Category Archives: Difficult people

Three approaches to communication and leadership

Posted on February 20, 2017 by Wisdomforlife

Sometimes we’re not seeing the results we desire in relationships because we fail to recognize that different situations call for different approaches to communication and leadership. Continue reading →

Posted in Church Leadership, Coach, Coaching, Communication, Community, Conflict, Counseling, Difficult people, Discernment, Disciple-making, Elders, elders in the Church, Family life, Fellowship, Leadership, Marriage, Relationships, Small Group leaders, Speech, Teenagers, Wisdom | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t waste your ministry

Posted on July 16, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces” (Matthew 7:6). These are strong and difficult words … Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonists, D. A. Carson, Difficult people, Discernment, Disciple-making, Discrimination, Evangelism, John R. W. Stott, John Stott | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

When critics attack

Posted on July 10, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

I have the privilege each month of investing in other pastors. The stories they tell me remind me of many things I’ve experienced and learned over 30 years of ministry.

A common theme I hear is how often critics attack pastors and their Churches. I often encourage pastors to warn people about the consequences of standing against God’s work and servants.

Here are some sober words to Church members who are behaving as antagonists: Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonists, Church, Church growth, Church Leadership, Church membership, Complaining, Conflict, Criticism, Difficult people, Elders, Humility, Leadership, Life of a pastor, Pastors, Unity | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Don’t let them drag you down

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

We don’t want to be in the group identified as “grumblers and faultfinders” (Jude 16). Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonists, Bitterness, Church Leadership, Church membership, Complaining, Conflict, Contentment, Cynicism, Difficult people, Gospel-centered, Gratitude, Selfishness, Thankfulness | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Resolving conflicts among Christians

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

Jesus anticipated fractures in Christian fellowship. We should not be surprised by them but ready to seek reconciliation. Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonists, Broken Relationships, Christian Counselor, Church, Church Leadership, Church membership, Community, Conflict, Confrontation, Difficult people, Discernment, Disciple-making, Discipline, Elders, False accusation, Fellowship, Forgiveness, Grace, Jesus Christ, Life of a pastor, Pastors, Reconciliation, Relationships, Slandered, Small Group leaders, Unity | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Responding to false accusations

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

Helpful advice for those facing false accusations. Continue reading →

Posted in Broken Relationships, Conflict, Confrontation, Criticism, Cross of Christ, Death of Christ, Difficult people, Discernment, False accusation, Forgiveness, Slandered, Wisdom | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Formula E429 could change your life!

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

Think of how many times we could defuse a situation by choosing better words and tones. But don’t miss my WARNING LABEL! Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Attitude, Bitterness, Communication, Complaining, Conflict, Contentment, Criticism, Difficult people, Discouragement, Emotions, Encouragement, Family life, Fathers, God's Will, Gospel-centered, Gossip, Grace, Gratitude, Kindness, Love, Marriage, Parenting, Parenting teens, Patience, Praise, Relationships, Selfishness, Speech, Thankfulness, Thanksgiving, Unity, Wisdom, Wives | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Forgiveness – An act of worship

Posted on January 16, 2014 by Wisdomforlife

When hurt by others, we often only see the horizontal significance of what occurred. “This is about me and the one who hurt me!” we argue. Yet those who worship God are called to view forgiveness as an act of worship. This is primarily about God and secondarily about me or my offender. When we forgive, we “let go of” instead of “holding on to” or “holding against.”

Forgiveness is an act of releasing to God the hurtful actions and consequences of the wrong done to us. Continue reading →

Posted in Anger, Attitude, Bitterness, Burnout, Christian Counselor, Christian life, Christian worldview, Christianity, Confession, Counseling, Defeat?, Depression, Difficult people, Divorce, Divorce and Remarriage, Emotions, Faith, Forgiveness, God, God as Potter, God's control, God's Love, God's power, Gospel, Gospel-centered, Grace, Love, Pain, Problem of evil, Punishment, Questioning God, Radical love, Relationships, Repentance, Revenge, Wisdom, Worship | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

3 motivations for protecting unity

Posted on December 14, 2013 by Wisdomforlife

1. The prayer of Jesus John 17:23 -Jesus prayed, “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” 2. The passion of God Proverbs 6:16,19 – “There … Continue reading →

Posted in Antagonists, Christian life, Christianity, Church, Church Leadership, Church membership, Difficult people, Life of a pastor, Peace, Unity | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

6 step detox for a painful past

Posted on October 19, 2013 by Wisdomforlife

If your 18-year factor was marked by a significant disruption or a serious dysfunction, it will have a definite effect on your identity, security, and relationship skills.
Continue reading →

Posted in 18 Year factor, Broken Relationships, Counseling, Difficult people, Divorce, Freedom | Tagged , | 2 Comments