A young woman asked, “How should I handle a “know-it-all” in my ministry?

As a leader how do you handle a member of your ministry who because he or she has more experience and training is disrespectful?

I believe that all great leaders must also be great followers. Even Jesus was a great follower. Jesus had to submit to the will of His Father although He was one with the Father. When dealing with members who think they know more and/or actually may know more than you do, try to create opportunities for leadership. Invite them to lead Bible Study, Devotion or warm-up. Doing so illustrates that you are secure in your leadership. It is likely that the members who challenge you feel that they possess talents and gifts comparable to yours, but have not had opportunities to use them. When you provide them with controlled opportunities to exercise those gifts, then they are less likely to resent you and may no longer feel the need to “one-up” you and/or question your leadership.

Do not tolerate disrespect. Depending on the severity of the remark or actions you may need to pull the member aside, in person, if possible, and in a calm manner give them an opportunity to clarify their disrespectful comments or actions. Doing so illustrates that you are not afraid to deal with things head on. Use discernment. There are times when no response is more effective than a “sit down”. I personally reserve “sit downs” for repeated offenses.