Frequently Asked Questions & Introduction to Christian Conciliation

1. What is Christian conciliation?
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 three 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. Finally, if mediation is unsuccessful, the parties may proceed to arbitration, which means that one or more arbitrators will hear their case and render a legally binding decision.

The term “conciliator” is used in this booklet to describe someone who is serving as either a conflict coach, mediator, or arbitrator.

2. Who provides Christian conciliation services?
Christian conciliation services may be provided by an individual volunteer, a professional mediator, a Certified Christian Conciliator™, a local church, a denominational ministry, or a formally established conciliation ministry, such as Ambassadors of Reconciliation.

3. What types of disputes can be resolved through Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliation has been used to settle a wide variety of disputes, from purely relational to substantive legal issues, including contract, employment, family, personal injury, church, landlord/tenant, real estate, construction, insurance, intellectual property, creditor/debtor, and professional conflicts. The monetary claims in these cases have ranged from zero to several million when: dollars. Some of the cases that have been resolved through Christian conciliation arose

the owner of a house accused a builder of doing defective work
an employee claimed that she was improperly fired from her job
the owners of a business could not agree on how to divide its assets
a church was being torn apart by conflicts
a church and Christian school were in conflict
a partner in an oil and gas development venture believed he had been defrauded
a patient alleged that a doctor had performed surgery improperly
the birth mother of a child wanted to reverse an adoption
an author claimed that a publisher had broken a contract to publish his book
family members were unable to reconcile after the death of their parents
a family was disputing over the value and distribution of a family business
a husband and wife were struggling with an impending divorce
two business people disagreed over intellectual property rights
two ranchers disagreed on road right-of-way
a company claimed that its competitor’s product infringed on its patent
a divorced couple disagreed constantly over child support and visitation

4. How expensive is Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliation is usually less expensive than litigation. Some conciliators serve on a volunteer basis, while others charge an hourly fee. In cases of financial hardship, most conciliators will work with the parties to develop a manageable payment plan.

5. Is a conciliation clause legally enforceable?
Yes. Courts have consistently upheld written conciliation clauses similar to those under Part IV of these Guidelines, even when one of the parties objected. Sometimes a party may file a lawsuit to avoid following a conciliation clause, but the courts usually require that the parties abide by their original agreement (see cases listed under Part IV on pages 38–39).

6. May I use Christian conciliation even after a lawsuit has been filed?
Yes. If the other party is willing, the two of you may agree to postpone further legal proceedings while you attempt to resolve your differences through conciliation. If conciliation is successful, you may file a stipulation with the court to close the case.

7. Can Christian conciliation result in a legally binding agreement or decision?
Yes, if you and the other party so desire. Agreements reached through private negotiations or mediation may be documented in legal contracts or stipulations. Arbitration decisions are legally binding and can be enforced as a judgment of a civil court.

8. Can a conciliator help me to resolve a dispute in private?
Yes. Before attempting mediation or arbitration, a conciliator can provide you with written materials and individual biblical counseling/coaching designed to help you explore ways to resolve your dispute by talking privately with the other party. Only after private efforts have been exhausted should you bring more people into the process (see Matt. 18:15–16).

9. Do I have to commit myself to arbitration in order to work with a conciliator?
No. If attempts at a private resolution have been unsuccessful, and if the other party agrees to work with a conciliator, you may choose any one of these options:

Mediation is a relatively informal and voluntary process in which mediators facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties. Mediators are as concerned with reconciling the parties as with helping them to settle their substantive differences. If the parties do not reach an agreement on their own, they may ask the mediators to issue an advisory opinion, which is not legally binding but is often accepted by both sides. Ifmediation is unsuccessful, the parties may decide to quit the process, or they may agree to submit unresolved issues to arbitration.
Mediation/Arbitration is a process that begins with mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties are legally obligated to proceed to arbitration. Unless agreed otherwise, an entirely new panel of conciliators will be assigned to serve as arbitrators. Christian mediation is generally so successful that most cases do not need to go to arbitration.
Arbitration deals primarily with the resolution of substantive issues. Arbitrators act as judges, and their decisions are legally binding. Going directly to arbitration without attempting mediation is usually not advisable, unless there are no personal issues to be resolved and there is no need for reconciliation between the parties.

The mediation/arbitration option, which requires both parties to stay in the process until the matter is resolved, usually affords the greatest opportunity for reconciliation and a resolution of the dispute. Therefore, conciliators usually recommend this option.

