1. Navigating Antagonists & Troublemakers in the Church

2. Antagonists in the Church
Reality Check! At times, we all can be antagonistic.
The wise minister should exercise care in determining antagonistic persons from those who simply disagree on an issue.
Kenneth Haugk, in his book, Antagonists in the Church defines them as follows:

3. Antagonists in the Church
“Antagonists are individuals who on the basis on non-substantive evidence, go out of their way to make insatiable demands, unusually attacking the person or performance of others. These attacks are selfish in nature, tearing down rather than building up, and are frequently directed against those in a leadership capacity.”

4. Antagonists in the Church
“Antagonists are individuals who on the basis on non-substantive evidence, go out of their way to make insatiable demands, unusually attacking the person or performance of others. These attacks are selfish in nature, tearing down rather than building up, and are frequently directed against those in a leadership capacity.”
Observation: Antagonists tend to “seek out” churches in transition

5. Unchecked, antagonists will make joyful service to church an impossible task.

6. Why?
The reason we have antagonists in the church is that they are in the world.
The problem with antagonists in the church is that they leave in their wake
broken lives,
broken dreams,
discouraged, apathetic people.

7. The 21 Red Flags of antagonists are:
A previous track record of antagonistic behavior.
The Parallel Track Record… a track record of bad behavior outside of the church.
The Nameless Other Flag… “there are many who feel like me”, “everyone feels you should resign”
The Instant Buddy: The first to take you to dinner, visit your office.

8. The Predecessor-downer: Denounce your predecessor and build you up syndrome.
Gushing Praise for your leadership
Asking “I gotcha” questions: “What version of the Bible does the denomination use?”, “What is the Bible’s position on Calvinism” or “what is the church’s position on eschatology?”
Overly Smooth and Charming: Be aware of wolves in sheep’s clothing.
The Church Hopper: “Finally, I found a church (or pastor) I can believe in.”

9. Lies: Little lies common.
Aggressive methods: Over-the-top, unethical or combative means to get their voice heard
The Flashing $$$ sign: Rich antagonists love this one.
The Note Taker: Take notes during pastoral visits, the coffee-hour or inappropriate times.
The Portfolio: Developing a “case” with “proof” of wrong-doings that shows evidence of a long-standing plan. (On antagonist’s briefcase was filled with old worship guides, church documents and bulletin-board flyers.)

10. Cutting Comments: Saying things at times or places to cause great pain.
The Different Drummer: Always seeking to start new policies, change things or do it their own way.
The Pest: Always calling. Take note: If they are always calling and texting you, they are doing it to others!
The Cause: Calvinism, Politics, Home Schooling, KJV only…

11. The School of Hard Knocks: Little formal education, but have gone through many struggles. Tend to brag about “their school.”
The Poor Loser: When the church votes differently, the antagonists will get mad and get even.
Start at the Top: Disregard the “organizational chart” and go straight to the top.

12. Why Deal with Antagonists?
The Scriptures say we must:
Identify
Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brethren, take note of those who create dissentions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught;

13. Why Deal with Antagonists?
The Scriptures say we must:
Confront:
Acts 13:9-10 Then Saul—also called Paul—filled with the Holy Spirit,… said, "You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won't you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?
1 Timothy 5:20 Publicly rebuke those who sin, so that the rest will also be afraid.

14. Why Deal with Antagonists?
The Scriptures say we must:
Avoid
Romans 16:17… those who create dissentions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them.
2 Tim 2:16-17 Avoid such godless chatter, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, and their talk will eat its way like gangrene: such men are Hymenaeus and Philetus;
Notice that Paul calls these proven antagonists out by name!

15. Two more kinds of “trouble-makers”

16. Unregenerate Members
Acts 8:13 Then even Simon himself believed.* And after he was baptized, he went around constantly with Philip and was astounded as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed But Peter told him, "May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought the gift of God could be obtained with money! You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God. Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.” *James 2:9

17. Unregenerate Members
Revelation 3:20
Illustration:
James at Mt. View
Kevin at New Covenant

18. Those called to ministry…and responded by saying, “No”
Illustration Curtis…called as a church planter/pastor…but served as a deacon Ray… Greg…

19. A typical pattern…
Those called as pastors become deacons, elders or church council members
Those called as missionaries become church mission leaders
Those called to Education Ministry become Sunday School Directors

20. By identifying these two…
…you help “unregenerate members” recognize their actions demonstrate a need for repentance and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ …you help “Jonah members” return to the place they departed from God and help them to prepare and fulfill what is usually an irrevocable call.

21. More than Matthew 18

22. Redemption of the Soul & Redemption of Fellowship

23. A Biblical Perspective
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (removal)
2 Corinthians 2:5-11 (restoration)

24. Seven Steps for Dealing with Troublemakers & Antagonists:
Pray for wisdom and guidance
Follow Established Policies and/or Establish policies when and where needed
Keep other church leaders informed: Have a confidant to talk to, such as your Mentor, State Worker, Director of Missions, another pastor, trusted deacon or elder

25. Dealing with Antagonists:
Avoid abrupt changes—they tend to awaken antagonists
Have a support group of Christian friends and peers
Take control—the leader must set the agenda with the antagonist!
Prevention through the maintenance of an Anti-Antagonist Environment: Give an inch and they will take a mile. Keep them in check.  

26. Creating an Anti-Antagonist Environment in your church
A Comprehensive New Members Class
Church Disciplines Policies in Place and Applied
Review the History of the Church
Read and know the Church Documents
Don't make “Exceptions” to the Rules
Follow and Teach Members in the Biblical process for Dealing with Offences

27. Matthew 18:14-17
14 In the same way, it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones perish. 15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother. 16 But if he won't listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established. 17 If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you.

28. 1 Timothy 5:19
Don't accept an accusation against an pastor or teaching elder unless it is supported by two or three witnesses.