ICC Distinctives / Core Convictions

We believe that the Bible contains all of the promises and principles needed for true peacemaking. Certified Christian Conciliators™ help guide Christians involved in conflict to remember their reconciliation with God and to reconcile with one another as children of God (2 Corinthians 5:16-21). We believe that the Bible provides thorough guidance and instruction for faith and life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Therefore, beginning with what God has done for us through Christ, Certified Christian Conciliators™ base their services on scriptural teachings rather than those of secular psychology or psychiatry. God’s Word urges his people to live in peace with each other by promoting understanding, personal responsibility, justice, and reconciliation (Romans 12:1-21). We highlight four central convictions that are uniquely “distinctive” to the mission of being biblical peacemakers: 

The Centrality of Christ – We believe that genuine peace between people can be found only through Jesus Christ. Therefore, we encourage people in conflict to believe the gospel and trust in Christ, and to faithfully rely on the promises and obey the commands that he has given to us in Scripture (see John 14:27; 2 Cor. 5:18-19; Col. 3:15-16; 2 Tim. 3:16).

The Responsibility of the Church – We believe that peacemaking is an essential ministry of the local church, not a task reserved for professional mediators or lawyers. Therefore, we encourage Christians to take unresolved conflicts to their church families, which are called by God to restore peace by promoting biblical justice and reconciliation (see Matt. 18:17; 1 Cor. 6:4; Eph. 3:10; Heb. 13:17).

The Necessity of Biblical Counseling – We believe that destructive conflict comes from desires that battle within people’s hearts. Therefore, we do not merely try to resolve surface issues. We also counsel parties to find their fulfillment in Christ, renounce sinful desires and actions that have contributed to conflict, and seek genuine reconciliation with others (see James 4:1-3; Gal. 2:20; Prov. 28:13; Rom. 15:14).

The Comprehensiveness of God’s Word – We believe that God’s Word is totally authoritative and completely sufficient for all aspects of life, and that his peacemaking commands and promises apply to every conflict a Christian can encounter. Therefore, we work across the entire spectrum of conflict, helping people to resolve everything from school-yard quarrels to family disputes, business conflicts, congregational divisions, and multi-million dollar lawsuits (see 2 Tim. 3:16-17).