INTRODUCING A
PEACEMAKING MINISTRY
IN GRACE CHURCH

Jesus said:
"Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the sons of God"
Matthew 5: 9

Believers are told by the apostle Paul to "be at peace among yourselves" (I Thess. 5: 13). Paul also told the Roman Christians that "if it is possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12: 18). Peacemaking is biblical! It is a part of the ministry of the church. As Christians, we should strive to be peacemakers because it pleases our Lord.

The peacemaking culture is part of the church. Grace Church went through a series of trouble and breakup some years ago. It was a painful experience which I hope will not happen again.

When trouble comes our way, how do we handle it as a church or individuals? Do we try to ignore the problem or deny its existence? The B-P Church went through the VPP issue in 2002 and it wasn't handled biblically. When you have problems with one another in church or when there is a family conflict, as Christians can we not solve it biblically? The peacemaking principles should be taught in our church and we should apply them to bring solution and peace.

The 4 G's of Peacemaking

• Glorify God
  Do you know that we can glorify God in Conflict? If we forgive one another and show mercy and love, we glorify God.
  
  
• Get the Log Out of Your Eye
  Instead of blaming others for the conflict we should take responsibility for our own contribution to it.
  
  
• Gently Restore
  We should over look minor offences or if the offence is too serious to overlook, go and get the matter settled. We should also help those who are in conflict to restore their relationship.
  
  
• Go and Be Reconciled
  We need to actively pursue genuine peace and reconciliation. Forgive others as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us, and seek just and mutually beneficial solutions to our differences.

A Peacemaking Church is a church that pleases our Saviour, because it seeks to follow the Words of Jesus to be Peacemakers!

How can I be a Peacemaker? Do you want to be one? In Grace Church we have a peacemaking course where you can attend and be such a person. This is a ministry whereby anyone can be a part of as long as we want to be what Jesus says in Matthew 5: 9.

Presently we have 20 persons who had attended this Peacemaking Seminars and from this group of people we can, God-willing, form a core group of peacemakers in Grace Church. You pray that God will have us have a peacemaking culture here.

Pastor