Disclaimer

Why we use fictitious names on this site

We want to teach leadership skills, including how to be a great leader, and how to see if you have a great leader. Claims of Leadership greatness are of no value if not soundly supported by solid scriptural evidence. We wish to help you explore it with definitions and real story-lines using anonymous characters.

Disclaimer

The events described on this website represent real experiences. However, all of the names used in these Blog entries are fictitious. Any similarity that these fictional names might have with real life individuals is accidental. It is not our intent to identify or call out specific leaders or churches in this Blog, we are only trying to describe their problematic behaviors. Once understood, these behaviors have much of their negative effect neutralized. Victims of these behaviors, now educated as to the motives behind the actions, are now better able to decide what they want to do about it. If you have an issue with any of the fictional names we have used, please explain the reason a problem exists and we will replace that name with another.

Different yet the Same

There are many different types of churches in this world of ours. These churches are both different and similar at the same time. The main thing that makes them similar is the people in them and the leaders over them. As is true in all similar things, they are not always equal. The same is true for church leadership, some is better, and some is not so much. I speak this from my personal experience, and I think it is safe to say that this is true in leadership of most all faiths. That said, the stories that are shared here can be applied to just about most anywhere.

Church Background

I grew up in a fairly generic faith, attending a church with a very large congregation. When a organization exceeds a certain size it is very easy to become an anonymous (very safe) member. When I was older I became involved with a much smaller group, one where being anonymous just couldn’t happen. The leader in the small group became a mentor for my spiritual development. Their life was so full of giving and sacrifice that I knew I could respect them completely. There was countless in-depth bible studies, and excellent tutoring. The best kind of tutoring of all is by example, of which there was certainly no shortage of. Here was my example of ‘better’ leadership, through better leadership I was able to establish a strong foundation to build on. And one that would be hard for others to remodel or remove, though they would try.

Unfortunately, in the years that followed, there was more experiences with the other sort of leadership, the kind that wasn’t better. The first thing I would notice was the differences, such as different teachings, lifestyles, and life priorities. I was blessed by already having received over a decade of solid in depth bible teaching from someone I have grown to respect and trust. Solid teaching requires multiple references to support each concept, and is based on the line upon line, precept upon precept approach. This approach has its strength based on each concept having to line up with all other concepts, if there are contradictory ideas, then something must be wrong with the total view and should be corrected. Many of these experiences will be highlighted here to aid the uninitiated. It is important to know that there is indeed something else available. Not everyone has had the delight and blessing from starting their spiritual walk under the direction of better leadership that their deserved respect and trust. Life experiences are for sharing, and understanding brings with it the freedom to make better choices. I hope my sharing will help others to make those better choices.

Apostolic.com staff