Conversely, the evidence of real forgiveness & restored relationships speaks volumes for the gospels reality.

What is Mediation ?

Mediation is a relatively informal & voluntary process in which mediators facilitate communication & negotiation in order to help the parties reach their own agreement.
Mediators are as concerned with reconciling the parties by helping them address personal & relational issues as with helping them to settle their substantive differences.

The Process –

The mediator(s) will offer initial advice and then ask each party for a short written summary of their position.
He or she will then usually bring the parties together at a private and informal meeting, listen to what they have to say, refer them to biblical principles where appropriate, help them to consider their responsibilities as well as their rights and encourage them to seek a just solution.
If the parties do not reach an agreement on their own, they may ask the mediator(s) to issue an advisory opinion which is not legally binding but is often accepted by both sides.

Agreements reached through mediation are written down
and become legally binding agreements.

If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may decide to terminate
the process or they may agree to submit unresolved
issues to arbitration.

Christian Resolve & Reconciliation

Resolve works to explain, promote and plant reconciliation so
God’s glory may increasingly become manifest in His Church.

RESOLVING CONFLICT involves two different processes:

RECONCILIATION – Focusing on restoring relationships & healing wounds
MEDIATION – Focusing on resolving specific issues & negotiating agreements

Why is biblical resolution of conflict among Christian important?

For detailed ‘Information & Answers’
see FAQ’s page and Download a PDF copy.

Our intention in Resolve is to serve & assist the church to implement Reconciliation & initiative of Christian Mediation

We encourage Christians involved in conflict to turn first to their church leaders
for counsel and assistance.

If subsequently, Christian parties desire to refer a case to Resolve, we will assist their churches throughout the reconciliation & mediation process.

RESOLVING CONFLICT
Responsibilities –

For Church Leaders
Jesus has given the Church primary responsibility &
authority for resolving conflict among Christians.

For You & Me (personal)
Jesus has instructed that we are personally to initiate the
process of Reconciliation and take the first STEP

The Biblical Process –

Jesus sets out a process which involves private discussions,
forgiveness, mediation and the use of authority to make a
binding decision to settle disputes.

Who can refer a dispute to Resolve

Any person or organisation who accepts the Christian nature of the service and agrees to the Rules can refer a dispute to Resolve, provided the other party does the same. Resolve always retains a discretion as to whether to accept any mediation request.

Are there times when litigation is appropriate for a Christian?

YES!

What principles are we expected to follow
in Christian mediation?

Resolve promotes traditional Judaeo-Christian values & principles which are
for the most part central to our common law. These values & principles promote healthy relationships & the proper functioning of society.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law & the Prophets” Matt. 7:12

Peace & Unity are of paramount importance to Jesus

He commands us to seek reconciliation with an offended person
even ahead of public worship:

This command is not conditional on how serious the other person’s
complaint might be or whether it is even justified.
Even in difficult circumstances the Bible instructs us to make every effort
to resolve personal differences outside of courtroom.

The bible clearly states that unresolved conflict between Christians has serious consequences.

When relationships remain broken (including the case where an individual professes forgiveness but privately decides to avoid the other party) the individuals themselves and very often the people close to them, continue to be adversely affected.

A dispute affects not just the individual but also those with whom they interact,
for example the whole family, the local church or colleagues in the work place.

DISUNITY – Dissipates spiritual strength & protection & the witness of the whole church is compromised when disagreements continue between Christians.
Conversely, the evidence of real forgiveness & restored relationships speaks volumes for the gospels reality.

What is Mediation ?

The Process –

Agreements reached through mediation are written down
and become legally binding agreements.

If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may decide to terminate
the process or they may agree to submit unresolved
issues to arbitration.

Christian Resolve & Reconciliation

Resolve works to explain, promote and plant reconciliation soGod’s glory may increasingly become manifest in His Church.

RESOLVING CONFLICT involves two different processes:

RECONCILIATION – Focusing on restoring relationships & healing woundsMEDIATION – Focusing on resolving specific issues & negotiating agreements

Why is biblical resolution of conflict among Christian important?

