What do we do with Dysfunctional People?

abusers bullies conflict dysfunction narcissists Apr 10, 2025
 

In lots of places in the Church, we have a problem with people behaving badly.

Here, Clara King talks about differentiating between people who are making a ruckus who need to be cared for and welcomed appropriately, and those that the congregation needs to be protected against, who are actively and intentionally harming others. Making this discernment should leave us with fear and trembling.

  • If you have dysfunctional people in your leadership context, who can you turn to to help you discern how to respond faithfully?
  • How are you called to use your power ethically to care for the sheep: sometimes, to care for the 1 who deserves to be welcomed in; other times to care for the 99 who are dealing with a wolf.
  • Who are the people who can help you figure this out?