Calm
How to End Destructive Conflict in Your Church
Published August 2023
Calm: How to End Destructive Conflict in Your Church is a guidebook written for United Methodist churches and church leaders to help them proactively make decisions and deal with conflict.
This book equips pastors and other leaders with the skills and tools necessary to engage in critical conversations that lead to healthy communities--churches that remain God-focused in times of conflict and tension. In addition to the four Modules, Calm includes the practical resources pastors, judicatory leaders, and others will need to lead congregations through the Modules.
The Modules contain step-by-step instructions for planning and facilitating the Module sessions. They include detailed instructions and helpful tips for leading people through the Calm process of group activities, discussion, reflection, and times of worship. The book is a complete guide for leading this process, including instructions for the pastor and facilitator, helping to ensure success.
The authors also provide clear adaptations for groups gathering virtually – an inescapable reality in the life of today's church. These adaptations both underscore and equip groups to take special care while engaging in the sensitive nature of conflict work in a virtual space.
About the Authors
Christina Wichert
Christina Wichert specializes in church conflict resolution, helping teams navigate the dynamics of multicultural environments. She has served with the General Board of Global Ministries and holds a dual degree from Wesley Seminary and American University and a graduate certificate in sustainable development from the American University in Cairo, Egypt.
Kathryn E. Stokes
Katy E. Stokes is a child and family therapist, behavioral health consultant, and community and clinical social worker with a focus on leadership development. She has served the church in Michigan at conference and local levels.
Mary Gladstone-Highland
Mary Gladstone-Highland is a life-long United Methodist who has served as a domestic missionary for the General Board of Global Ministries for twelve years and is committed to helping churches to be healthy and thriving witnesses of Christ’s love. Mary has experience working on issues that affect the denomination internationally and has served as a panel expert for regional and jurisdictional conferences. Mary is also the Founder and Principal of Spark Group Consulting, with sixteen years of experience leading nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University, she holds a Master of Public Administration and a Certificate in Advanced Study in Conflict and Collaboration. She is also the best-selling author of Grant Writing: The Complete Workbook for Writing Proposals that Win and coauthor of the upcoming Calm: How to End Destructive Conflict in Your Church.