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Church Consultancy
& Mediation
Christian Growth Ministries Inc is committed to the advancement of health and growth
within local churches. To help local churches in their growth in Christ,
CGM provides Church Consultancies,
Church Mediation and seminars.
CGM provides a Consultancy and Review process that is
available to churches to help them focus on key issues. This
process involves:
Church
Mediation
What is Mediation?
For many people involved in conflict, mediation may be something
new and relatively unknown. Mediation involves asking a third
party not connected with a conflict to become involved, in order
to help the parties work together to make decisions about the
conflict and how to move on. Christian mediation aims to do these
things against the background of biblical principles, as well as
seeking to address the issues between the parties. A further aim
is to deal positively with ongoing relationships between the
persons involved, to the extent that this is possible.
What Kind of Mediation is Practised by
CGM?
Different mediators approach the role in different ways. No one way is 'right',
but it is important that the parties are happy with the approach to be taken by
the moderator of their conflict.
These are some of the major features of the way CGM mediators
approach mediation:
Impartiality
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Any prior association that the mediator has with any of the parties will be
disclosed up front, and both parties must be happy to proceed if such a
prior association exists. |
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The mediator will be 'impartial', in the sense that he will act in an
even-handed way, will have no direct interest in the outcome of the conflict
and will treat the parties fairly during the process. |
Neutrality and the Role of Biblical Principles
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The mediator will not necessarily be 'neutral', in the sense of not
commenting on substantive issues or having no input other than to facilitate
the discussion. This is because we believe that there may be times when it
is appropriate to bring the impact of biblical teaching into the context of
the conflict, and to encourage the parties to consider their actions in the
light of what the Bible teaches. This will always be done sensitively, and
will frequently be raised with one party privately first. |
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The reason we believe that this kind of contribution may sometimes be
appropriate is that, unlike secular mediation, Christians do have an
agreed moral code which governs the way that we relate to each other, and
this is found in the Bible. |
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However, we do understand that some people may be uncomfortable with a
mediator bringing biblical principles to bear in a mediation process, and in
this case a CGM mediator will be unlikely to be appropriate for your
conflict. |
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Examples of the kind of biblical principles that a CGM mediator may raise
include the following:
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each party being willing to own what is theirs to own in contributing to
the conflict (Psalm 139:23,24; Matthew 7:5) |
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each party being open to truly seek to see the others party's point of
view and look to their interests as well (Philippians 2:3,4;
1 Corinthians 10:24) |
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each party being willing to ask for and offer forgiveness to the other
for things done, if this is appropriate (Colossians 3:13,
Matthew 18:21-35) |
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It is the Parties' Conflict
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One of the great strengths of mediation is that it is the parties and the
mediator who have responsibility for the decisions that are taken, both on
the substantive issues in the conflict and the relational issues. |
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Therefore, the mediator will encourage the parties to work towards their own
resolution of the issues, and will not impose any solution or outcome on the
parties. |
The Process that We Use
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We don't have a single rigid process, as each conflict is different. Your
mediator will always explain in advance the process that they intend to use,
and will be happy to answer questions about the process at any time. |
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Often we will ask the parties involved in the conflict to write a letter to
us, explaining the issues as each party sees them. |
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Where possible, we will meet with the parties separately before any joint
meeting takes place. |
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During joint meetings, we will seek to encourage the parties to raise and
work through the issues. Sometimes we may have private meetings with the
parties during joint mediation sessions if we believe this will be helpful
or if there are things that need to be shared in private. |
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All information disclosed during any part of the mediation will be
confidential, except if a party agrees otherwise, or if a matter requiring
disclosure by law arises (eg. sexual abuse). |
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Who Are the CGM Mediators?
The current CGM mediators are:
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Rev Kel Willis - Director of Christian Growth Ministries
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An ordained Minister with over 40 years ministry experience in
evangelism, consultancy and mediation. He has authored several books and
is committed to church health and mentoring pastors. |
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Contact details: Ph (02)
9745 2766
kelwillis@bigpond.com |
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Mr Bruce Burgess - Associate of Christian Growth Ministries
Inc |
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Solicitor and mediator of numerous conflicts involving churches,
ministry teams, restorative justice and commercial conflicts, author of
conflict resolution policies for Morling Theological College, Moore
Theological College and Presbyterian Theological College. |
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Contact details: Ph (02) 9798 3225
bruceburgess@optusnet.com.au |
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What Do We Charge?
We do not have a set scale of fees, as each circumstance is different. Our heart
is for the ministry of reconciliation, and we do not want costs to be a factor
in hindering that work. We do believe, however, that our services have a value
to the Christian community, and that 'the worker deserves his wages'
(Luke 10:7). The final fee would obviously depend on the nature and scale of
the conflict and the financial resources of those involved. Our preference is
always that the parties involved suggest to us in advance what hourly rate they
consider to be appropriate. We are normally comfortable with this.
Conclusion
If you have read this document because you are currently involved in a conflict,
may we encourage you with the words of Paul: 'If it is possible, as far as it
depends on you, live in peace with everyone.' (Romans 12:18). Sometimes this
requires taking positive steps to make peace once harmony has broken down. If
you believe mediation may assist you in making peace, we would be honoured to
serve you in this way.
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