What is Christian mediation?

In some instances, a conflict between parties has been on-going for such a length of time or has escalated to such a point that private resolution between the two parties is not possible. In these circumstances, mediation may be a process which will help the parties come to some healthy conclusion.
 
Mediation involves an independent third party facilitating the resolution of the dispute between the parties both in terms of the substantive and relational issues that are involved.
 
One of the major differences between secular mediation and Christian mediation is that secular mediation tends to focus on 'cutting a deal' and reaching a settlement, often through a process of drawn out positional bargaining that leaves the parties feeling that whilst a deal may have been reached, so much of the real underlying conflict, and indeed the wrong conduct of the other party, was left totally unaddressed. 
 
Christian mediation is different because it gives prime importance not just to resolution of substantive issues, but also to the relational issues that normally are central to any conflict.  Issues of wrongful conduct, sin and justice are addressed, as parties are encouraged to own their own harmful behaviour as well as address the wrongs of others. 
 
Negotiation over substantive issues does normally take place, but alongside the context of seeking to restore the relationship as well, through the power of Christ working to soften hearts and allow reconciliation to occur.
 
PeaceWise strongly supports the role of the local church in helping Christians respond to conflict, and provides training to equip gifted people in the local church to fulfil this role of mediator between parties - see Matthew 18:16.
 

This is the typical Mediation Agreement which will be used where the parties are referred to mediators by PeaceWise. (This includes the detailed Rules of procedure which will apply in a mediation).   Please note that you should obtain legal advice before using or adapting this agreement.
 
If you would like us to refer you to mediators who have been trained to use a Christian mediation process, please contact us and we will be honoured to assist you in arranging a mediation of this kind.

Does PeaceWise have a mediator accreditation programme?

PeaceWise also has a long term goal to train people to be skilled mediators for more serious and complex conflict situations.  In terms of formal accreditation, PeaceWise does not currently offer a formal accreditation program as we do not have the resources to manage, staff and mentor candidates.   However, Peacemaker Ministries offers its Certified Christian Conciliation programme, and recognises all training carried out by PeaceWise.  Details of this programme, which is open to gifted and called peacemakers who make successful applications are available at www.peacemaker.net.

This is an extensive programme that includes:

• satisfactory application to join programme including affirmation from referees of giftedness in peacemaking
• attendance at all levels of PeaceWise (or equivalent Peacemaker Ministries) training, including Advanced Mediation Training
• supervision, mentoring, reflection on mediations/conflict coaching work done 
• client feedback on conciliation work.

Persons who become accredited as Certified Christian Conciliators through Peacemaker Ministries will have significant expertise, competence and professional supervision, and this will be highly regarded by PeaceWise in considering who to recommend as mediators when cases arise. 
 

• Peacemaking principles
• Conflict coaching
• Mediation
• Adjudication