Well-Intentioned Dragons

by Marshall Shelley

Publishers:

Christianity Today; Word

, 1985

Overview

Every church has them—sincere, well meaning Christians who leave ulcers, strained relationships, and hard feelings in their wake. They don’t intend to be difficult; they don’t consciously plot destruction or breed discontent among the members. But they often do undermine the ministry of the church and make pastors question their calling.

Help for those who minister under all-too-common conditions of hostility, resistance, and interference.

Well-Intentioned Dragons guides those on church staffs in facing the strenuous task of dealing with difficult people—even ministering while under attack. Based on real-life stories of battle-scarred veterans, Marshall Shelly presents a clear picture of God’s love for those on both sides of the problem. He describes tested strategies to communicate that love and turn dissidents into disciples.

Here is a book that will not only help pastors and church leaders preserve their sanity (and maybe their jobs); it will help them minister more effectively even to those who make life difficult.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The worst dragons may be, in the beginning, the pastor’s strongest supporters.” (Page 42)

“Dragons often sensed a call to the ministry at one time.” (Page 45)

“Dragons often work overhard initially at befriending you.” (Page 43)

“Dragons usually compare you to their former pastor.” (Page 43)

“First, people do battle because they feel so strongly. Emotions are often more powerful than logic.” (Page 47)

Product Details

• Title: Well-Intentioned Dragons
• Author: Marshall Shelley
• Publisher: CTI
• Publication Date: 1985
• Pages: 153

About Marshall Shelley

Marshall Shelley is editor-in-chief of Leadership Journal and editorial vice president of Christianity Today  International (CTI). Shelley studied journalism at Bethel University and earned a Master of Divinity in theology from Denver Seminary where he subsequently served as a board member for nearly a decade. He has also studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Wheaton College Graduate School, served as a board member for the American Tract Society, and held pastoral staff positions in his hometown of Denver, Colorado.

Marshall joined CTI after developing his journalistic skills at David C. Cook Publishing Company and The Denver Post. He is the author of several books including Well-Intentioned Dragons, several volumes in the Fresh Ideas series, the Library of Leadership Development, and the Library of Christian Leadership. He also served as general editor of The Quest Study Bible.

Shelley and his wife, Susan, live in Wheaton, Illinois, and have five children, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.