Howard B., Senior Pastor

Peacemaking freed my family and my church from the pain and anger that divided us.

My situation was very complicated. Church issues involving a number of leaders and members created a rift between members of my family who attended and were also employed by the church. After other efforts to address those problems failed, a member of the church suggested we contact PeacePoint for help.  I was willing but not optimistic. We had not spoken to one another in months. Trust and hope were all but gone.  I feared that PeacePoint would just deal with the symptoms and not the roots of our problems. Nothing would be resolved. I was very wrong.

Pursuing peace with PeacePoint was different from the start. Everything about the process was informed and tempered by the Scriptures.  I expected all parties would get an opportunity to be heard and to express their issues and concerns, and they did.  Our experienced PeacePoint mediators, however, did much more.  They skillfully and patiently guided us to have faith and follow God.  They encouraged each of us to own our own wrongs first. As we trusted God, confessed our sins and forgave one another, the things that had divided us for so long seemed to dissipate.  It was hard work, and it took time. Ultimately, we reached a godly resolution of all the issues and are now fully reconciled.  Praise God!

Peacemaking blessed my church.  Our church’s sense of community was at risk.  Because of who was involved, we needed help from someone who was not “owned” by any church group or organization.  We needed someone we could all trust.  PeacePoint understood all these dynamics and took delicate but pointed care of us.

Peacemaking healed my family.  I didn’t think it would be possible to let go and be freed from years of bitterness towards my own family members.  Now I have a new chance to have a life with my family. The Lord showed us that we can trust Him to heal past issues and protect our relationships in the future. My entire family has new hope.  If we fall into the same trap in the future, we can all remember our experience and know that all is not lost.

Peacemaking was gospel ministry to me. The process changed my heart and deepened my faith.  I was challenged to give up my need to lead and control the process, like I often am called to do as pastor. Our mediators freed me to be just another guilty and forgiven, by Jesus, person. It was refreshing and gave me more courage and grace to pastor the church.

I thank God for PeacePoint!  I do not know of another group that could have handled our complicated situation as well.  I encourage all pastors and church leaders who find themselves caught in conflict to humble themselves and get help. When your health and the health of your church are at stake, call PeacePoint.

-Howard B.

Senior Pastor