For detailed ‘Information & Answers’ see FAQ’s page and Download a PDF copy.

Our intention in Resolve is to serve & assist the church to implement Reconciliation & initiative of Christian Mediation

We encourage Christians involved in conflict to turn first to their church leaders for counsel and assistance.

If subsequently, Christian parties desire to refer a case to Resolve, we will assist their churches throughout the reconciliation & mediation process.

RESOLVING CONFLICT Responsibilities –

For Church LeadersJesus has given the Church primary responsibility & authority for resolving conflict among Christians.

For You & Me (personal)Jesus has instructed that we are personally to initiate the process of Reconciliation and take the first STEP

The Biblical Process –

Jesus sets out a process which involves private discussions,forgiveness, mediation and the use of authority to make abinding decision to settle disputes.

Who can refer a dispute to Resolve

Any person or organisation who accepts the Christian nature of the service and agrees to the Rules can refer a dispute to Resolve, provided the other party does the same. Resolve always retains a discretion as to whether to accept any mediation request.

Are there times when litigation is appropriate for a Christian?

YES!

What principles are we expected to follow in Christian mediation?

Resolve promotes traditional Judaeo-Christian values & principles which arefor the most part central to our common law. These values & principles promote healthy relationships & the proper functioning of society.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law & the Prophets” Matt. 7:12

Peace & Unity are of paramount importance to Jesus

He commands us to seek reconciliation with an offended person even ahead of public worship:

This command is not conditional on how serious the other person’s complaint might be or whether it is even justified.Even in difficult circumstances the Bible instructs us to make every effortto resolve personal differences outside of courtroom.

The bible clearly states that unresolved conflict between Christians has serious consequences.

When relationships remain broken (including the case where an individual professes forgiveness but privately decides to avoid the other party) the individuals themselves and very often the people close to them, continue to be adversely affected.

A dispute affects not just the individual but also those with whom they interact, for example the whole family, the local church or colleagues in the work place.

DISUNITY – Dissipates spiritual strength & protection & the witness of the whole church is compromised when disagreements continue between Christians.Conversely, the evidence of real forgiveness & restored relationships speaks volumes for the gospels reality.

What is Mediation ?

The Process –

Agreements reached through mediation are written downand become legally binding agreements.

If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may decide to terminatethe process or they may agree to submit unresolvedissues to arbitration.

Resolve works to explain, promote and plant reconciliation so
God’s glory may increasingly become manifest in His Church.

RECONCILIATION – Focusing on restoring relationships & healing wounds
MEDIATION – Focusing on resolving specific issues & negotiating agreements

For detailed ‘Information & Answers’
see FAQ’s page and Download a PDF copy.

We encourage Christians involved in conflict to turn first to their church leaders
for counsel and assistance.

RESOLVING CONFLICT
Responsibilities –

For Church Leaders
Jesus has given the Church primary responsibility &
authority for resolving conflict among Christians.

For You & Me (personal)
Jesus has instructed that we are personally to initiate the
process of Reconciliation and take the first STEP

Jesus sets out a process which involves private discussions,
forgiveness, mediation and the use of authority to make a
binding decision to settle disputes.

What principles are we expected to follow
in Christian mediation?

Resolve promotes traditional Judaeo-Christian values & principles which are
for the most part central to our common law. These values & principles promote healthy relationships & the proper functioning of society.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you,
for this sums up the Law & the Prophets” Matt. 7:12

He commands us to seek reconciliation with an offended person
even ahead of public worship:

This command is not conditional on how serious the other person’s
complaint might be or whether it is even justified.
Even in difficult circumstances the Bible instructs us to make every effort
to resolve personal differences outside of courtroom.

A dispute affects not just the individual but also those with whom they interact,
for example the whole family, the local church or colleagues in the work place.

DISUNITY – Dissipates spiritual strength & protection & the witness of the whole church is compromised when disagreements continue between Christians.
Conversely, the evidence of real forgiveness & restored relationships speaks volumes for the gospels reality.

Agreements reached through mediation are written down
and become legally binding agreements.

If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may decide to terminate
the process or they may agree to submit unresolved
issues to arbitration.