Antagonism exists in the church. It leaves in its wake broken lives: people who are hurt, discouraged, and apathetic. Although only a very few persons are antagonists, these individuals have the potential to disrupt and even destroy a congregation's mission and ministry. In this balanced and practical book, Kenneth Haugk shows how congregational leaders can learn to prevent or reduce much of the pain and suffering caused by antagonism; tell the difference between constructive, healthy conflict and destructive antagonism; and cope with antagonism when it arises.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
Antagonism exists in the church. It leaves in its wake broken lives: people who are hurt, discouraged, and apathetic. Although only a very few persons are antagonists, these individuals have the potential to disrupt and even destroy a congregation’s mission and ministry.
Who are Antagonists?
“Antagonists are individuals who on the basis of nonsubstantive evidence, go out of their way to make insatiable demands, usually attacking the person or performance of others. These attacks are selfish in nature, tearing down rather than building up, and are frequently directed against those in a leadership capacity.”
-Kenneth C. Haugk
About the Author
Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., pastor and clinical psychologist, is founder of the Stephen Series system of lay caring ministry. He is executive director of Stephen Ministries, a transdenominational organization based in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr Haugk is the author of the best-selling book CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING-A WAY OF LIFE, and is an active speaker and consultant on such topics as spiritual gifts, inactive member ministry, and church and business antagonism.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Extremely brilliant insight into churches which have experienced more than just the ordinary conflicts. Recommended reading for clergy or staff before they encounter the practiced antagonist. Highly as a must for District Superintendents or others in charge of a large number of clergy. Often times these leaders are the last to understand the evil which can lurk inside a congregation. May alert them to the real difficulties encountered especially by entrance-level clergy before they are overcome by those who would rather see them fail than to succeed. Extremely important insight as to how dealing with the true antagonist differs from developing relationships with the average parishoner. The insights shared in this book may save a clergy, if not the congregation.
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Several years ago, we found this book to be an incredibly important tool in riding the waves of congregational conflict. This book realistically addresses issues that few are ever taught in seminary. Book is great on boundaries, strategires, etc. probably best for protestant, Anglican, and non denominational churches. This book should be required reading for all clergy.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Those in church leadership need Haugk's insights if only to be sensitized to walking time-bombs in the church. By their very vocation, church leaders can be so tolerant of problem people, they miss the warning signs that can spell personal and corporate disaster. Those who have suffered through a church disaster can benefit from the answers Haugk provides, and even grow (and heal) from his shared experience from others who have been blown away by interpersonal crises
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Every pastor needs to read this book!
Every pastor has met an antagonist in the church. This practical book is a must! Share it with your leaders.
Published 1 month ago by Roger D. Haber
5.0 out of 5 stars
Informative and helpful
Excellant information to know in the church setting or any business setting. Facts about people who are antagonists for thier own betterment without the consideration of others.
Published 2 months ago by B. Kettell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Antagonists
This is a book that goes right to the problem in many of our churches today. I have found it a good source of problem solving.
Published 2 months ago by Eleanor M. Wells
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Reading Tool
If you are having problems in your church, this is a good resource book. Not just for clergy. It helps you identify the issues and what and who an antagonist is and what damage... Read more
Published 5 months ago by gsmith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Antagonists in the Church: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good: This is a MUST READ for church leaders. It's my favorite book on this subject since Dr. Scott Peck's People of the Lie. I wish I had read it years ago. Read more
Published 7 months ago by danielcooley
1.0 out of 5 stars
Agonized by a Terrible Book on Antagonists
Haugk's definition of "antagonists" is so utterly confused and in opposition to the nature of what it means for people to be born again Christians that Haugk's definition actually... Read more
Published 7 months ago by InHisHand
5.0 out of 5 stars
Useful outside Christianity
As a leader in a non-Christian church community, I want to emphasize that this book has a great deal to offer all church leaders -- lay or clergy, of whatever religion. Read more
Published 11 months ago by isomeme
5.0 out of 5 stars
Realistic and Practical Help for Congregations in Conflict
Gary Haugk confronts realities of church life that most pastors, especially beginners, are generally unprepared to face. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Nathan W. Attwood
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful information
Every group that gathers will encounter personality problems. You would expect that a Church group would rise above their differences to get along simply because they are a CHURCH. Read more
Published 21 months ago by VBorreson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Ideas for resolving conflicts
If your organization has a problem member who thrives on conflict, this book will give you some ideas to handle the situation.
Published 23 months ago by Ronn D. Koester
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 10
books:
See all 10 books this book cites
3
books
cite this book:
- Moving Your Church Through Conflict by Speed B. Leas in Front Matter, and page 31
- People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil by M. Scott Peck on page 35, and page 41
- Pastoral Counseling by Wayne E. Oates in Front Matter
- The Road Not Taken and Other Poems (Dover Thrift Editions) by Robert Frost on page 101
- The Screwtape Letters: Includes Screwtape Proposes a Toast by C.S. Lewis on page 41
See all 10 books this book cites
- The Remnant Spirit: Conservative Reform in Mainline Protestantism by Douglas E. Cowan in Back Matter
- Clergy Overboard by William Blosch in Back Matter
- Biblical Leadership: The Fifth Frame: A Model of Leadership for Every Christian by Tony Metze in Back Matter
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