William Willimon, Preaching About Conflict in the Local Church. Westminister, 1987.
Referenced in: Church Conflict – Leadership, Preaching, and Worship in Times of Conflict
LifeandLeadership.com Summary
Willimon approaches the delicate subject of the role of the preacher during a conflict that is serious enough to be felt by the entire congregation. He talks about when to speak and when not to, and gives good insight on what to say when the preacher actually decides to use the pulpit as a resource to the church in conflicted times. It is similar to H. Beecher Hicks’ Preaching Through a Storm, but is more prescriptive.
From the Publisher
Should the pulpit be used as a place to address issues of congressional conflict? After first examining the nature of conflict within human groups, William H. Willimon discusses how to prepare sermons on controversial subjects, suggesting ways to use the biblical text to examine divisive issues. He comments on the importance of style and delivery tone when dealing with difficult topics.
About the Author
William H. Willimon is Bishop of the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. From 1984 to 2004, he was Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Christian Ministry at Duke University. Willimon is the author of dozens of books. His volume Worship as Pastoral Care was selected as one of the ten most useful books for pastors by the Academy of Parish Clergy in 1979. An international survey conducted by Baylor University in 1996 named him one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English-speaking world. Willimon lives in Birmingham, Alabama.
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