The staff-congregation relationship is adversarial. The staff finds consolation in itself, while the congregation is viewed as the enemy. The staff sees itself as needing to resist the efforts of the congregation. The staff sees the congregation as unrealistic in its expectations and demands. When a staff suffers from WTS, there is a high level of suspicion, distrust, and paranoia.
Morale is always low, and motivation for productive ministry nearly non-existent.
WTS is highly contagious and is therefore usually characteristic of an entire staff, although in some cases it may be limited to just one or two. The cure involves learning to trust others, learning to love others, and learning to see the congregation as friends rather than enemies. WTS sufferers find some measure of healing when they can learn to give others the benefit of the doubt. Since we are all in this together, we might as well work together.