10. What kinds of issues can be submitted to arbitration?
Arbitration may be used to resolve a broad range of issues. However, arbitration may not be used to resolve legal issues over which civil courts will not relinquish jurisdiction (e.g., child custody, support, and visitation); issues that are solely within the jurisdiction of the family (e.g., how to teach or discipline children); or issues that are solely within the jurisdiction of the church (e.g., determining doctrine, calling or dismissing a pastor, or exercising church discipline).

11. May I withdraw from the conciliation process once it begins?
Not necessarily. If you have committed yourself only to mediation, any party may withdraw at any time. But if you have committed yourself to either arbitration or mediation/arbitration, all of the parties are legally obligated to proceed with mediation and, if necessary, arbitration, unless all of the parties agree to cancel the conciliation agreement. Conciliation shall be the exclusive remedy for the dispute, and the parties may not later litigate the matter in civil court.

12. What are the major differences between mediation and arbitration?
During mediation, the parties retain control over the final outcome, and the mediators act only as facilitators. When a case goes to arbitration, the parties are legally obligated to abide by the arbitrator’s decision.
Another difference is that arbitration deals primarily with substantive issues; that is, it establishes facts and determines rights and responsibilities. In contrast, mediation deals both with substantive issues and with personal and relational issues.

To put it another way, while arbitration determines what people must do as a matter of law, mediation helps them to see what they should do as a matter of conscience. (After an arbitration decision has been issued, the arbitrator(s) may address behavior and attitudes observed in the parties during the arbitration process.)

13. How confidential is the conciliation process?
The parties and the conciliators must agree at the outset that with few exceptions the conciliators will not be asked to divulge information outside of the conciliation process or the ecclesiastical structure of the parties’ churches. In particular, they may not be subpoenaed to testify in subsequent legal proceedings (see Rules 16 and 17 in Part II). The parties are required to commit to not divulging information to people who do not have a necessary and legitimate interest in the conflict.

14. Doesn’t mediation always result in a compromise?
No. Although some disputes are properly resolved through compromise, conciliators should not encourage the parties to “split the difference” merely to get a matter settled. Christian conciliators take justice seriously, and they will do all they can to help people live up to their responsibilities, even when doing so is unpleasant and costly. As a result, solutions reached through conciliation are generally supported by both sides as being just and reasonable.

15. Doesn’t conciliation result in favoritism to certain individuals?
Since conciliators are guided by both Scripture and the Holy Spirit, they should be especially sensitive to God’s command to be impartial:“You shall do no injustice in court. You shall not be partial to the poor or defer to the great, but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor” (Lev. 19:15). As they seek God’s guidance in obeying this command, Christian conciliators are less likely to show favoritism than are secular arbitrators or judges and jurors in civil court.

16. How does Christian conciliation differ from other types of mediation?

Christian conciliation is more values-oriented than most other types of mediation. While all mediators will work to help the parties come to a voluntary settlement, many mediators will be reluctant to go beyond this, especially if doing so would require that they evaluate others’ attitudes and behavior from a moral perspective.

In contrast, Christian conciliators make it a point to draw out the underlying reasons for a dispute, sometimes referred to as “matters of the heart.” Believing that God has established timeless moral principles that he has recorded in Scripture and written in our hearts, Christian conciliators will draw the parties’ attention to attitudes, motives, or actions that appear to be inconsistent with those standards. This will be especially true with parties who profess to be Christians. Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ will be encouraged to obey his commands and behave in a manner that will honor him.

Most importantly, Christian conciliation focuses not only on what we should do (“law”) but also on what God has done and is doing for those who trust in him (“gospel”). God has forgiven our sins and made peace with us through the death and resurrection of his Son (Rom. 6:23; 1 Pet. 3:18). And he has given us the freedom and power to turn from sin (and conflict), to beconformed to the likeness of Christ (Eph. 2:1–10; Gal. 5:22–23; Rom. 8:28–29), and to become ambassadors of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:16–21).

As a result, Christian conciliators utilize biblically-based conflict coaching throughout the conciliation process. This helps the parties recognize their own contribution to a conflict and prepares them for confession and forgiveness and improved understanding of other parties’ views. This leads to both personal reconciliation and resolution of the dispute.

17. How are conciliators selected?
In most cases, a conciliation administrator will consult with the parties and then nominate one or more Christian conciliators for the parties’ approval. Some cases need only a single conciliator, while others are better handled by a team. In mediation, it may be helpful to include a leader from each party’s church. In other cases, a conciliation team may include an attorney, a pastor or Christian leader, and one other individual who is suited to help resolve the particular dispute. For example, if a dispute involves the construction of a building, one member of the team may be a technical expert.

