Further, any process which does not suit the ends of the DP will be disregarded. They are experts at attempting to manipulate and control due process for their own ambitious ends. As much as you can, avoid the trap of taking too much on board as personal criticism. This will interfere with your own effective functioning and will render you powerless in your leadership. Do not be afraid of setting clear guidelines for a church meeting should this be necessary.
Leadership is about taking a stand and living with the consequences.
There will usually be a sufficient number of thinking people in the church who will be ready to respond to a situation if they are given the opportunity to have at least some grasp of the issues. The need for the congregation is for the leadership to remain unswayed by an intimidatory DP who, deliberately or unconsciously, may want to crush the opposition, you included. They need to bump into someone who is unmoved by their crusading tactics. A DP will finally wake up when they have hit a brick wall. They will not like it but most will finally back away if the pastor is able and willing to acquaint the church with the impending calamity.