The book fair where creativity meets the future, London Book Fair, opened its doors last March 11-13, 2025, in Olympia, London. Drawing around 30,000 attendees, this year’s London Book Fair showcased the vibrant world of publishing and creative content, marking a significant milestone in the industry. The fair not only maintained its impressive attendance figures but also celebrated a 10-percent boost in rights-center table sales compared to 2024.
Citi of Books is proud to have been part of this prestigious event, representing the incredible works of our talented authors in stand 7B94. In our assigned booth, a range of books—from fiction to nonfiction—would be on exhibit. A book included in the gallery was “Intervention in Church Conflict: A Narrative-Systems Approach” by Dorothy R. Dann.
“Intervention in Church Conflict: A Narrative-Systems Approach” is an essential resource for pastors, church leaders, counselors, consultants, mediators, and anyone navigating the complexities of human relationships in various settings. This insightful book aims to equip congregations and organizations with the inner resources necessary to stabilize their communal life and foster a more resilient and effective future. In a world where differing opinions are inevitable, Dann’s approach offers a framework for understanding and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
The author draws from her own experiences as a relatively new pastor appointed to a church in turmoil while simultaneously pursuing a degree in counseling. Faced with a congregation that was lost and hurting, she applied her studies in family systems theory and narrative therapy to develop a model for conflict intervention. This model not only addressed the immediate issues at hand but also sought to reclaim the congregation’s identity through the love of God. Dann emphasizes that her success was rooted in extensive research, coursework, and clinical supervision, which provided her with the tools to navigate the complexities of church conflict.
The results of her intervention were transformative. Leaders began to interact in healthier ways, shifting their focus from blame and pathology to strength and collaboration. This change in perspective—from “who has the problem” to “who has the motivation”—allowed for a more emotionally healthy environment, ultimately benefiting the entire congregation. The book emphasizes that there are no quick fixes to conflict; instead, it offers ideas, hope, and encouragement. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of their organization as a system, the significance of presence, and the qualities of an equipping leader, all while learning how to take responsibility for fostering healing and growth.
In conclusion, “Intervention in Church Conflict” is not just a guide for resolving disputes; it is a call to embrace the complexities of human relationships with compassion and understanding. Dorothy R. Dann’s narrative-systems approach provides valuable insights that can be applied in churches, workplaces, and any environment where collaboration is essential. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to transform conflict into collaboration and build a healthier, more vibrant community.