18. Why should I allow strangers to get involved in my dispute?
If you cannot resolve a dispute in private, it may no longer be a question of whether you will work with strangers. The only question is which strangers you will work with. If your dispute ends up in court, you will have very little control over the selection of a judge and a jury, and you will have little, if any, knowledge of their basic values. In contrast, if you use Christian conciliation, you will have a voice in the selection of the conciliators, and you will know that the people nominated for Christian conciliation are committed to biblical principles.

19. What are the limitations on a conciliator’s role?
Conciliators will not serve as religious investigators, prosecutors, or judges to bring before the general public issues that were not resolved within the ecclesiastical structure of the parties’ churches. Nor will they play a “public relations” role by making statements to the general public about a particular conflict.

20. Is Christian conciliation available only to Christians?
No. Many people who do not profess to be Christians have submitted disputes to conciliation and have been pleased with the results. Christian conciliators evaluate each case on an individual basis, however, and may decline to accept a case if it appears that either party does not respect the Christian principles underlying the process.

21. What principles will I be expected to follow during Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliation promotes traditional Judeo-Christian values and principles that are an essential part of our common law and promote healthy relationships and the proper functioning of society. For example, if you submit a case to conciliation you will be encouraged to:

Be honest: Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another (Eph. 4:25).
Do what is just and merciful: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Mic. 6:8)?
Accept responsibility for your actions and admit your wrongs: You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye (Matt. 7:5).
Keep your word: Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil (Matt. 5:37).
Be concerned about the interests of others: Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Phil. 2:4).
Listen carefully to what others say: If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame (Prov. 18:13).
Overlook minor offenses: Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense (Prov. 19:11).
Confront others constructively: Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear (Eph. 4:29).
Be open to forgiveness and reconciliation: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Eph. 4:32).
Change harmful attitudes and behavior: Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy (Prov. 28:13).
Make restitution for any damage you have caused: When a man opens a pit, or when a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, the owner of the pit shall make restoration. He shall give money to its owner, and the dead beast shall be his (Ex. 21:33–34).

In other words, if you use Christian conciliation, you will be encouraged to follow the rule that God has given to govern relations between all people:

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12).

In the Appendix, see “The Peacemaker’s Pledge” which summarizes biblical teaching about personal peacemaking.

22. What if I have a complaint against a Christian conciliator?
If you have a conflict with a Christian conciliator, you should go to that person and try to work out your differences personally and privately (see Matt. 5:23–24; 18:15). If repeated efforts to resolve your complaint in private do not succeed, the Bible teaches that you should seek assistance from other Christians in resolving the matter in a biblically faithful manner. The first place you should look for guidance and assistance in resolving the complaint is within your own church or local Christian community (Matt. 18:16–20; 1 Cor. 6:1–8). You may also want to seek help from the church leaders of the Christian conciliator against whom you have the complaint.

If the Christian conciliator is an active Certified Christian Conciliator™ with the Institute for Christian Conciliation™ (ICC), or is a candidate currently enrolled in the ICC Certification Program, you may also contact Ambassadors of Reconciliation at www.instituteforchristianconciliation.com.

You will be encouraged to try to resolve the matter privately and with the assistance of your church. In addition, if it appears that the conciliator may have violated the ICC Standard of Conduct for Christian Conciliators, you should work with the Administrator appointed according to the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation. If your complaint is against a Certified Christian Conciliator™, the ICC will investigate your complaint and may take remedial or restorative disciplinary actions against the conciliator. Please note: Ambassadors of Reconciliation has no authority over Christian conciliators outside of the ICC Certification Program.

23. Is a Christian free to sue another Christian?
Generally, Christians are not free to sue other Christians, at least not until they have exhausted the process that Jesus sets forth in Matthew 18:15–20 and 1 Corinthians 6:1–8. God instructs Christians to resolve their disputes within the church itself, with the assistance of other Christians if necessary. When the apostle Paul learned that the Christians in Corinth were suing one another, he wrote the following to them:

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers?

To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud—even your own brothers! (1 Cor. 6:1–8)

Many Christians are unaware of this teaching, or they believe that it no longer applies today. In contrast, here is what Associate United States Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia said about this passage in 1987:

I think this passage has something to say about the proper Christian attitude toward civil litigation. Paul says that the mediation of a mutual friend, such as the parish priest, should be sought before parties run off to the law courts . . . . I think we are too ready today to seek vindication or vengeance through adversary proceedings rather than peace through mediation . . . . Good Christians, just as they are slow to anger, should be slow to sue.

