PeaceMaking on Purpose | Conflict Resolution, Communication skills, Managing Anger, Stress, Reconciliation Win Win, Women, C

Michelle Pexa
  • 5.0 (31)
  • Self-Improvement

Welcome to PeaceMaking on Purpose, the podcast where faith meets practical strategy for conflict resolution. Hosted by Michelle Pexa, this show is for high-capacity Christian women—professionals, leaders, wives, mothers, and grandmothers—who feel unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in unresolved conflict. If you’ve ever struggled with: Not being heard in conversations that matter, Avoiding conflict out of fear of rejection or strained relationships, Or carrying the emotional weight of unresolved issues… …then you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Each episode brings you faith-filled strategies for conflict resolution that deliver clarity, peace, and win–win outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical communication tools, biblical wisdom, and real-life encouragement to: Use your voice effectively and be heard, Build healthy, understanding relationships, Restore connection where walls have been built, And experience the peace of mind that comes with true resolution. Whether at home, in the workplace, in ministry, or within your community, PeaceMaking on Purpose will empower you to enter difficult conversations with confidence, compassion, and lasting results. ✨ Conflict Resolution for Win–Win Outcomes.

  1. 13h ago

    42.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: DON'T CANCEL THE RELATIONSHIP - WHY WALKING AWAY ISN'T ALWAYS THE PATH TO PEACE

    What happens when we stop talking to people about the things that hurt? In a culture where it can feel easier to cancel, distance ourselves, or walk away from people who disagree with us or offend us, difficult conversations are becoming increasingly important. In this episode Michelle Pexa explores why avoiding conflict doesn’t necessarily create peace—and how refusing to make room for difficult conversations can leave relationships carrying unresolved hurt, misunderstanding, resentment, and distance. When we don’t provide a safe opportunity to talk, the other person may never know what happened, how their words or actions affected us, or what they could do differently. We may also miss an opportunity to clarify misunderstandings, take responsibility, forgive, repair, or make things right. But making room for difficult conversations doesn’t mean forcing reconciliation, staying in unhealthy relationships, or allowing someone to mistreat us. It means learning how to create respectful and appropriate spaces where people can speak honestly, listen well, address what has happened, and determine what needs to happen next. Michelle shares why difficult conversations are an essential part of conflict resolution and biblical peacemaking, and why courage, wisdom, boundaries, and practical communication skills are so important when we choose to move toward peace. Because sometimes the first step toward reconciliation is simply being willing to make room for the conversation. WANT MORE HELP?  Check out the CALM FRAMEWORK online mentorship at https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework CONTACT US: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com

  2. Oct 29

    41.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: HOW TO SET BOUNDARIES WITHOUT DAMAGING YOUR RELATIONSHIPS

    Boundaries can be difficult—especially when you're worried about disappointing someone, creating conflict, or being seen as selfish or difficult. So you say yes when you really mean no. You stay quiet when something bothers you. You keep accommodating. You avoid the conversation. And eventually, what looked like "keeping the peace" can turn into frustration, resentment, withdrawal, or emotional distance. In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa explores why boundaries are an important relational and conflict-resolution skill. You'll discover why healthy boundaries aren't about controlling other people, how boundaries can actually create greater honesty in relationships, and why setting a boundary requires both kindness and courage. Michelle also shares a few simple questions to help you become clearer about what you're responsible for, what you need to communicate, and how to approach boundary conversations with greater confidence. You'll learn about: Why boundaries are about responsibility—not controlling others How unspoken boundaries can eventually become resentment Why healthy boundaries can actually strengthen relationships How to communicate a boundary without becoming harsh or aggressive The connection between people-pleasing, boundaries, and conflict Why you don't have to control someone's response to communicate clearly How Peacemaking is different from simply keeping everyone happy If you want to become more confident in conflict resolution, difficult conversations, communication, and setting healthy boundaries, this episode will give you a practical place to begin. And if you're ready to develop a new way of showing up in conflict, explore The C.A.L.M. Framework™ at https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/calmframework Contact us: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com

