I think this pretty much describes the current loonie bin in DC:
Fifteen Characteristics Of A Dysfunctional Church
http://jmm.aaa.net.au/articles/8247.htm1) Abusive Relationships
Abusive relationships are found when the organization (or parts of it)
seek a Scapegoat (an individual or a group) designated to suffers pain for others or the organization. Anyone who chooses not to share in the Scapegoating will also be scapegoated.and or face severe consequences (e.g. rejection, blame, physical and/or emotional abuse, censure, et al) for rejection of that role. Dysfunctional organizations tenaciously maintain the Scapegoat role, for without it, they would be unable to project their dysfunction on others but would have to bear the pain of the dysfunction themselves.
2) Perfectionism
This goes beyond merely seeking excellence. Instead, it is a
controlling tactic by which individuals or groups replace a healthy sense of trust and spontaneity with a legalistic, over-zealous, destructive focus on minute defects of others, their leadership styles, their procedures, the organization, et al.
Mercilessly drawing attention to otherwise irrelevant minutiae, it directs energy from focusing on the big picture to an over-attention to details.
3) Rigidity
Rigidity, like Perfectionism, relies on unbending rules and strict adherence to various "objective" standards (Constitutions, Policies, Doctrines, supposed denominational dictates, the "right" way). The main purpose of the bureaucracy (formal or informal) is to enforce and enlarge control over others while squashing spontaneity and risk taking. No surprises are allowed. Those in or seeking control may instantaneously and repeatedly change any dictum or direction without warning. However, those being controlled must do everything the "right" way.
4) Silence
People don't speak up at appropriate times in appropriate situations with appropriate people. Results: Repeated "unanimous" decisions that get undermined, sabotaging supporters.
5) Repression
Unspoken rules that it is not "Christian" to express feelings of disagreement, dissent, or anger. Instead, one must hide how one really feels or suffer censure for expression of emotions. Instead of expressing feelings, feelings must be hidden. Result: Repression ultimately must be released in episodes (or series of episodes) of uncontrollable anger and hostility.
6) Rationalization and Denial
Groups or individuals re-work truth and reality to fit their distorted view of situations, individuals, and other groups.
7) Triangulation
Triangulation is using "go-betweens" to communicate indirectly with other parties. Results: Unsuspecting, but sympathetic message-bearers become entangled in an unwanted destructive web of blame, anger, and miscommunication. Result: They become uncomfortable with their roles and jump ship.
8) Double Messages
Such duplicity or "two-faced" aspect is exemplified by people whose actions always have an opposite "flip side." Some examples: "I care/get lost;" "I love you/don't bother me;" "I need you/You're in my way," "Yes, I accept you just as you are/Why don't you change!".
9) Lack Of Fun/Anti-Spontaneity
Dysfunctional churches can't loosen up, let go, play and have fun. Being overly serious, humor will be seen an un- "unrighteous" and "undignified" church activity.
10) Martyrdom
High tolerance by individuals or groups to bear abuse, pain, and extreme sacrifice for the organization. No real atmosphere or opportunities exist in the organization for expressing pain, loss and providing healing mechanisms. Designated martyrs are made to feel "deserving" of their pain.
11) Entanglement: The "Hooterville Syndrome"
This is the situation where everyone knows everyone else's business but the information is never accurate, relevant, timely or constructively directed.
12) "We Care" Syndrome
An extension of the double messages mentioned above, dysfunctional individuals and organizations will often claim to care but, when given opportunity to assist, have other "priorities and needs" which will cause presented needs to go unmet on a regular basis.
13) Elevations of Dysfunctional Leaders
When certain attention-seeking individuals can't find attention in their family, job, or elsewhere, the church becomes a convenient - and easy - place for such "attention addicts" to get their attention by becoming a Chairman of a congregational group. By not saying "no" to such incompetents, the church succumbs to an inordinate amount of incompetence, incomplete tasks, and other types of associated narcissistic fallout.
14) Inability to Grasp a Positive Vision.
Those entrenched in perfectionism, procedures, victimization and control will be too pre-occupied to deal with positive things such as present and future organizational vision. Instead, there's a self-defeating zealous preoccupation with the past and present which leaves no possibility for deliberating regarding the future.
15) Dysfunctional Expectations of the Pastor
The general disrespect for the Pastoral Office, testified by an on-going succession of short-tenured pastors often indicates that either one or both of the following dysfunctionalities are present and operative in the given congregation.
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