Engage

"Engage" tackles conflict engagement and focuses on the cluster of things that are under your immediate control: your thoughts, attitudes, words, and actions. When we find ourselves in a conflict situation, there are many things we cannot change. We can't change whatever happened in the past to cause the problem. We can't change the way the other person feels about us. We can change the way we approach conflict. We can change patterns of avoidance, confusion, anger, and irrationality. We can draw upon ancient spiritual wisdom and current best practices to engage in a conflict situation so that we keep a clean conscience, treat the other person appropriately, and set the situation up for the best resolution possible.

Since gaining professional certification in conflict engagement and completing doctoral research on the topic, Dr. Chad Slotta has made it his mission to help individuals from all walks of life find greater peace within themselves and among one another. This book has the same mission. Chapter 1 explores the ancient, spiritual wisdom found in the Hebrew Bible and Christian New Testament, telling a story of world history that revolves around the antitheses of conflict and harmony. Whereas the first chapter draws upon an ancient spiritual story, Chapter 2 summarizes the Bible's direct teachings about conflict engagement. Chapter 3 draws upon the spiritual wisdom gained thus far to address strategies for engaging situations so that they never rise to the level of "conflict." Sometimes, conflict can't be prevented. Therefore, Chapter 4 addresses strategies for engaging conflicts once they've begun. Finally, the conclusion casts a vision for families, churches, workplaces, and communities who wish to maintain harmony and set themselves up to flourish. Chad's core focus in "Engage" is to realign America with the Judeo-Christian ethics, values, and constitutionally conservative principles that made America prosperous and free. He knows that we must fight to preserve our freedom, the Bill of Rights, and the sacred, Godly traditions of America. Chad believes in the potential of all Americans who are willing to heed President Kennedy's historic call to civic service: "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

Dr. Chad Slotta is a husband, father, Christian minister, faith-driven entrepreneur, and organization leader. He has extensive education, experience, expertise, and a demonstrated history of success in the consumer marketplace, business advisory, and non-profit religious sectors. Chad is a visionary, strategist, maximizer, talent optimizer, organizational behaviorist, and systems integrator. A former pastor of twenty years and a battle-tested former candidate for the U.S. Congress, Chad seeks to influence, inspire, and equip others for success.