9 Traits of Mean Churches

3. Power groups tenaciously hold on to their power.

The power group may be a formal group such as a committee, elders or deacons. But the group can also be informal—no official role but great informal authority. Power groups avoid and detest accountability, which leads to the next point.

4. There is lack of clear accountability for major decisions and/or expenditures.

The church has no clear system in place to make certain that a few outlier members cannot accumulate great power and authority.

5. Leaders of the power groups have an acrimonious spirit.

Though they may make first impressions of kindness and gentleness, the mean streak emerges if you try to cross them.

6. A number of the members see those outside of the church as “them” or “those people.”

Thus the church is at odds with many in the community instead of embracing them with the love of Christ.