Justice Scalia is not the first attorney to discourage people from taking their disagreements to court. This is what Abraham Lincoln said to a class of law students over a century ago:

Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser—in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough. Never stir up litigation. A worse man can scarcely be found than one who does this. (Emphasis added.)

24. Why does God want Christians to avoid taking their differences to court?
One reason is that a purely legal approach to resolving a dispute often heightens animosities and permanently destroys relationships. In contrast, Christian conciliation encourages forgiveness and promotes reconciliation, which can preserve valuable relationships.

Furthermore, a court process usually fails to deal with the real causes of conflict, such as pride, selfishness, fear, vengeance, greed, bitterness, or unforgiveness. In fact, the adversarial process, which encourages people to focus on what they have done right and what others have done wrong, often leaves the parties with a distorted view of reality and actually ingrains the very attitudes and behaviors that caused the conflict in the first place. In contrast, Christian conciliation helps people to identify root problems and to make changes in their lives so that they will experience less conflict and healthier relationships in the future (see Matt. 7:3–5).

For a Christian, a primary reason for resolving disputes in a conciliatory way is to prevent a public quarrel that would give others an opportunity to criticize and mock Christianity. Resolving conflict biblically also allows us to show 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). Peace and unity are so important to Jesus that He commands us to seek reconciliation with an offended person even ahead of public worship:

So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison (Matt. 5:23–25).

This command is not conditioned on how serious the other person’s complaint might be or whether it is even justified. Even in difficult circumstances, God wants his people to make every effort to resolve their personal differences outside of the courtroom.

25. Are there times when litigation is appropriate for a Christian?
Yes. God has given the civil courts jurisdiction to enforce the laws of the land and restrain crime (Rom. 13:1–7). Therefore, criminal violations, constitutional questions, and a variety of other disputes may legitimately be resolved through litigation. If one of these disputes includes personal differences between two Christians, however, they should usually try to resolve the problem in a personal way before looking to the courts for redress. Upon request, a conciliator will provide you with material that will help you to decide whether a particular dispute should be taken to court.

26. What are the benefits of Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliation promotes traditional values, preserves relationships, encourages beneficial change, avoids negative publicity, provides a positive witness, and is relatively inexpensive. In addition, when compared to litigation, Christian conciliation is less constrained by rigid procedures, thus often allowing more creative remedies and faster results.
Another benefit is that Christian conciliators have more flexibility than do civil judges when it comes to hearing testimony or reviewing evidence. Thus, if a dispute involves defects in the construction of a building or the repair of an automobile, a conciliator may personally inspect the building or drive the car. As a result of this flexibility, parties often feel that the facts and issues in the case are given a more personal review than would occur in a court of law.

Christian conciliation is especially beneficial for people who sincerely want to do what is right and are open to learning where they may have been wrong. Conciliators can help them to identify improper attitudes or unwise practices, to understand more fully the effects of their decisions and policies, and to make improvements in their lives and businesses that will help them to avoid unnecessary conflict in the future. As one party wrote after conciliation:

The most valuable thing we received from Christian conciliation was sound advice seasoned with godly wisdom. I really believe that the right answer was attained. The answers you gave were not what I came to hear, but I knew they were right. You could not have been more helpful. Our only regret was that we waited much too long to come to you.

27. What are the disadvantages of Christian conciliation?
Christian conciliators do not have the same authority as civil judges. Therefore, they cannot compel parties to submit a dispute to conciliation or to cooperate with the process once it begins. (Once there is an agreement to use arbitration, a civil judge has the authority to compel a reluctant party to proceed with the process.)

Conciliation can be less predictable than litigation, because each case has different conciliators and the process is less constrained by procedures, statutes, and case precedents. Therefore, results achieved through conciliation may differ substantially from the outcome of litigation or secular mediation or arbitration. (For example, the biblical command to keep one’s word may obligate a person to honor a contract that might otherwise be rescinded on technical legal grounds.)

Finally, there are only limited grounds for appealing arbitrated decisions. Therefore, parties will have little opportunity to have a decision reviewed by a higher authority. (At the same time, this means they will usually be spared from the expenses and delays inherent in prolonged appeals.)

28. What do attorneys think about Christian conciliation?
Although many attorneys are still unfamiliar with Christian conciliation, most of those who have participated in a conciliation process have been favorably impressed, and many of them later refer clients to Christian conciliation. The following endorsements were written by attorneys:

I have found this service to provide to the participants a real sense of satisfaction because they are able to take an active role in the resolution, rather than having to work through an attorney in a formal and unfamiliar courtroom setting.
Resolution of disputes through conciliation is a fine idea. A court battle is a disaster no matter how it turns out, certainly in terms of bitterness, anger, anxiety, and human suffering. You are doing a fine work.

