“How to Recognize and Deal with Church Bullies”

A Workshop by the Rev. Dr. David Woolverton

In the church, bullies can look spiritual. They also may be serving a very unique function in the life of the congregation. In many churches, there are individuals or groups who pose a rather unique challenge to the multiplying movement of God’s mission. While some of those persons are simply reacting with anxiety to changes implemented by leaders, others may have a more defined plan to sabotage any idea that does not originate with them. Still others may have an even more sinister plot in mind to undermine anything that is holy and mission-focused. At any given time, but especially during seasons of transition, those persons or groups will exert their influence in order to challenge or thwart what God is birthing in the congregation. And they will use any tactics necessary to accomplish their goals.

Sharing insights from over thirty years of full time pastoral ministry, as well as content from his about to be released new book on church conflict, Dr. Woolverton will explore how to recognize, assess and respond to church “bullies” and the closed power systems that they represent.

David Woolverton has been an ordained Elder within the Eastern PA Conference for over thirty years, serving and consulting in congregations of various sizes. In addition to serving as Lead Pastor at St. Paul’s Church, Elizabethtown, he also is Affiliate Professor of Leadership and Program Director for the Masters of Arts in Leadership as well as the United Methodist Student Advisor at Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown, PA. He also is a Faculty Mentor in the Kairos Project at Kairos University. David lives in Lancaster, PA with his wife, Kristine, and their rambunctious two year old Bernedoodle.