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Well-Intentioned Dragons: Ministering to Problem People in the Church
Every church has them--sincere, well-meaning Christians who leave ulcers, strained relationships, and hard feelings in their wake. They don't intend to be difficult; they don't consciously plot destruction or breed discontent among the members. But they often do undermine the ministry of the church and make pastors question their calling.Well-Intentioned Dragons guides tho...more
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
July 1st 1994
by Bethany House Publishers
(first published 1985)
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Really really enjoyd this book that was recommended to me by my pastor. It took me 2 days to finish it, because i could not stop after i had started reading the book.
I find the subject difficoult for people to talk about, so that is another reason why this book is SO important for people to read. Its written in an easy way that is very easy for the reader to understand.
In some way I think this book should be a requirement for pastors to read. During my own 4 years of bible college we never touch...more
I find the subject difficoult for people to talk about, so that is another reason why this book is SO important for people to read. Its written in an easy way that is very easy for the reader to understand.
In some way I think this book should be a requirement for pastors to read. During my own 4 years of bible college we never touch...more
I wish I had this book about 3 1/2 to 4 years ago. This book is a gold mine of insights and help especially to the pastor who has to deal, constantly, with people. Dragons come in all shapes and sizes and almost always resort to personal attacks and plays for power to attain what they want. Shelly comments that the worst dragons are often the ones who were the pastor’s strongest supporters at the beginning (in fact, many times, the ones who called the pastor). Something that I learned about a ye...more
The amalgamation of pastoral wisdom collected in this book leads to the solution of a problem - dragons within a church. Dragons are those poeple who breathe fire and cause problems for ministers and otherwise healthy churches. How do you deal with problem people? How do spot such people? What do you do with a dragon once they're caught? Some of these questions are fleshed out in this book. It is a good, short read recommended to me by a former pastor that found great solace in its words.
Read this for the church council. It applies to churches to be sure, but it also gives on insight into co-workers, family members, and even prickly friends. The premise is that most people are not trying to be difficult and not evil, but are engaging in patterns of behavior that, however well-intentioned, are troublesome and a threat to the organization. Various kinds of "dragons" are described and the ways to diffuse the fire are covered in this slim, but insight packed, volume.
I would give this a 3.5 if I could as thought it had a lot of practical ideas and presented many of the different types of 'dragons' and problems created by them in a way that was easily digested. It is NOT a book filled with specific Scriptures on how to deal with these people but rather the ideas based on Scripture. I found myself wondering if seminaries give their students any training along these lines or help to defuse difficult situations they will surely face in ministry.
Shelley talks about how pastors have to deal with some difficult people in the church. In one sense, it would have been helpful if I would have read this before I started pastoring, but it is possible I wouldn't have paid much attention to it.
Good stuff for those in ministry! Helps to see people the way God sees them. Helps to know that others are dealing with similiar things and overcoming them. :)
Must read for every pastor. A little light on the solution side of the incidents, but at least cathartic for those who have served in difficult ministries.
Very heavy emphasis on church "boards", but still a lot of good counsel. This book would be very helpful to many pastors, I think.
Excellent advice on dealing with difficult people in a church setting. Must read for pastors.
I think the whole book could have been one chapter except for the very long stories.
Great book! Read it many years ago. Might need to re-read it soon.
A must read for anyone working in ministry!
VERY helpful book, in my experience...
Helpful material.
This book is better than the title suggests.
Me pareció muy interesante. Te ayuda a entender más a las personas, que consideramos difíciles, y que nos cuesta establecer lazos de buena comunicación. Incluso te da una lista de caracteristicas "claves"en este tipo de personas. Y nunca esta de más que uno mismo se evalúe, no valla aser que estemos haciendole la vida difícil a los otros.
a great book for anyone in ministry or public service. Gives practical advice for dealing with conflict within the church.
This book really opens your eyes to the "dark" side of ministry, but very encouraging.
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