My client and I wish to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for all of your time and efforts extended in this dispute. We feel that you conducted these meetings with the utmost neutrality and professionalism.

[From a district judge] Christian conciliation has a focus that the court system lacks, that is, to resolve people’s differences, not simply their disputes. Judges can decide cases, but often they don’t have time to get to the root of the problem. As a result, litigants leave court with their case decided, but they are still mad. Conciliators try to reconcile the parties, so their future association will be harmonious. In the long run, this eliminates future disputes before they arise.

29. Should I talk to my attorney about using Christian conciliation?
Yes, if you already have an attorney. Conciliators encourage parties to consult with independent legal counsel, since Christian conciliators do not provide parties with legal advice or represent them in an attorney/client relationship. The assistance of independent legal counsel is especially helpful when dealing with significant legal rights or when using arbitration, which is influenced by state or federal statutes. Christian conciliators are happy to work with any attorneys whom the parties have retained to advise or represent them during the conciliation process. If you have not already retained an attorney, you may contact a conciliator first to see whether he/she can suggest ways of resolving your dispute without unnecessary legal expenses.

30. What churches support Christian conciliation?
Since Christian conciliation promotes values and principles that are common to all Christian churches, it has gained the support of churches within every major Christian community. Conciliators regularly work with evangelical, mainline Protestant, charismatic, Roman Catholic, fundamentalist, and Reformed churches.

31. Should I talk with my pastor about using Christian conciliation?
Certainly. Jesus has given the church primary responsibility and authority for resolving conflict and alienation among Christians. In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus sets forth a process that involves private discussions, mediation, and authority to make a binding decision:

If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Christian conciliation is designed to serve the church as it implements this process. Therefore, we encourage Christians involved in conflict to turn first to their church leaders for counsel and assistance. Should Christian parties desire to submit a case to Christian conciliation, we will cooperate with their churches throughout the conciliation process. Therefore, if you are involved in a conflict and belong to a church, please encourage your pastor to review this material and call us to discuss ways we can work together.

32. What if the other party refuses to consent to conciliation?
It is not unusual for people to have questions and apprehensions about using Christian conciliation, which, for many people, is a novel way to resolve conflict. In fact, sometimes the most challenging part of the entire conciliation process is simply getting both sides to come “to the table.” We encourage you to pray as you gently and respectfully introduce the other party to Christian conciliation by directing them to our Web site www.instituteforchristianconciliation.com and asking them to review the Frequently Asked Questions, and Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation. You may also want to provide them with a copy of these Guidelines for Christian Conciliation. See your local conciliation ministry for additional resources.

If the other party initially refuses to consent to conciliation, do not be discouraged. Instead, continue to pray and seek the assistance of your church leaders, and encourage the other party to work with his/her church as well. For guidance specific to your situation, a Christian conciliator often can suggest ways to help persuade the other person to reconsider and give conciliation a chance.

If your conflict involves a contract with a binding mediation-arbitration or arbitration clause pursuant to the ICC Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation, you may be able to proceed in the absence of the other party. Please seek legal counsel and carefully read the ICC Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation, paying particular attention to Rule 37.

33. Is there anything I can do to make sure that future disputes are resolved through Christian conciliation rather than litigation?
Yes. Whenever you write a contract, you may include a conciliation clause, which requires that any disputes related to the contract be resolved through Christian conciliation rather than in court. These clauses are legally enforceable in most states and may be inserted in many types of contracts, including employment, construction, and vendor contracts. For more information, see Part IV of this booklet.

34. Is there anything more I can do to promote biblical responses to conflict in my church, ministry, or business?
Yes. The Institute for Christian Conciliation has developed resources and training to help Christian organizations learn and practice biblical conflict resolution. Please go to www.instituteforchristianconciliation.com for more information.
Part of the mission of Ambassadors of Reconciliation is to support other conciliation organizations and communities. Many of these utilize the ICC Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation, while some have developed their own rules to address their specific needs. Many of these organizations have resources and services available in support of Christian conciliation.

35. How can I begin a Christian conciliation process?
Contact a Christian conciliation organization. Each organization will have resources and individuals that can guide you in the process.

To utilize Ambassadors of Reconciliation or seek the services of a Certified Christian Conciliator™, go to www.instituteforchristianconciliation.com.