Die predikant as teiken – profiel van iemand wat emosionele wonde toedien

Abstract

A minister as target – profile of a person inflicting emotional wounds

This article focuses on the personality of someone who intentionally wounds a minister of the Word. The typical profile of someone who wounds emotionally, and the behavioural process that usually characterises his acts are highlighted. At the meta-theoretical level the interpersonal style of a wounder is examined by applying viewpoints of Interpersonal Theory – a subsection of Personality Psychology. The specific behavioural style of a wounder comprises characteristics such as being dominating, competitive, distrusting, cold and hostile. The basis-theoretical survey conducted in this article focuses on the relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church with specific reference to the underlying relational tension. This survey reveals that the effective functioning of a congregation as a community of faith and love is of utmost importance in the identification of the personality type of the person who intentionally wounds a minister of the Word. In conclusion an analysis for understanding, as well as guidelines for coping with the whole situation is proposed. The reaction of a minister and a congregation’s understanding of the nature of the wounding process are outlined as being of specific importance.