Damascus, MD — Relief for churches and individuals involved in conflict is on its way with the release of Hope in the Face of Conflict: Making Peace with Others the Way God Makes Peace with Us, by conflict resolution expert Dr. Kenneth C. Newberger. Hope in the Face of Conflict introduces the 12-stage Judeo-Christian peacemaking model for church leaders concerned about potential or existing conflict, individuals personally experiencing conflict, and anyone who is interested in learning how to become a peacemaker. When it comes to the health of a church, one of the greatest threats is the deterioration of relationships due to poorly managed in-house conflict, according to Dr. Newberger.

Unlike other popular peacemaking models that rely exclusively on Mathew 18:15-18, which only applies if two conditions are met — 1) there is a charge of sin, 2) eye witnesses to the sin exist — Hope in the Face of Conflict offers a universal Biblical peacemaking model that can be used to resolve any personal or church conflict.

“Many churches, with the best of intentions, attempt to apply Matt 18:15-18 to every type of conflict, but this is a mistake,” said Dr. Newberger. “This passage on church discipline is specifically limited to cases of sin, within a congregation of believers, that are serious enough to remove a member from its fellowship. This passage also only applies if witnesses to the sin exist. This means that we need to reexamine our current thoughts on conflict resolution and evaluate what the Bible as a whole says about conflict resolution and reconciliation.”

A former pastor himself, Dr. Newberger holds a master of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary and has also earned a Ph.D. in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University. He is also the president of Newberger & Associates, LLC, which provides conflict resolution counsel for individuals and churches. For more information, visit www.HopeInTheFaceOfConflict.com.

ABOUT
Dr. Kenneth C. Newberger is author of the upcoming book (Fall, 2009), “Hope in the Face of Conflict: Making Peace with Others the Way God Makes Peace with Us.” This ground-breaking book introduces what Dr. Newberger has identified as the Judeo-Christian Model of Peacemaking. Dr. Newberger earned his doctorate in conflict analysis and resolution from Nova Southeastern University and his master of theology degree from Dallas Theological Seminary. He serves as a conflict coach, educator, and practitioner. He also conducts conflict resolution seminars, has taught masters-level university classes in conflict resolution, and intervenes in disputes ranging from two-party to congregational. For more information, visit www.HopeInTheFaceOfConflict.com or email DrNewberger@HopeInTheFaceOfConflict.com

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