A few years ago, I wrote a post on “13 Church Members who Sometimes Drive Me Crazy.” I hoped I exhausted the list, but ongoing conversations with pastors since then have told me otherwise. Here are a few more members that come to mind today:
- The “former but still involved” member: This member left the church some time ago (and, in fact, might have joined another church), but still he knows everything that’s happening in your church—and stirs up trouble from a distance. He’s left, but he really hasn’t.
- The “I refuse to sing unless . . .” member: You know this member—he doesn’t sing unless he likes the song. And, he usually makes it known by his facial expression and body language that he’s not pleased with the song selection.
- The “critical but uninvolved” member: She regularly finds things to criticize, but she refuses to serve in the church—and she’s never willing to be part of the solution for whatever concerns her.
- The “people are saying” member: This member always speaks for others, but he never identifies those who “are saying.” My hunch is it’s more accurate for him to say, “I’ve been the one saying . . . .”
- The “survivor” member: Likely also the “I was here when you came, and I’ll be here when you leave” member, the survivor member outlasts most pastors—and he knows it. In some cases, he’s also part of the group that has run off some pastors.
- The “unknowing drain” member: This member has a way of draining energy out of anyone who spends time with him, likely because of a domineering or negative spirit—but he’s usually not self-aware enough to recognize it.
- The “church bully” member: He uses whatever power the church has previously given him to control the congregation. He protects his turf and usually has little concern about other members. Often, he simply wears down any opposition in the church.
If you have one of these church members in your congregation, start by praying for him or her. Ask the Lord to change hearts—including yours if the Lord deems it necessary.