Ken Sande, a ruling elder in the PCA, is the author of The Peacemaker (Baker). He founded Peacemaker Ministries in 1982 under the auspices of the Christian Legal Society, which helped to establish many similar ministries throughout the United States. In 1987, many of these conciliation ministries joined together to form the Association of Christian Conciliation Services (ACCS), which was designed to coordinate national networking, education, and conciliation activities. The ACCS merged into Peacemaker Ministries in 1993.

The mission of Peacemaker Ministries is “to equip and assist Christians and their churches to respond to conflict biblically.” (www.peacemaker.net)

Do I really want this in my church?

“Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness” (Jas. 3:18). Peacemaking is already a part of the RPCNA through our Book of Discipline. Section 1, chapter 2 recounts the biblical mandates of Matthew 18 and commends use of mediation, arbitration, and other alternative dispute resolution processes. Properly utilized, biblical peacemaking is done under the authority of the church courts (such as session).

The tools and resources developed by Peacemaker Ministries are soundly biblical and surprisingly Reformed— providing a practical theology for Christians in conflict. Members of the RPCNA who have trained (or are currently training) with experienced mediators and counselors associated with Peacemaker Ministries have done so under the oversight of their local session.

Do I have to be a “Certified Conciliator” to be a peacemaker in the church?

No. Anyone who hears and follows God’s plan for dealing with conflict can be a peacemaker. Jesus says “blessed are the peacemakers”—not “blessed are the attorneys and professional counselors who have had specialized training.” Speaking biblical truth to one another in love is not reserved for professional counselors, as some might have us believe.

That said, it proven worthwhile for the church to recognize and utilize members with training and experience in biblical conflict resolution. Even where experience is present, Matthew 18 indicates there are times when it is wise to seek another person to come alongside. Certification is one way of identifying individuals with gifts and experience so churches experiencing conflict can call on them as a resource.

“RP Peacemakers” is a Facebook page established by Pastor Brad Johnston (Walton, N.Y., RPC) for people interested in biblical conflict resolution.