The Minister Goes on Medical Leave: A Trigger for Conflict in the Congregation

The impact of a minister’s illness on the congregation can be temporary or serious and long-term. The following factors are reviewed: stress at the denominational level; the role of the area bishop; the interim minister’s task; personality characteristics of those who react negatively when their minister takes medical leave; and the dynamics of persons who draw together dissatisfied members into a power group. Suggestions are offered to ameliorate the effect of the minister’s medical leave in congregations at risk of dysfunction.

David J. RolfeEmail: