Richard W. Dortch has seen the good that vision can do. As a missionary, pastor, and district superintendent, he was widely regarded as a visionary Christian leader. But he has also seen the havoc wreaked by a misdirected vision, when he served as president of PTL. For that ministry's scandals, Dortch spent more than a year in prison and lost virtually everything, financially, in fines and legal fees.

Chastened by his experience, Dortch submitted to discipline from the Assemblies of God, and his ministerial credentials were restored in 1991. He has since founded Life Challenge, a ministry to professionals in crisis, based in Clearwater, Florida. He is author of Integrity and Fatal Conceit (both by New Leaf Press).

LEADERSHIP contributing editor Brian Larson asked Dortch about the necessary checks and balances for any church leader's vision.

LEADERSHIP:

What makes vision dangerous?

RICHARD DORTCH:

Pride. Vision appeals to our ego.

I'm not pointing fingers at anyone. My problem was not that I bought ...