Telltale Signs that Conflict Exists
- People complain about someone to a third person.
- Resistance to change, turf wars.
- Rampant gossip, secret meetings.
- Calls for resignations.
- Email and telephone cliques that exclude some people.
- Abrupt changes in support of and participation in congregational life.
- Committee on Ministry is ineffective.
- High staff turnover.
- Unexplained resignations and/or departures of members.
- During transitions (ministerial search, etc.) seemingly unrelated complaints arise.
From Churchworks: A Well-Body Book for Congregations, by Rev. Anne Heller (Skinner House, 1999). UUA Bookstore, (800) 215-8076.