PC 323 Course at a Glance (2025)

Peacemaking Pastor

Lectures By: Dr. Alfred Poirier

2 Credits


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
ISBN: 978-1506402765
The Peacemaking Church
by Curtis Heffelfinger
Baker Books, 2018
ISBN: 978-0801019500
The Peacemaking Pastor: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Church Conflict
by Alfred Poirier
Baker Books, 2006
ISBN: 978-0801065897

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

This course offers optional synchronous class meeting(s) through Zoom which will be scheduled during the term based on everyone's availability (a poll will be taken by the instructor for these meetings and they will be recorded for students who are unable to attend live). These meetings will be helpful for the formation your understanding of apologetics as well as provide an opportunity to practice the method live with your instructor.

The following meeting dates are for the Summer 2025 term:

  • Live Class Meeting #1: Monday, 6/16
  • Live Class Meeting #2: Wednesday, 7/2
  • Live Class Meeting #3: Wednesday, 7/23
  • Live Class Meeting #4: Wednesday, 8/13