I haven’t found a church yet anywhere in the world that does not have at least one problem person. They just seem to lurk in a congregation. These posts might make you think of these folks, but I also encourage you to read the final two posts as well. Show the problem people the love of God.
12 People who Frustrate Church Leaders
12 Ways to Recognize a “Church Control” Freak
13 Church Members who Sometimes Drive Me Crazy
Why We Must Love Unlovable Church Members
9 Reasons to be Grateful for Problem People in Your Life
The local church does attract its share of “problem people.” From my own experience they can be incredibly frustrating. Based also on my experience we are at times perceived as “problem people” ourselves by others. We may have personality traits and other shortcomings that make us “unintentional dragons.” We may not fit into their vision of the local church. We may see the need for change. They may cling to the past. While they may intellectually recognize the need for change, they emotionally resist it and throw up all kinds of road blocks in the way of change. From reading the New Testament I gather that the local church has always been an imperfect body. It has never been composed of flawless people. Even the apostles had their flaws. They served Christ despite them. As Paul observed, God accomplishes his mission through the weak, the lowly, the inconsequential, the flawed. In that way the glory is God’s alone.
You also need to define a “problem person” although you will likely recognize one when you see one. Is it someone who disagrees with you? Is it someone who is on the wrong side of the partisan divide? Is it the young person who asks questions? Is it someone who can’t find the applicability in your sermon?