Firestorm: Preventing and Overcoming Church Conflicts

A must read from a biblical standpoint in dealing with conflict. When conflict arises anywhere, but especially so in a church environment, the foundational aspects associated with Christ can so easily crumble. Never are there easy answers or solutions to what has brought on conflict, but this author has prepared a carefully worded manual that helps and urges answers to rise to the surface for those who are willing to stand in the blast of the issues and be openminded to addressing the identified issues. It often times takes first hand practical experience to help identify the causes of the problem and then put into writing a set of guidelines that can be followed to simply overcome. This has been accomplished within the binders of this book in a very authoritative and yet easy to understand fashion. This book has been an enlightenment for me personally and has provided first hand knowledge as a guide in dealing with common church issues today.

Susek in this volume provides a simply excellent treatment of the vicious, destructive nature of church conflict. In the first part of his work he gives the account of an actual church, describing how the sparks of conflict were scattered, the flames were fanned, and the fierce firestorm was unleashed. While Susek's example is extreme for many churches struggling with lesser issues, the escalation of conflict is basically the same regardless of the scale.In the second part of his book Susek addresses the various causes of a church firestorm. The third portion offers practical instruction on getting a firestorm under control. The fourth and final section gives suggestions on binding the wounds of the various parties who have been burned by the conflict.I recommend this title to all pastors. For most of us, it is not a matter of IF we encounter a firestorm in our ministry, but WHEN we will experience one. I also see this book as being very helpful for church leaders who are dealing with conflict situations, regardless of their severity. Susek's work here is well-worth the price, offering healing and hopes for the conflict-scorched congregation.

Every pastor ought to read this book! It was probably the single most affecting book that permanently changed the way I practice ministry. The author sensitizes clergy to observing the inevitable "falling sparks," and shows how to keep these from turning into the kinds of "firestorms" that cause pastors to lose their jobs or churches to split. A true "must read" for anyone in pastoral ministry.

Great to see how to deal with conflict in church

Unexpected difficulties and challenges occur to everyone. When you're the leader or point person... the manner in which such events are managed have positive and negative ripple effects. This book equips the reader to make more positive ripples than negative when managing a personal or professional crisis... and how to keep a healthy balance through the experience.

This is a very practical book; it is very descriptive of the damage destructive conflict can cause to a church. It also provides practical insights in dealing with conflict in the local congregation. In terms of training, it will make for good required reading, but might not rise to the challenge of a stand alone text for model training. I recommend this very useful book.

Excellent book. The author describe very well the information he get from the first hand people. It help me a lot to deal with some similar issues at my church. I encourage people to read this book.

Authentic! This read is beneficial for discovering the function of behaviors...good, bad, and/or ugly!

This is a must-read for church elders whether you are in the middle of a storm or smooth sailing. I wish I had this book 6 months ago.