When a church demonizes its critics and appeals to others to avoid these people, its leaders are claiming to be on the side of the angels and God.  Scot & Laura McKnight

2 I trust you to save me, Lord God, and I won’t be afraid. My power and my strength come from you, and you have saved me.” Isaiah 12:2 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/isa.12.2.CEV

Old Testament scholar Ellen Davis states it perfectly: “The sages of Israel teach that those who would be wise must aim, not at power, but at goodness.” Power and goodness are not close buddies. Scot & Laura McKnight

Anyone who hears and obeys these teachings of mine is like a wise person who built a house on solid rock. Matthew 7:24 CEV https://bible.com/verse-of-the-day/mat.7.24/27118

As we’ve seen in one ministry meltdown after another, character plays an indispensable role in forming, preserving, and undergirding a church’s culture. A lack of character in leadership can destroy decades of hard work, vision, and growth—in the blink of an eye. Scot & Laura McKnight

11 I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalms 119:11 CEV https://bible.com/bible/392/psa.119.11.CEV