  3. Oct 22

    40.0 WHEN CONFLICT COSTS YOU EVERYTHING: LOSS, FAITH & THE HOPE OF RECONCILIATION IN MINISTRY

    What happens when unresolved conflict leads to the loss of everything you thought you were called to do? In Part Two of this powerful conversation on PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa continues her interview with former missionary, Children's Minister and clinical mental health counselor Kelly Hallahan. After sharing the story of years of unresolved conflict in Part One, Kelly now vulnerably describes the devastating loss her family experienced when they were abruptly removed from the mission field after nine years of ministry in Uganda. In an instant, they lost the ministry they had poured their lives into, the home they had lived in, the people they had worked alongside and ministered to, and the future they believed they might have for a lifetime. But this conversation is not only about loss. Kelly shares how, even in one of the most painful seasons of her family's life, the goodness and nearness of God became incredibly real. Together, Michelle and Kelly explore: The devastating personal impact unresolved conflict can have in ministry • Why the opportunity to talk through differences and pursue reconciliation matters • How experiences of relational fracture may cause people and leaders to avoid conflict • Why conflict itself is normal—and why avoidance is not the answer • The importance of safe processes for addressing serious conflict in churches and ministry organizations • Why reconciliation does not always mean people remain in the same role or relationship • How better training and conflict resolution systems can help Christian leaders navigate difficult situations • What it means to live out the ministry of reconciliation when relationships become strained Kelly also shares a profound insight from her work as a clinical counsellor: when people have experienced relational fracture without ever experiencing restoration in a safe and healthy way, they may begin to fear conflict itself. But disagreement does not have to lead to destruction. Different personalities, perspectives and expectations are normal. The question is whether we are willing—and equipped—to talk through them. This episode is an honest conversation about conflict, loss, faith, restoration and the goodness of God in the middle of profound disappointment. Kelly and her husband Josh have chosen not to waste their pain or use their experience to blame the Church. Instead, they are passionate about helping raise up resilient Christian leaders who can remain healthy and faithful to their calling. If you are a pastor, missionary, ministry leader or Christian worker—or if you have experienced unresolved conflict and painful loss within a church or ministry setting—this episode will invite you to reflect, grieve, hope and consider how we can do better. Because we are called not only to talk about reconciliation. We are called to become better equipped to practice it. A NOTE FROM MICHELLE TO PASTORS OR MINISTRY LEADERS… If you are a Pastor or Ministry Leader and you would like some help with Conflict Situation or would like to learn more about how you can empower your team with training in Conflict Resolution, I’d love to help. My husband and myself have been in ministry for over 35 years.  As a certified mediator and Conflict Resolution specialist, I have provided tailored training to numerous organizations for over 25 years in the area of Conflict Resolution and Change Management. Contact myself at: Email: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com Web: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/

  4. Oct 15

    39.0 WHEN CONFLICT GOES UNRESOLVED: THE HIDDEN COST OF MINISTRY CONFLICT, LEADERSHIP & FAILED RESOLUTION

    What happens when conflict in ministry goes unresolved for years? In this powerful and honest episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa is joined by former missionary, Children's Minister and clinical mental health counselor Kelly Hallahan for Part One of an important conversation about unresolved conflict, leadership, communication and reconciliation in Christian ministry. Kelly shares her family's real-life experience during their nine years serving on the mission field in Uganda, including the ongoing tension they experienced, the challenges of raising concerns with leadership and the frustration of repeatedly seeking resolution without meaningful progress. Together, Michelle and Kelly explore: Why conflict in ministry can feel deeply personal • The challenges of raising concerns with ministry leadership • How communication and the way concerns are approached can affect conflict outcomes • What happens when leaders and team members struggle to address difficult issues effectively • The emotional stress and strain of long-term unresolved conflict • Why healthy conflict resolution processes matter in churches, ministries and mission organizations • How the lack of clear processes can significantly affect both ministry and people's lives This conversation is not about criticizing the Church or assigning blame. It is about understanding. Because the purpose of honestly exploring painful experiences in ministry is not to tear the Church down—it is to ask how we can do better. If we are called to the ministry of reconciliation, we must also be willing to examine how we handle conflict when relationships become strained and resolution becomes difficult. This is Part One of a two-part conversation. Next week, Michelle and Kelly continue the discussion by exploring healthier approaches to conflict, communication, restoration and the ministry of reconciliation. If you have ever experienced unresolved conflict in a church, ministry or Christian workplace—or if you are a pastor, missionary, ministry leader or Christian professional who wants to help create healthier ways of addressing conflict—this episode will give you an important opportunity to listen, reflect and learn. Because sometimes the path toward doing better begins with being willing to honestly look at what hasn't worked. A NOTE FROM MICHELLE TO PASTORS OR MINISTRY LEADERS… If you are a Pastor or Ministry Leader and you would like some help with Conflict Situation or would like to learn more about how you can empower your team with training in Conflict Resolution, I’d love to help. My husband and myself have been in ministry for over 35 years.  As a certified mediator and Conflict Resolution specialist, I have provided tailored training to numerous organizations for over 25 years in the area of Conflict Resolution and Change Management. Contact myself at: Email: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com Web: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/

