6 Signs Your Church Is Dysfunctional September 9, 2026 By Ed Stetzer

I have run across several people in dysfunctional churches and unhealthy organizations. Having worked in some such settings myself, I have seen patterns that led me to start thinking … and writing. Maybe that is not such a good idea, but I think it is an important one. The issue is widespread and, although such organizations can actually do good, the harm they cause to many others is immeasurable.

I started thinking about writing about dysfunctional churches when a couple I know was approached about working at a prominent Christian organization. They expressed appreciation for how much good is done by this organization.

Yet, they were not interested because they knew people who worked there. And although everyone who worked there would readily say God was doing great things, they also used two phrases regularly: “we’re miserable” and “around here, you just keep your head down and do your job.”

And therein lies the quandary of dysfunctional churches: it often does good things on the outside while destroying the souls of those on the inside. So, how do you know if your Christian organization or church is dysfunctional? Let me share some signs I have observed about dysfunctional churches.

6 Signs of Dysfunctional Churches 

1. The church or organizational culture does not value those serving, just those leading and the function of the organization.

When ministry leaders see people as tools rather than partners, the end result is that people are used to serve the purpose rather than being part of the purpose. They are the tools, but they don’t matter—only the leaders matter.

2. The leader is the only one who is allowed to think.

The followers are to implement and nothing more. As the organization grows and the leader’s bandwidth does not, decisions are delayed and delayed because other leaders cannot make them.

At one place, they refer to the leader’s office as “the black hole to which ideas go to die.” All ideas have to be approved by the leader, and since that leader thinks only he/she has good ideas, no ideas come from the people.

3. The organization or church thinks everyone else is wrong and only they are right.

Thus, there is no value in other people or groups. There is a narrow group of the acceptable, and the “others” are not just wrong; they are stupid. Arrogance is almost always a mark of an unhealthy Christian organization.

4. People rationalize that the good they are experiencing is worth the abuse they are receiving.

Often, it is not until they have stepped away that they realize this was not true. This is one of the great lies that Christians are led to believe—that the end justifies the means.

Dysfunctional organizations are towers of cards: looking (and maybe doing) good now, but they will fall because eventually the truth comes out.

5. People often know of the glaring character problems of the leader, but no one can speak truth to power.

Often, I’ve noticed, these dynamic leaders are known for their anger, yet the organization fears (rather than addresses) the leader’s anger. In the end, the leader is unquestionable due to spiritual, apostolic, ecclesiastical, academic or some other power base.


6. Many times, the leader gets a pass for the fruit of his/her leadership because of some overwhelming characteristic: preaching ability, intelligence, ability to woo others or more. 

Yet, the fruit remains below—a culture toxic to all who swim downstream. The leader is often seen (from the outside) as a great leader, but those inside know him/her as someone who is, well, more concerned about outside appearance than godly leadership.

To be blunt, I see this last issue more often than you might expect. Perhaps it is because of what I do, working with different denominations and groups. I’ve since served in healthy environments.. However, I think there is a significant issue out there—a lot of unhealthy Christian organizations are hurting those who serve within them.

Maybe you are in an unhealthy church or organization. I would like to write something more definitive (and I hope helpful) on the subject as I see it as a great need. If you are willing, share some other characteristics (and let me know if these characteristics I’ve shared are accurate).


If you do find yourself in an unhealthy Christian organization, I would encourage you to consider that God may want you to leave it. My own standard is this: Will staying here hurt my walk with God or harm my family?

You might be able to handle it, but you have to ask how it will impact your family as well. You may notice that the leader often talks about the priority of family, but generally only gives priority to his or her own family—if even them. You are the only one who is advocating for your family—protect them.

Being at a place that “makes a difference” sounds good, but if you end up with a confused spiritual life or broken family, it is just not worth the price. You do not want to be a “great place” and have a broken life because you have become warped by the culture around you.

That is indeed what happens. You can often see the impact on those close to the leader. An unhealthy Christian organization tends to have two things going on at the top of the organizations:


1. First, many of the best leaders leave (and the leader finds a way to spin their departure).

2. Second, the leaders that stay take on the unhealthy characteristics of the organization, becoming part of the problem (even though they often bemoan the attributes of the leader). In a sense, we reproduce who we are—creating “mini-me” personalities of the leader.


Yet, that is what the unhealthy leader wants—no one to disagree or give another idea. So, in all likelihood, your best scenario is to leave.

If you believe you need to leave, start praying and looking for another ministry opportunity. This recognition of a different future will likely ease the daily pain and struggle, and help you to face each day. When you know you are going to leave, you can deal with staying a lot easier—and I know this from personal experience. When I have been in unhealthy situations, once I decided I was going to leave I did not worry so much about what was going on around me. Either way, trust your future to Christ and he gives peace that passes all understanding.


However, the reality is, in some cases you may need to stay. If that is the case, and if you believe God wants you to stay, I’d suggest these attitudes. 


4 Ways to Change Church Dysfunction

1. Don’t be afraid.

Fear makes you cower rather than live in courage. Recognize you are in an unhealthy organization, but don’t become an unhealthy servant. I assure you, this will make you stand out (and people will say bad things), but don’t be a coward for any reason.

2. Make a difference.

When I served in unhealthy places, I simply asked, “What can I do here, now?” And when you are not scurrying about in fear, you can get much done for the kingdom. I was able to encourage a lot of people—often those living in the same toxic culture.

3. Speak truth.

Don’t be afraid to tell the truth about the culture, and when appropriate, the leadership. There will probably be some pushback, or even retaliation, but as you tell the truth with grace and humility, you may be heard—or it may reveal that you need to go.

4. Recognize the Lord may have other reasons for keeping you in your position.

Perhaps you have another ministry in your city or church. If that is the case, contribute where you can in your job, recognize how it provides for your family, but focus your energies on your ministry. I know some who continue to work in unhealthy organizations, but stay out of devotion to their local church ministry or other calling. They endure the unhealthy organization to pursue their calling with joy.

These are not easy answers. It may be some are struggling in their places of service and don’t know where to turn. I encourage you to pray and seek the Lord’s wisdom in your calling. It may be that you will be called to do some difficult yet courageous things.

Have you left a ministry? Have you stayed? What was the result? Did you make the wise choice? What did you learn? Share your thoughts with us below.

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