Antagonists in the Church [Paperback]

Kenneth Haugk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1988

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.

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: AUGSBURG BOOKS (January 1, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0806623101
• ISBN-13: 978-0806623108
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Recommend Reading this Book Before It Is Too Late, December 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Antagonists in the Church (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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Why didn't they teach this in seminary?, March 29, 2000

By 

John Donnelly (Wayne, New Jersey) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Antagonists in the Church (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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A pragmatic guide to dealing with antagonist., August 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Antagonists in the Church (Paperback)

Kenneth Haugk presents a difficault subject in an enticing manner. He leads you through a maze of difficulty to a solution that, though not easy, is achievable. His style is easy to follow by non-psychologists, never reverting to the pretentious cover of esoteric language. Facts and conclusions are presented clearly and distinctly. You are guided to a course of action that you can control.