Deborah Van Deusen Hunsinger

I will be forthcoming in saying that I had a difficult time with this book. It was't the topic or the very expert advice found within, it was just a pretty dry book. As I read books regarding church life, I will often think to myself- "Will/Can I hand this to a group of people to read to study?" or "Can I recommend this book to someone who needs it?" This is where I struggled with this book.

The research and the information within the pages of this book is top notch. This has taken years of research and years of working with congregations through conflict. There are some things that people may know, but not often think about- feelings, language, etc. Without question, I would recommend this group as a whole to come into a church going through conflict to work with them. They are that good!

I thought of a pastor or a council in conflict, as leaders looking at the book title and picking it up and reading it looking for guidance and that is where I stumbled. The congregation I serve is not in conflict, so I can read it without anxiety and it took awhile to get through. Now if I were anxious and looking for help, I would have put this book down within a chapter. It is important information presented without excitement. It is what it is, in other words. Kind of dry, very good information, and expert advice, but with a non connecting presentation.… (altro)