The Spark of Service
I thoroughly believe in the concepts of servant leadership that Jesus laid before us some 2,000 years ago. The servant leader is always the first into battle and the last one out. The servant leader never asks anyone to do something he or she would not do. The servant leader is down in the muck and mire with the troops. The servant leader gives credit to others. The servant leader asks, "What needs to be done next," rather than waiting for someone else to ask. Finally, the servant leader is always training her replacement, for none of us are pemanent.
I learned these principles from my father, Leo.
A Personal Journey Through Conflict
I have worked as a conflict resolution professional since 1976 and held several roles, including union negotiator, divorce and family mediator, organizational conflict interventionist, mediation trainer at the local and national levels, conference speaker, and even police hostage negotiator. I have specialized in faith community conflict interventions since 1998, when I founded Peacebridge Ministries. This role has taken me across the United States and exposed me to both the best and the worst in us.
The easiest and most effective way to destroy a congregation (or any organization) is from the inside – and we are very good at it! Did you know that 20% of all churches are in conflict as you read this? The number has not changed in over 20 years. About 16,000 churches close every year, but fewer than 10,000 new churches open.
We have met the enemy, and he is us!
My Background
I have always been the one who steps between combatants. I have done my best to follow the path of the Peacemaker and learned what a difficult role it is. I have been in the bloody trenches where the wounded gasp for spiritual life. I have wept with pastors as they watched their ministries and careers disintegrate. I have experienced how the enemy comes to us as an angel of light, planting seeds of envy, anger, and distrust. Along the way, I discovered that secular conflict management methods fall short in faith communities - they almost always end with a mediated agreement that overlooks the crucial elements of relational and spiritual wounds that need healing.
It does not have to be this way! Piece by piece, I found the scriptural, clinical, and practical answers through extensive research, field testing and inspiration from the dirty and dangerous streets of urban South Africa and elsewhere.
No, friend, it does not have to be this way! It can be much better!
"Churches often wait until the damage is severe, sometimes until it's too late, before seeking help. My hope is that my work empowers them to seek resolution sooner and more effectively."
Darrell Puls
Connect with Us
For inquiries or to learn more about how Small Wars by Darrell Puls can assist your faith community, please reach out.
Email: Darrellpuls@darrellpuls.net
Phone: 509.308.2737
Website: Darrellpuls.net