“In the church, bullies can look spiritual…(and) may be serving a very unique function in the life of a congregation,” says the Rev. David Woolverton, who for years, has helped clergy and laity to understand church conflict and its potential for creative transformation. In many churches, he explains, “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.”
