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TITLE: Well Intentioned Dragons
TEXT: Mark 7:1-4
PROPOSITION: In every group there are some dragons.
QUESTION: Who?
KEY WORD: Descriptions
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
Every church has them (Dragons)
Read quote from page 11.
How can you recognize a dragon?
Hunting Dog
4-legged kind point where the hunter should shoot
2-legged kind become the ears, eyes, nose of the leadership
Point out problems that need to be dealt with
You need to check on Mrs. X, marital problems
Why doesn't someone do something about _ _?
Wet Blanket
A negative disposition that becomes contagious
It is no use even trying. Won't work
We tried that once
Captain Bluster
In attitude, if not in word, they are right and all others are wrong
A steamroller who flattens anyone in their way
Negotiation is a dirty word; compromise is unspeakable
Fickle Financier
Uses money to register approval or disapproval
Think money means clout - voting power
Busybody - tells others how to do their job
Sniper - avoids face-to-face; shoots behind people's back
Bookkeeper - keeps a written record of everything
Merchant of Muck - willing to listen to everyone's gripes
Legalist - kind of car to drive, what songs to sing, etc. at infinitum
BEST DEFENSE
- Don't become bitter
- Hebrews 12:15 see that no bitter root grows up
Encourage a positive attitude - Look for the good, spit our the bones
Reinforce productive members - bulletin, rainbows, plaque, honor them
Share outside interests - find a common ground
Cultivate personal trust - Dig beneath the surface
Within the church, they are often sincere, well-meaning saints, but they leave ulcers, strained relationships, and hard feelings in their wake. They don't consider themselves difficult people. They don't sit up nights thinking of ways to be nasty. Often they are pillars of the community - talented, strong personalities, deservingly respected - but for some reason, they undermine the ministry of the church. They are not naturally rebellious or pathological; they are loyal church members, convinced they're serving God, but they wind up doing more harm than good.
Well Intentioned Dragons, Marshall Shelley, page 11
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