The Cost of Silence: Supporting Clergy Under Fire in the Face of Congregational Power Dynamics

Oversight bodies, encompassing those who have oversight over clergy at the congregational or denominational levels—be they Elders, Board Members, Bishops, Pastoral Relation Ministers, or others as relevant to each faith tradition—play critical roles that extend beyond decision-making. These roles are reflections of trust, integrity, and confidence. However, during moments of congregational power dynamics, the true test of these governing bodies emerges. When influential members misuse their positions to target clergy, how oversight bodies respond becomes a defining moment—not just for the accused, but for the organization's strength, values, and vision.

The Challenge of Congregational Power Dynamics

Congregations often thrive on the contributions of long-standing, deeply invested members who donate generously, volunteer extensively, and wield significant influence. Their commitment is invaluable, but it can also create an imbalance of power. When such members direct their influence toward undermining clergy—whether through gossip, accusations, or outright mobbing—the results can be devastating.

The clergy, already navigating the complexities of spiritual leadership, may find themselves isolated, scapegoated, and unable to fulfill their role effectively. This potential harm to the clergy is not just a challenge for them, but a call for empathy and understanding from the congregation. For the congregation, the stakes are high. If congregational and denominational oversight bodies fail to address these dynamics decisively and fairly, the organization risks losing its clergy, integrity, and unity.

The Role of Oversight Bodies

The handling of these situations by oversight bodies is critical. Whether the accusations are true or false, the congregation's perception of the problem reflects directly on them. A quick response that distances oversight bodies from the clergy can send troubling messages:

• Weakness: Oversight bodies that do not stand by their clergy may appear uncertain or easily influenced, undermining trust in their decision-making.
• Instability: Repeated patterns of scapegoating clergy can suggest poor hiring practices or an inability to manage conflict effectively.
• Lack of Integrity: Abandoning clergy in the face of unverified accusations can indicate a willingness to prioritize convenience over principles.

Authentic oversight requires strength, fairness, and a commitment to building trust. Governing bodies must balance the need to listen to concerns with the responsibility to support their team and uphold organizational values. This delicate balance is not just a task, but a complex and crucial aspect of oversight in faith-based communities.

Oversight Requires Strength and Accountability

In moments of conflict, oversight bodies must make decisions that prioritize the long-term health and unity of the congregation over the immediate appeasement of a vocal few. This includes standing firm for the entire congregation, including its clergy. Just as a parent, out of love and responsibility, must sometimes say no to a demanding child for the good of the family, oversight bodies must prioritize the well-being of the entire congregation.

Similarly, faith-based oversight must find the strength to stand firm and do what is suitable for the entire congregation, including its clergy. Oversight bodies that consistently yield to pressure or manipulation from influential individuals risk undermining their authority and credibility. Witnesses to such behavior may begin to feel unsafe, lose respect for oversight, and question whether the church embodies the values of integrity, fairness, and courage.

For the congregation to thrive, oversight bodies must demonstrate that principles, not the loudest voices, guide their decisions. Church oversight must actively stand by their clergy when they face unjust targeting and ensure that they address concerns through a fair, transparent process grounded in the church's shared mission. By demonstrating strength in upholding what is right—even amidst conflict—they cultivate a culture of trust, respect, and unity that benefits everyone.

Preventing the Weaponization of Donations

One of the most dangerous dynamics in a congregation occurs when members weaponize financial contributions. Donors who use their giving as leverage to manipulate decisions or target individuals—whether clergy, oversight bodies, or members—undermine the spiritual foundation of the community.

Allowing donations to become weapons creates several long-term risks:

• Erosion of Trust: Witnesses to this behavior may feel that the church prioritizes financial contributions over moral principles, leading to disillusionment and disengagement.
• Loss of Integrity: When oversight bows to such pressure, it signals that money holds more sway than fairness or faith-based values.
• A Precedent for Abuse: If donors succeed in using their financial influence to bully or falsely accuse others, it opens the door for continued abuse.
• A Culture of Fear: When donations become weapons, others may feel compelled to silence themselves or conform out of fear of financial retaliation, stifling the community's ability to grow in unity and faith.

Oversight bodies must assert that donations are gifts freely given to support the church's mission, not tools to wield power or control. By implementing clear boundaries and rejecting attempts to manipulate through financial means, they can safeguard the integrity and unity of the congregation.

Fostering Acceptance and Compromise

At the heart of many faith traditions is a call to embrace differences, seek understanding, and find common ground. Oversight bodies are responsible for guiding the congregation in practicing these values, even—and especially—in moments of conflict.

Instead of focusing on division, oversight can encourage the congregation to shift their attention toward acceptance, dialogue, and compromise.

Example:

1. Recognizing Differences: Acknowledge that each member brings unique perspectives and strengths to the community.
2. Finding Commonalities: Identify shared goals and values, such as the desire to strengthen the congregation and serve its mission.
3. Seeking Compromise: Encourage solutions that honor diverse viewpoints without sacrificing the dignity or integrity of anyone involved.

For example, in the Christian faith, Jesus' teachings emphasize reconciliation and love, even toward those with whom we disagree. Matthew 5:9 reminds us, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This verse underscores the importance of fostering peace and unity within the congregation rather than allowing conflict to escalate to destruction or termination.

When oversight bodies model these values, they inspire the congregation to rise above divisiveness and focus on collaboration, healing, and mutual respect. This model strengthens the community and ensures its spiritual foundation remains intact.

Why Supporting Clergy Matters

When oversight bodies stand firm in their faith in the clergy, they send a powerful message:

• Commitment to Growth: Supporting clergy signals a belief in their ability to adapt, improve, and thrive, even under pressure.
• Modeling Forgiveness and Grace: Standing by the accused reflects core values of forgiveness, grace, and redemption.
• Creating a Culture of Safety: Ensuring due process and fairness fosters a culture where people feel secure and supported, even during conflict.

Failing to support clergy risks more than individual harm. It can foster a culture of fear, instability, and division. When oversight prioritizes appeasing powerful congregants over standing by their clergy, they undermine their credibility and the community's unity.

Breaking the Cycle of Scapegoating

If similar patterns of conflict have occurred in the past, it becomes imperative for oversight bodies to break the cycle. Sacrificing another clergy member to congregational politics only reinforces harmful dynamics. Instead, oversight should:

1. Reaffirm Their Support: Publicly and privately express confidence in the clergy's ability to lead and grow.
2. Foster Open Dialogue: Provide structured, facilitated opportunities for congregants to voice concerns constructively.
3. Model Integrity: Demonstrate fairness and strength against gossip, manipulation, or divisiveness.
4. Address the Root Causes: Analyze the power dynamics within the congregation and implement measures to ensure equity and mutual respect.

Conclusion

Oversight bodies in faith-based communities are not about yielding to the loudest voices or appeasing influential members; they must stand firm in the face of challenges and embody values of trust, integrity, and fairness. By actively supporting clergy, addressing underlying power dynamics, and fostering collaboration, oversight bodies protect the integrity of their faith community and lay the foundation for lasting trust and spiritual growth.

Linda Crockett MSW, RSW, SEP, CPPA

Trauma-Informed Psychological Safety Specialist for Addressing Psychological Hazards

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