TOPIC: DEALING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE IN CHURCH

LEADERSHIP

BACKGROUND SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 6:1-8

INTRODUCTION:

We may not have the time to go deep into the meanings of the keywords in
the topic. But some simple definitions are as follows:

 DEAL: To manage, to put right

 DIFFICULT: Not easy to convince or work with
 CHURCH: The body of Christ
 LEADERSHIP: An act of showing the way and how.

The most difficult people; group or organization to deal with is the church because
it has to do with the souls of men. Genesis 6:1-8

But based on our topic one could ask that at what point or level could a
person/church members be regarded as difficult to lead?

The word difficult may have more than one connotations depending on the
angel one is being read and the one reading as well, just like the tale of the
description of an elephant.

Sometimes is not those that are being led but those leading that are difficult.
Therefore difficulty in leadership has different faces. Examples could be : -

a. The member who refuses to do my bidding as a leader even when I am wrong,

can be regarded as a difficult person.
b. A leader who refuses to go by the demand of the people even when they know
they are wrong
c. One who consciously ignored leadership
d. One who unconsciously disobeyed leadership.
All of them could be tagged as difficult person.

WHO IS THAT DIFFICULT PERSON AND WHY?

May we scan through the scriptures and example of people who are truly difficult
and what might have informed their position.
1. CAIN – GENESIS 4:1-9
From his actions and responses to God really shows he was a very hard and
difficult person.
Why was Cain regarded as difficult? 1 John 3:10-13
This implies that his heart was not circumcised, Ezekiel 36:26; 11:14 – 21;
Jer. 31:33 Romans 2:15 – 19
2. THE CROWD AND JESUS DISCIPLES – MATTHEW 16:13 – 20; 21: 29
– 31
Those who did not know or accept him as God presented him became very
difficult to work with and they contributed his crucifixion.
3. JUDAS ISCARIOT – LUKE 22:3 – 6
Because his heart was already dubious, he could not listen to Jesus at the last
supper.
4. BALAAM – NUMBERS 22:5 – 22; II PETER 2:15
His selfish ambition made him become difficult to deal with.

HOW TO DEAL WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE

1. The leader need to known the spiritual life/background of those he leads.

Mathew 7:21-22, Mat 21:29 – 31; 16:13 –
2. If possible lead them to Christ. Acts 2:37, 9:1-6, 21
3. Need to understand one another Mathew 14:26 – 28; Acts 9:26 – 28
4. There should be room for tolerance from the leader’s side. Col. 3:13 – 23.
Hebrews 10:32 – 34; Eph. 4:29; I Cor. 6:1-9
We should note that to whom much is given much is required. Luke 12:48
whatever one is given in life much of it is require of him.
5. Christian leadership is servant oriented. Mark 10:41-45
6. Jesus’ leadership style. John 19:10, Luke 23:3-27; Philippians 2:5 He does not
speak at all times.
7. Christian leadership is all about reshaping people’s destiny. I Cor. 10:31 – 33;
11:1; John 10:10
 A RECAP OF THE DISCUSSION

 Difficult hearts could be an indication of not being born again.

 Difficult hearts could be informed by the surrounding or personal experience or
one’s lifestyle.
 Leadership is not to make twice the child of perdition. Mat. 23:15
 Leadership is not ruler-ship or kingship but servant-hood.

Thanks