Christian Alternative Dispute Resolution The fact is that life is full of conflict and full of disputes. Resolving disputes, however, does not come naturally to any of us. When we are personally involved in a conflict, it is nearly impossible to have a sufficiently objective point of view. Sometimes we all need some outside help. ControlAltDispute is here to help!

ControlAltDispute was founded by a Christian trial attorney and mediator/arbitrator in south Florida to meet what seemed to be an extreme need for Christian alternative dispute resolution. Time and time again he found Christians disputing with, even suing, other Christians because of the perception that they had no alternatives. This kind of conduct, however, is contrary to the Scriptural plan for dispute resolution. The Apostle Paul made it very clear in his first letter to the Corinthians that it is an embarrassment to the visible Church when it can’t even take care of the simplest of disputes. Note Paul’s admonition:

1 Corinthians 6: 1-61:

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame: Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers?

ControlAltDispute was formed to be the part of the visible Church that fulfills the mandate of this section of Scripture. ControlAltDispute seeks to provide a means for dispute resolution between professing Christians moderated or even adjudicated by other professing Christians who are trained in dispute resolution and law.

The formation of ControlAltDispute was the result of six observations and considerations:

  1. The Bible calls the Church to certain duties regarding dispute resolution.
  2. Most local church bodies are not equipped to fulfill their duties in this area.
  3. Christians go to secular courts because they are without alternatives.
  4. Biblical procedures and substantive laws are generally clear, especially to those trained in understanding both civil law and Scripture.
  5. Denominational doctrinal differences are nearly irrelevant in dispute resolution.
  6. Biblical principles of conflict resolution should be applicable not only to Christians, but also to Jews and other faith-based groups as well (including parachurch organizations and Christian-operated businesses).

We’d like to invite you to browse our site and learn more about us and about Christian alternatives to dispute resolution. We’ve designed the site to be informative, not flashy, and still easy to navigate. Our menu on the left will always be there on every page and you can use that any time to learn more ABOUT us (who we are, what we believe, our mission statement and the like); you can review or download FORMS; look into our FEES; or just find out how to CONTACT us. Of course, you can always check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to learn even more.

At the bottom of the menu on the left is a special “key” that leads to a part of our site that we are always improving: Our MEDITATIONS section. This page is a collection of Bible verses, without commentary, specifically dealing with disputes and their resolution. Since the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword, since it never comes back empty, and since it is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness,2 this may be the most important page we have to offer you.

Should you or someone you know ever find themselves in need, we hope someday we can offer to provide you with some control over alternative forms of dispute resolution. Call, write, or email us anytime!

Footnotes:
1) New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update. LaHabra, CA : The Lockman Foundation, 1995, S (hereafter on this site "NASB").
2) Heb. 4:12; Is. 55:11; 2 Tim. 3:16.