  5. Oct 8

    38.0 CONFLICT RESOLUTION FOR WOMEN: COULD THE WAY YOU COMMUNICATE AT WORK BE MAKING THINGS WORSE?

    Could the way you communicate be contributing to workplace conflict? Communication is at the centre of almost everything we do at work—from emails and meetings to feedback, expectations, difficult conversations, and everyday interactions with coworkers and leaders. But sometimes workplace conflict isn't caused simply by what someone says. It can be influenced by how, when, where, and through what method a message is communicated. In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle explores the connection between communication and workplace conflict and why misunderstandings, poor timing, unclear expectations, inappropriate communication methods, and emotional reactions can quickly create tension at work. You'll discover: Why communication is one of the most common contributors to workplace conflict How the wrong communication method can create confusion and frustration Why mode, timing, context, and clarity matter How assumptions can turn a simple misunderstanding into relational tension How to communicate concerns and feedback without attacking Why being a peacemaker doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations How Christian women can communicate with both truth and grace in the workplace If you're a woman navigating difficult coworkers, unclear expectations, frustrating communication, or workplace tension, this episode will help you begin thinking differently about the role communication plays in conflict—and how you can show up with greater clarity and confidence. Because sometimes peacemaking begins with having the right conversation—in the right way. FREE Masterclass on October 8th at 7pm MST  “When Conflict Gets the Best of You” Register Here https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/ Website: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/ Email: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com

  6. Oct 1

    37.0 LEADERSHIP & WORKPLACE CONFLICT FOR WOMEN: COMPASSION, ACCOUNTABILITY & DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS

    Leadership conflict can be complicated. Behind every difficult workplace decision, there may be pressures, responsibilities, financial considerations, staffing challenges, and competing priorities that employees never see. At the same time, employees may have legitimate questions and concerns when they don't understand why decisions are being made. So how can leaders navigate workplace conflict while maintaining both compassion and accountability? In Part Two of my conversation with Canadian businesswoman and marketplace leader Nadine Torgerson, we take a deeper look at the challenges leaders face when conflict involves employees, expectations, performance, and workplace culture. We talk about: The pressures that business owners and operators carry that employees may never see. What employees may underestimate about decision-making at the ownership and leadership level. Why leaders need to communicate the “why” behind their decisions and how transparency can build understanding and trust. Some of the hardest conversations employers have to navigate. How leaders can balance compassion with maintaining standards and accountability. What to do when an employee is technically competent but emotionally difficult to work with. Why technical competency alone isn't enough to create a healthy workplace culture. The importance of clear expectations around how employees relate to and communicate with their coworkers. Why people so often avoid direct conversations—even when avoiding the conversation allows the problem to grow. One of the important themes throughout this conversation is that being a compassionate Christian leader doesn't mean avoiding accountability or difficult conversations. Healthy workplace culture requires both care for people and clarity around expectations. Nadine brings her years of experience as a business owner and marketplace leader to this conversation, offering practical insight for anyone navigating leadership, employee conflict, difficult conversations, and workplace relationships. If you're a Christian woman in leadership, a business owner, manager, or someone trying to navigate workplace conflict with wisdom and grace, this episode will give you practical perspective on how to approach the conversations that are often the hardest to have. REGISTER FOR THE FREE MASTERCLASS ON OCTOBER 8, 2026 https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/ WEBSITE: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/ EMAIL: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com

