Ministerial Department Equips Chesapeake Pastors to Resolve Conflict Biblically

Eight Chesapeake Conference pastors completed the first two days of “The Path of Peacemaking and Living Reconciled 2026,” a six-day conflict resolution training the conference’s Ministerial Department is leading this fall. The pastors met Sept. 21-22 at the Chesapeake Conference headquarters in Columbia, Md.

The training equips pastors to respond to conflict with truth, grace, humility, and wisdom, and to guide church members through difficult relationships in healthy, biblical, and Christ-centered ways. The course takes its theme from Matthew 5:9: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

“In peacemaking training, pastors learn and practice that conflict is inevitable, but it can become an opportunity to draw closer to God, bring people together, and serve others with grace,” said Dr. Shelvan Arunan, associate ministerial director for the Chesapeake Conference.

During the first two sessions, the pastors studied how to manage conflict wisely, resolve disputes according to biblical principles, restore and strengthen relationships, and grow in grace, humility, and peace. The group worked through The Peacemaker by Ken Sande, a widely used guide to biblical conflict resolution, alongside Scripture study and roundtable discussion.

The course centers on the Four G’s of Biblical Peacemaking: Glorify God, Get the Log Out of Your Eye, Gently Restore, and Go and Be Reconciled. “Biblical peacemaking is not only about resolving conflict; it is a transforming journey of becoming more like Jesus,” Arunan said.

“The Peacemakers training has strengthened my ministry by deepening my commitment to Christ-centered reconciliation,” said Paul Anderson, pastor of Providence Church and Hope Community Company. “The group discussions are meaningful, and our interactions are relevant to managing conflict resolution.”

The training supports the Ministerial Department’s mission to strengthen pastors’ spiritual and emotional health through resources, education, training, and collaboration, so they can lead their congregations effectively.

The eight pastors will complete the remaining four days of training on Oct. 7, 8, 21, and 22.