Absolutely not.

You do not have to be a Christian in order to benefit from the values that form the foundation of CRM. Values like being honest, listening carefully to what others say, and being willing to change harmful attitudes and behaviors are found in many faiths and religions, and in many people who profess no faith or religion at all.

In the conflict resolution process, values like doing what is just and merciful, accepting responsibility for your actions, and confronting others constructively are especially helpful, whether they are based on a religious or simply a moral code. All of these principles are at the core of CRM.

Christian mediation is not a Bible study; it is not a prayer group. It is not counseling, and certainly should not be seen as a substitute for counseling.

It is, first and foremost, an opportunity for people to make good decisions to resolve conflicts with people who are important to them. It is an opportunity to create the best out of a bad situation, to work toward resolution of difficult issues in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.

As a Christian mediator, I will not preach to you. I will not simply tell you to turn the other cheek, or quote other “truisms” to you. I will not proselytize you.

What I will do

• speak to you in love and truth
• apply Christian principles throughout the decision-making process
• push you to make hard decisions that are in the best interest of everyone involved in the dispute, will cause the least amount of harm to you and to others, and will create the best opportunity for healing, reconciliation and forgiveness