Church Bullying

Help and Strategies

Bullying in the church is not a one size fits all phenomenon. Church Bullies come in many shapes and sizes – some are easy to pick out and others appear to be your best supporter until you don’t agree with them. This type of bully has most likely been raised in an environment where aggressive behaviour was modeled and power and control were exerted within the family relationships. Some bullies can be discipled, or ‘re-parented’ as Peter Sczarro[i] puts it, so that they learn appropriate biblical ways of behaving in relationships with others.

At the other end of the spectrum, however, are those who engage in destructive, divisive behaviour and are much more difficult to deal with. Their intent is to gain power and influence within the church allowing them to have their needs of the moment met. These needs may include, but are not limited to financial support (including investment fraud), access to vulnerable individuals who can meet their sexual needs; establishing personal credibility and gaining power and control in volunteer or paid leadership roles. They are devious and dangerous and must be courageously confronted.