Well-Intentioned Dragons

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Qualifications of a pastor: the mind of a scholar, the heart of a child, and the hide of a rhinoceros.
Stuart Briscoe

Dwayne and Virginia Wilson represent only one kind of well-intentioned dragon, albeit a complex and durable species. Many other kinds have been sighted within the church — some merely nuisances, others serious threats to church life.

Before looking specifically at two of the most common tactics of dragons — personal attacks and plays for power — it might be helpful to catalog some of the varieties inhabiting the church. All of the following have been reported by working pastors.

The Bird Dog. Four-legged bird dogs point where the hunter should shoot. The two-legged Bird Dog loves to be the pastor's eyes, ears, and nose, sniffing out items for attention. "If I were you, I'd give Mrs. Greenlee a call. She has some marital problems you need to confront." Or, "We need more activities for the youth." Or, "Why doesn't the church do something about …"

Most pastors respond to Bird Dogs by saying, "The Lord hasn't said anything to me about this, but it sounds like a good idea. Obviously you're concerned, and that's usually a sign the Lord is telling you to do something about it." Those genuinely concerned will take up the challenge. Genuine Bird Dogs, however, will grumble, "That's your job, Pastor. I'm just calling your attention to something important."

Of particular bother is the Superspiritual Bird Dog. This purebred strain is more likely to point out things that always leave the pastor feeling defensive and not quite spiritual. "The Lord has laid on my heart that we need to be praying more for renewal." Who could argue otherwise? Or, "We need to develop more discipleship and maturity within this congregation, wouldn't ...

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