Christian conciliation is a process for reconciling
people and resolving disputes out of court in a biblical manner. The process is
conciliatory rather than adversarial in nature--that is, it encourages honest
communication and reasonable cooperation rather than unnecessary contention and
advocacy.
Christian conciliation may involve two steps.
Initially, one or both parties may receive individual counseling/coaching
on how to resolve a dispute personally and privately using biblical principles.
If private efforts are unsuccessful, the parties may submit their dispute for mediation,
a process in which one or more mediators meet with them to promote constructive
dialogue and encourage a voluntary settlement of their differences.
The term "conciliator" is used to describe
someone who is serving as either a conflict coach, or mediator.
Adapted from Guidelines for Christian Conciliation ver 4.5 (03/05),
Peacemaker Ministries, Inc., at www.Peacmaker.net.
