How Do You "Reel In" Your Deacons?

[Glynn W. Pettiford]

I have a question church family.  How do you get a Deacon gone wrong "reeled in" on the purpose of your ministry, or what is your experience in dealing with a situation of this kind that you'd rather not deal with?  Reason I'm asking is because we have an issue where our 85-year old Sr. Deacon, and another close in age, are beginning to feel the need to usurp (as in take over) the authority of the Pastor.  And, in doing so, they have alienated church members -- both long-serving and prospective new members.  What is your advice on how to deal with someone like this, who is taking "opportunities" presented to take "potshots", so to speak, at the entire church-at-large during Sunday service?  I have my own opinion, but I'd like to save that until after I receive a number of responses from you active Pastors, Preachers, and Ministers.