Identify and Resolve Ministry Conflicts
Richard C. Brown, founder and director of the Center for Effective Ministry, holds a Ph.D. in education and masters degrees in education, counseling, and Catholic pastoral theology. "When Ministry Is Messy" began as an attempt to explore conflicts he had witnessed, and been affected by, in Catholic ministry. In his research, Brown interviewed diocesan leaders across the country. Respondents reported that between 25 and 50 percent of pastors they knew had been "emotionally ill enough that they have seriously harmed the ministries of their parish." Forty percent of the respondents said lack of communication and lack of shared vision were at the root of ministry conflict, and 20 percent cited preoccupation with power or control.
These primary issues and many others, Brown discovered, are addressed in "the mother lode of God's wisdom on ministry conflict" in Matthew 23. Their causes can be boiled down to natural personality differences, emotional illness, and sin.
The first five chapters of the book are devoted to an overview of conflict in ministry, Jesus' approach to conflict, and the three causes mentioned above. The next three chapters deal with Jesus' methods of handling conflict: loving servanthood, logic, and "speaking up." Examples of conflicts and practical applications for avoiding and resolving them are included. Finally, Brown offers general suggestions on spiritual practices that will strengthen ministers in their efforts to follow Jesus' example. The author has also provided discussion questions for each chapter, an extensive bibliography, and detailed index.
A Concrete Look
In When Ministry Is Messy, Dr. Richard C. Brown takes a concrete look at the three primary causes for ministerial conflict: natural personality differences, emotional illness and sin.
Within this framework, Dr. Brown provides realistic and concrete measures toward creating an emotionally healthy and productive ministerial working environment. A series of introspective discussion questions at the completion of each chapter provide fodder for personal reflection or group discussion.
And Sometimes It Is
Ministry--like life--has always been messy. That's not new. The "good news" that Dr. Brown brings to the messy-ministry discussion is this: Jesus has given us a clear model for cleaning up our act. Using the gospels and his background in family counseling, Brown gives us a step-by-step guide to the kind of ministry decisions and behaviors that will give glory to God and offer effective service to God's people.
A. J. Garrotto
Lay Pastoral Associate
