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Getting to Amen: 8 strategies for managing conflict in the African American church

Author:	Lora-Ellen McKinney
Published By:	Judson Press (Valley Forge)
Pages:	161
Price:	£unknown
ISBN:	0 8170 1477 2

Reviewed by Delbert Sandiford.

Lora-Ellen McKinney identifies the local church as a major source of strength and leadership for black Americans. She is concerned that issues such as female leadership in the church, homosexuality, and non-traditional interpretations of Scripture have been sources of tension and division leading to ineffective ministry, hurt feelings, and even denominational splits. This book provides a toolkit for dealing with such conflict. Dr McKinney recognises that conflict is inherent in the human condition. Conflict can be positive and life enriching, but our challenge is how to manage it towards constructive outcomes.

McKinney, a psychologist who runs her own consultancy business, draws on biblical insights and management techniques in addressing conflict management. For example, anger is a manifestation of conflict. It is a gift from God that alerts us to recognising that change might be needed. The Bible teaches us to treat others with respect since we are all loved by God. We may not like each other, but we are urged to treat others as we would like them to treat us. The management technique that complements this approach is about being analytical, thereby putting ourselves in the shoes of our adversaries, and gaining an understanding of their perspectives. McKinney lays out eight practical strategies which are the core of the conflict management model. She puts a good deal of emphasis on pastors being appropriate models of behaviour and leading by example. She then demonstrates how the model can be applied in a number of tough conflict situations in church, and concludes on the note that the process of getting to amen may shift, depending on the particular conflict issue.

This is McKinney’s fourth book on church organisational topics within the African American context. It will be helpful to ministers leading congregations, and lay people managing church-based projects.