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A Call for Integrity

A former pastoral colleague planted a church under our denominational banner.  During the process he received support from the denomination as did his church.  By most standards the plant was a success and the pastor became the toast of our fellowship, even being asked to speak at our national conference.  I have just learned that for the flimsiest reasons he is now leaving our denomination and taking his congregation to join the Harvest churches.

A former president of our Seminary sits on the board of a conservative mission agency.  During his term as president the seminary strayed from Biblical teaching in several key areas.  Each of these areas significantly contradicted the doctrinal statement of the mission agency.  Yet, he still continues to sit on the mission agency board.

Both of these case studies have something in common.  They reveal the significant lack of integrity among so-called Christian leaders.  There is an ethical callousness on the part of these men that puts only their own interests first.  It is unbecoming of leaders of Christ's church.

Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
 (Tit 2:7-8 ESV)

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