  7. Sep 24

    36.0 WORKPLACE CONFLICT FOR WOMEN: WHEN SMALL TENSIONS BECOME BIG PROBLEMS

    Workplace conflict doesn't always begin with a major disagreement. Often, it's the everyday tensions—unclear expectations, communication breakdowns, small issues left unaddressed, or perceived inequity—that slowly create frustration and division. In Part One of my conversation with Nadine Torgerson, Canadian businesswoman and marketplace leader, we explore how Christian leaders can navigate these common workplace tensions with both clarity and grace. Nadine shares practical insights on: How unclear expectations can create unnecessary workplace tension—and why employees also need to take initiative to clarify what they don't understand. How much conflict may come from communication failures rather than bad intent. Why focusing on the outcome instead of assigning blame can change the way we approach difficult situations. What it means to be “tough on the issue but soft on the person.” Why addressing small issues early can actually be kinder than allowing them to fester into bigger problems. What to do when one employee feels another isn't pulling their weight. Why Christian leadership does not mean ignoring inequity or poor performance. How failing to address inequity can ultimately cost you your good employees. Nadine brings a powerful perspective to the conversation: you can care deeply about people while still being willing to address the issues that are affecting the team. If you're a Christian woman navigating workplace tension, leading a team, or simply trying to handle difficult situations with wisdom and grace, this conversation will give you plenty to think about. Listen to Part One of this practical conversation about workplace stress, communication, leadership, and conflict resolution. REGISTER FOR THE FREE MASTERCLASS https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/ Website: https://peacemakingonpurpose.com/ Email: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com

  8. Sep 17

    35.0 WHY DOES CHANGE CREATE SO MUCH DRAMA? 5 WORKPLACE TRIGGERS WOMEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

    Change in the workplace can create more than organizational disruption—it can create workplace conflict, stress, misunderstanding and tension between people. A new leader. Restructuring. Changing responsibilities. Staffing shortages. New systems. Unclear expectations. Communication gaps. Even when change is necessary or positive, these circumstances can leave employees wondering: Will I still have my job? What will my role look like? Who is responsible for what now? Why isn't leadership telling us what's happening? How much more am I expected to carry? And when people don't have answers, uncertainty can quickly become assumptions, frustration and conflict. In this episode of PeaceMaking on Purpose, Michelle Pexa explores 5 key variables of workplace change that can contribute to conflict, including: Uncertainty and ambiguity — when people don't know what change means for their job, role or future. Leadership and direction — how changes in leadership, expectations and leadership styles can create misunderstandings and tension. Changing roles, workload and capacity — what happens when responsibilities shift before staffing, systems and expectations have caught up. Inadequate systems and workload pressure — how new processes, insufficient training, staffing gaps and increased responsibilities can lower our capacity and increase frustration. Communication gaps and information vacuums — how a lack of timely communication can create assumptions, rumours and mistrust. You'll hear practical workplace scenarios that demonstrate how organizational change can turn into interpersonal conflict—and why the conflict we see on the surface may actually be connected to much deeper uncertainty and pressure. Michelle also explores an important question for women navigating workplace change: “What is actually happening here—and what is mine to address?” You may not be able to control organizational change, leadership decisions or another person's behaviour. But you can develop greater awareness of your own responses, communicate more effectively, clarify expectations and learn to navigate conflict with greater wisdom and intention. If you're a woman navigating workplace conflict, leadership change, difficult coworkers, changing responsibilities or stressful workplace transitions, this episode will give you a helpful framework for understanding what's happening beneath the tension. Coming up October 8th FREE Online MASTERCLASS When Conflict Gets the Best of You – 3 Simple Steps to Stay Calm, Speak Clearly and Move Towards Peace REGISTER HERE https://conflictgetsthebestofyou.grwebsite.com/   CONTACT US: WEBSITE: www.peacemakingonpurpose.com EMAIL: info@peacemakingonpurpose.com   JOIN OUR FB COMMUNITY  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1620877002699209

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About

Welcome to PeaceMaking on Purpose, the podcast where faith meets practical strategy for conflict resolution. Hosted by Michelle Pexa, this show is for high-capacity Christian women—professionals, leaders, wives, mothers, and grandmothers—who feel unheard, misunderstood, or stuck in unresolved conflict. If you’ve ever struggled with: Not being heard in conversations that matter, Avoiding conflict out of fear of rejection or strained relationships, Or carrying the emotional weight of unresolved issues… …then you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Each episode brings you faith-filled strategies for conflict resolution that deliver clarity, peace, and win–win outcomes. You’ll walk away with practical communication tools, biblical wisdom, and real-life encouragement to: Use your voice effectively and be heard, Build healthy, understanding relationships, Restore connection where walls have been built, And experience the peace of mind that comes with true resolution. Whether at home, in the workplace, in ministry, or within your community, PeaceMaking on Purpose will empower you to enter difficult conversations with confidence, compassion, and lasting results. ✨ Conflict Resolution for Win–Win Outcomes.

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