PC 323 Course at a Glance

Peacemaking Pastor

Lecturing Faculty: Dr. Alfred Poirier

Effective for the 2024-2025 Academic Year


Course Description

This course will present a Reformed and biblical theology of conflict and reconciliation in the context of pastoral ministry. The God of reconciliation through Christ's reconciling work grounds the course as it addresses common conflicts in the local church and the path of peace dealing with repentance, confession of sin, forgiveness, conflict counseling, negotiation, mediation, and church discipline and restoration—all to equip pastors and church members to lay a foundation of biblical peacemaking in their local churches.


Books to Purchase

The books listed below are required readings which students should acquire by the start of the term. Additional required readings will be listed in the course syllabus and available electronically in Canvas.

Life Together: Reader's Edition
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Fortress Press , 2015
The Peacemaking Church
by Curtis Heffelfinger
Baker Books, 2018
The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict
by Alfred Poirier
Baker Books, 2006

Estimated Workload

Lectures Readings Assignments
1 0-50 1.9
Hours Per Week Pages Per Week Hours Per Week

Course Assignments

The assignments listed below are provided for general guidance for students to reference as they plan and register. Please reach out to support@wts.edu if you have any questions.

  • 4 Live Meetings
  • 1 Reflection Paper [2 pages]
  • 3 Supplemental Lectures [1 hour each]
  • 1 Review Paper [8 pages]
  • 1 Midterm Exam
  • 1 Final Exam

Synchronous Meeting Times

Please note the synchronous sessions listed below. These sessions are live class meetings where you will meet with your instructor and fellow classmates. Though attendance is highly encouraged as these sessions are integral to the course, students may submit an alternative assignment. Please note, attendance is required during the meeting times listed. If you cannot attend regularly, then please reach out to support@wts.edu before registering for the course.

  • Live Class Meeting 1: June 12, 2024 (8:00-9:30 AM ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 2: June 19, 2024 (8:00-9:30 AM ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 3: July 17, 2024 (8:00-9:30 AM ET)
  • Live Class Meeting 4: August 7, 2024 (8:00-9:30 AM ET)