What is the TINS Framework?

The TINS Framework (Theory-Grounded Integrative Negotiation Strategies Framework) is a structured model for facilitating and guiding integrative negotiation within Biblical mediation, specifically in the context of marriage and family conflict resolution. It brings together six contemporary theoretical perspectives and eight biblical principles, along with four spiritual guidelines that shape and support the integrative negotiation process.

The framework was developed by the author after completing an LLM in Alternative Dispute Resolution at Osgoode Hall Law School, York University, in 2016. Insights gained during the program served as the theoretical catalyst for its creation, grounding the framework in both academic rigor and practical relevance. At the outset of developing the framework, the author independently conducted a systematic literature review to examine how scholars conceptualize “success” in mediation. This academic inquiry was prompted by his post-LLM practical experience in pro bono mediation at the Toronto Small Claims Court, which was later followed by fee-based, court-assigned mediation as a Roster Mediator for the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Each TINS strategy within the framework is carefully tailored to address the specific conflict dynamics of a given dispute. These dynamics refer to the unique patterns of interaction and underlying processes that shape how a conflict develops and is managed. This includes how disputants engage with one another, how past unmet needs (the root causes of the conflict) intersect with future needs, shared values, joint goals, and areas of common ground. Understanding these specific conflict dynamics enables the pastor/mediator to determine which TINS strategy will most effectively facilitate and guide the integrative negotiation process, promoting conflict resolution and relational restoration.

This structured yet adaptable framework empowers pastors who serve in the dual role of pastors and mediators as pastors/mediators to facilitate and guide disputants through integrative negotiation, a vital component of Biblical mediation. The integrative negotiation process creates intentional opportunities for disputants to address both past unmet needs and future needs, which are previously documented in each individual's Mutual Conflict Resolution Statement (MCRS), serving as conflict-related data.

Drawing on the conflict-related data gathered through the MCRS and the insights it reveals, the pastor/mediator applies a carefully selected and contextually tailored TINS strategy to facilitate and guide the process of integrative negotiation, much like how a well-designed software system processes input data to generate context-specific optimal outcomes. Integrative negotiation empowers disputants to engage in open and constructive dialogue, enabling them to address conflicts, merge their needs, and co-create mutually beneficial resolution options that promote both conflict resolution and relational transformation.

The effectiveness of the TINS Framework lies in its integration of theoretical rigor and modular design, enabling both strategic flexibility and real-time customization before and throughout the process of integrative negotiation. At the outset, pastors/mediators can develop a tailored TINS strategy by selecting four to six theoretical frameworks, each integrated with corresponding biblical principles, in response to the specific conflict dynamics of the case. As the integrative negotiation process unfolds, additional components may be selectively introduced to address emerging challenges such as cultural misunderstandings, personality-based differences, erroneous or harmful attitudes, difficult behaviors, power imbalances, and negotiation impasses. This adaptive structure ensures that integrative negotiation within mediation remains theoretically grounded, biblically guided, and contextually responsive.

A key advantage of the modular design is that once specific issues are resolved, the corresponding supplementary components can be removed, thereby streamlining the overall integrative negotiation process. This plug-in/plug-off functionality enables precise and adaptive intervention, allowing pastors/mediators to respond dynamically to evolving conflict dynamics while maintaining a coherent and focused strategic approach. By supporting ongoing and iterative refinement throughout the integrative negotiation process, the TINS Framework empowers pastors/mediators to facilitate and guide not only effective conflict resolution but also lasting relational transformation.

The TINS Framework’s multi-theoretical approach and modular design provide a balanced and structured process for facilitating and guiding effective integrative negotiation within Biblical mediation in marriage and family conflict resolution. Rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach, the strategies within the TINS Framework equip pastors/mediators to remain theoretically grounded, biblically guided, and contextually sensitive to the specific needs and dynamics of each conflict. This approach ensures that each integrative negotiation process remains both adaptive and purpose-driven, aiming not only at effective conflict resolution but also at lasting relational transformation. The depth and flexibility of the TINS Framework make it particularly well-suited for application across a wide range of cultural and generational contexts globally.