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Our Story

We came into mediation on different paths but God was already intersecting our lives

before our work together began.

Brian’s journey began in the pastorate. As he was listening for the Lord’s directing approaching his 30th year in ministry, he discerned there was something new coming. Thru a variety of means, God directed him into mediation training. Much to his surprise he found, “I have been doing this (mediation) as a pastor my entire time in ministry!”

Meanwhile, Andrew was experiencing a difficult divorce. In the midst of participating in mediation to resolve the end of his marriage, Andrew directly felt a “calling moment” to pursue being a mediator. The significance of that moment stayed with him and he pursued mediation training after the completion of the his divorce proceedings.


Their connection began with both of them unaware of what God had in store. Living about a mile away from each other, they first met over a dinner planned by Brian’s youngest daughter and her roommate (now Andrew’s wife). A little over a year later they both laughed in surprise when they showed up for a staff meeting at the same mediation firm.

Two years later they joined forces, launching Genesis Christian Mediation and dedicating their focus to the new work they had been doing together partnering with counselors, non-profits, church leaders and coaches to support relationships and organizations damaged by conflict.

Meet the Team

  • Andrew Arthur

    Certified Mediator (CM)

    Certified Co-Parent Specialist (CCPS) 

    4 yrs exp as a member of a Quaker Church Staff 

    10 years exp Para-Church Ministry

    20+ years exp in people focused roles in a variety settings that include small business and a Fortune 50 Company

    20+ yrs exp in managing Employee, Contractor, and Volunteer Staff of various sizes, up to 30+ employees.

    Content Creator

    Graduate of George Fox University 

    Blended Family Parent, Co-Parent

  • Brian Shimer

    Certified Mediator (CM) 

    33 yrs Pastoral experience in UMC working with many churches and families in conflict and crisis 

    (Brian felt God’s call in 1983 to the UMC as a missionary for Jesus) 

    13 yrs exp Biblical Storyteller, certified lead instructor with Simply the Story 

    30+ years exp as pastoral counselor, owner of Lionhearted Ministries

    Author

    Masters of Divinity degree (MDiv.), Asbury Theological Seminary

  • Kim

    Executive Assistant (EA)

    10+ year Nike employee with multi department experience, highlighted by a role as an Executive Assistant to a Department VP

    Studied for a year as a paralegal under Dr. Randall Kinnison 

    Author

    BA in Communication Studies w/Interpersonal Emphasis and a Minor in Marketing  

    Single mom of four, DA Survivor 

Our Process

Repair lays the foundation for all the work that is to come. Once we’ve repaired areas of hurt or disconnection in the relationship(s), we can move forward to resolving areas of conflict and eventually, enjoy the peace of reconciliation.

Repair begins with ownership, recognition of impact, and a comittment to rebuild trust. Each person needs to validate the impact of his or her own actions. We use assessments, consults, interviews, and mediation sessions to help us highlight areas where the work needs .to start.

Repair creates the foundation for resolution. There was a reason for the conflict. There needs to be enough repair of the damage or poor communication to bring resolution to an area of conflict. Trust is a key ingredient of this part of the process. During this stage, You are learning conflict management skills and communication practices. Through our Mediative practice we focus on resolving issues or areas that come to the surface during our sessions.

You cannot reconcile with unresolved conflict. Now that the relationship is repairing and conflicts are being resolved, you can reconcile. You are moving together in peace and grace. Redemption is the heart of the gospel. We forgive as Christ forgave us. You feel hope and momentum. 

Restoration can only happen if repair, resolution, and reconciliation are successful. There are no shortcuts. Often, restoration takes time and intentional behavior toward one another. The family is changing and growing. Peace and unity emerge.

Specialized Services

  • Divorce, Couples, Co-Parent, Church, Family, and Non-Profit

  • Sometimes a relationship needs space to heal and change.  We will help you build a plan that helps stop the conflict over managing life's important things so that you both can focus on healing.

  • Being in between Pastors is a difficult time. With fewer Pastors entering the availability pool, the interim times can stretch on longer than anyone wants or is hoping for.  This is a great time to heal as a community from conflict, adversity, or even change itself.  We work with church leadership groups (lay, staff, elders/councils) to take advantage of this in between time to heal, to listen to each other,, and to discern God’s vision for their community.

  • From parenting plans to collaborative co-parent skill development, we can help your family focus on what matters—raising your children well!

  • We work with couples who are struggling with communication, conflict, and collaborative decision-making skills to change the way they function. The result… find deeper connection instead of the same conflict.

  • Interactive learning on relationship skill topics designed so you can take home something that can make a difference in your relationships at church, home, or work.

“Good stories must travel through conflict. And in epic stories, the conflict must become unbearable.”

Donald Miller