Any suggestions for handling an angry member?
Question:
Well, we had a stormy night at services! A brother lost his temper and made a big scene just at the end of class and was upset so far as I can tell that we did not get to the next lesson as I reviewed the one we were on for the benefit of our new convert, who is struggling with his faith as well. We had a visitor who was very active in participating in the class which apparently made this brother upset and it led to a big outburst on his part, with him pointing at me and "saying it was all my fault." He said he was leaving and would not be back. He then grabbed his girls and left, slamming the door. This upset everyone who was present especially one of our older lady members!
So, I have my hands full! Any suggestions? In all my years in the church, I have never seen anyone act like that in a Bible class! Please pray for us!
Answer:
I wish I could say that I hadn't seen this before, but I had many years ago. It is the nature of the situation that this man's anger is only the outward expression of much deeper problems. You need to address the issue of his anger, but without addressing the sins in this man's life that is leading to his outbursts, it will be a reoccurring problem.
There are lessons on the issue of anger on this site at:
- Anger
- The Sermon on the Mount: Anger: The Gospel Accounts: A Chronological Harmony
- The Wolves Within
- Notes on Anger
The problem, however, needs to be addressed quickly. This is a type of sin that spreads quickly through a congregation, both in further anger and in sapping everyone's strength. "Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go, Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul" (Proverbs 22:24-25).
