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What is Christian Mediation?
Christian mediation is a process similar to the definition of mediation given above, but that helps people resolve conflicts in a way that’s faithful to the Bible. It’s based on the idea that Christians should try to resolve their differences through mediation or arbitration that’s grounded in the Bible. A Christian mediator may pray, read scripture, teach and counsel based on biblical principles.
Mediation applying principles of Christian Conciliation is a process to assist two or more individuals resolve a disagreement or dispute between them. It addresses issues that are material in nature, and/or relational in nature. It can be used to address conflicts when legal or formal steps are not even considered, or as an alternative to resolving disputes through the courts and/or secular alternative dispute resolution services.
Sometimes people think that Christian mediation is only for church disputes or disputes about spiritual issues. But Christian mediation can be used to resolve any form of dispute. Like the more commonly-used mediation mentioned above, it can be used during a lawsuit—or even before. Christian mediation is different because it focuses on Scriptural principles and on spiritual healing. It doesn’t just try to resolve the legal or financial issues, but also addresses the spiritual and emotional issues. When the Christian mediation process works well, the healing of relationships can be greater than is likely in a secular setting.
Most serious Christians understand that the Bible gives authority to the church (in various possible forms) to resolve disputes between Christians. Like other world religions, Christianity discourages its adherents from taking their disputes to secular courts.
For example, Jewish Law (Halacha) generally prohibits a Jew from initiating legal action against a fellow Jew in a secular court. (Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 26).
Jesus encouraged his followers to settle debts quickly, before the matter was brought to a judge. (Matthew 5:22).
The Apostle Paul wrote the Corinthian church that they ought to be ashamed of taking their disputes before unbelievers. “Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to judge between one believer and another? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already defeat for you — why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Corinthians 6:1-7). Paul implies that this is a jurisdictional issue: the church has primary jurisdiction over disputes between its members (who are supposed to be loving one another instead of suing).
Christian mediation seeks Christ’s presence, authority, and work in the hearts of the parties and in the mediation procedure. A Christian mediator may pray, read scripture, teach and counsel based on biblical principles. The mediator will encourage the parties to apply those principles to the situation, including truthful and loving speech, repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation for relationship issues. With relationship issues addressed, the parties are more ready to problem solve, negotiate, brain storm, and love each other while seeking resolution of substantive issues.
