Abundant Grace Apostolic Pentecostal Church Of the Lord Jesus Christ, House of Prayer Elder Linda D. Scott, Pastor 7601 Scott Hamilton Drive Little Rock, AR 72209

6 Traits of a Church Disrupter

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HE /SHE IS IN EVERY CHURCH Scriptures: Galatians 2:1-21 (4-14) Acts 9:1-2 ……………………. Paul before TRUE Salvation 2 Corinthians 11: 1-33 (3-14) Acts 6:7-15 …………………... Certain in the Synagogue In fact, the “he” may be a “she,” but I’ll use the masculine pronoun for simplicity. He/she is the church disrupter. Unlike church bullies, the disrupter rarely attacks leaders directly. He is good about stirring up dissension, but he seems to always feel like “God led me to do it.” He can have a gregarious and pleasant personality (unlike the typical church bully), and can thus attract a following for a season. The disrupter is just that. He/she disrupts the unity of the church. He disrupts the outward focus of the church. And he disrupts the plans of church leadership. So, what are some key traits to watch for in church disrupters? Disrupter; is a person who interrupts (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem, throw into confusion, throw into disorder, throw into disarray, cause confusion/turmoil in, play havoc with, disturb, interfere with, upset, unsettle, obstruct, impede, hold up, delay, interrupt, suspend, throw a (monkey) wrench into the works of Unity; the state of being united or joined as a whole, union, unification, integration, amalgamation, coalition, federation, confederation, one antonyms: the opposite is division. 2

Outward; away from the center or a particular point; toward the outside, going out or away from a place. Focus; the center of interest or activity, the state or quality of having or producing clear visual definition, pay particular attention to. Plans; a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something, decide on and arrange in advance, Here are just six traits: 1. He /She often seeks positions in the church so he/she can get attention. So be wary if he asks to lead the student group or the praise team or become chairman of the finance committee. He loves to exert his/her negative influence through key and visible positions. 2. He /She often votes “no” in business meetings or is just negative. Again, this tactic is yet another attempt to get attention. 3. He /She loves to say, “People are saying…” He wants you to think his issue is more widespread than it really is. Another approach is, “If we had a secret ballot vote, there would be a lot more dissenters.” 4. He /She tries to get followers against the church Pastor for his cause of the moment. That is another reason he seeks positions of influence in some way in the church. 5. He /She often assures the Pastor and other church leaders how much he loves them and supports them. And then he goes and stabs them in the back. 3

6. He /She loves to use “facts” loosely for his case or cause. Accuracy is neither required nor expected. So how should Pastors and the other church leaders address the problem of church disrupters? Here are a few suggestions. Determine, in you, that you will love them as Christ loves you and them. It’s tough, but it can be done in Christ’s strength. Pray for them. Seriously? • Be on the watch for them. They can be manipulative and deceptive; they can cause chaos before you see it coming. Watch; observe, eye, follow, see, view, stare, monitor, look, to exercise care, caution or restraint about. Chaos; complete disorder and confusion, turmoil, tumult, commotion, disruption, upheaval, furor, frenzy, uproar • Get other leaders to help you address the disrupters and their disruption. But, be aware, they will be shocked you perceive them that way. • As soon as possible, get them out of key leadership positions. They are a problem now, but they can become toxic later. • I have my theories on why church disrupters act the way they do, but that is another topic. In the meantime, be wary of church disrupters. But love them and pray for them anyway. • That is the way Christ would respond. Really??? John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

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Abundant Grace Apostolic Pentecostal Church Of the Lord Jesus Christ, House of Prayer Elder Linda D. Scott, Pastor 7601 Scott Hamilton Drive Little Rock, AR 72209 WEEKLY Announcements CHURCH SERVICES Sunday: Individual Prayer: Praise & Testimony: Offering: Message: Baptism if Needed:

12:00 Noon 12:00-12:30 12:30-1:00 1:00-1:15 1:15-2:00 2:10-2:30

Monday:

Pray for the Pastor and Ministers 6:00 PM

Tuesday:

New Convert’s Bible Study

6:00 PM

Wednesday:

Visit the Sick and Nursing Home

5:00 PM

Thursday:

Work at the Church

5:00 PM

Friday:

Family Bible Study

6:00 PM

Saturday: 1st Saturday 2nd Saturday 1st -4th Saturday

GOLD Youth Ministry Virtuous Women Ministry Prudent Men Ministry Work at the Church

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11:30 AM 12:00 Noon 12:00 Noon 2:00 PM

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