Conflict Resolution Policy Agreement

Scriptural Basis
“Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him
alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” Matt. 18:15

“A person’s discretion makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Prov. 19:11

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every
effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Eph. 4:2-3

Our Goal
The goal of this policy is to encourage members of our co-op community to “…seek
peace, and pursue it,” (Psalm 34:14) by following a Biblical model of peacemaking and reconciliation.

The Process
If you have an interpersonal conflict with another adult member or a student, by signing
this form, you agree to follow the procedure outlined in the Handbook for conflict resolution,including the following:

1. First, try to overlook the offense (Proverbs 19:11).

2. Next, if the sin is too significant to overlook, you agree to reach out to the person directly
and try to achieve peace in your relationship between yourselves, alone (Matthew 18:15).

3. If this attempt at reconciliation is not successful in restoring the relationship, and you
desire facilitation by the Conflict Resolution Committee Lead, you must complete a form
located on the website to initiate the mediation process.

** The goal of mediation is to facilitate reconciliation and peace between members, and not to
make a judgment about who is in the wrong or whether some action will be taken by the Board
(i.e., arbitration). The Conflict Resolution Committee does not entertain discussions of discipline
or dismissal. Those discussions are reserved for the Board.**

We hope that by following the Biblical principles of conflict resolution we can “be
reconciled” (Matthew 5:24) to each other, “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of
peace” (Ephesians 4:3) and “be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another”
even as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).