To be effective outside the church, in the community, people inside the church must get along.
— Greg Asimakoupoulos

The infection set in shortly after he arrived at the church. A highly gifted associate, Todd started his Christian education ministry the same weekend our second daughter was born. Both events were celebrated as answers to prayer and appeared equally promising.

Nine months had changed everything, however. Whereas I eagerly anticipated each evening greeting my daughter, Allison, I got a knot in my stomach each morning anticipating bumping into Todd.

We didn't see eye to eye on many things. My hands-on leadership style frustrated him; his use of time drove me nuts. He questioned my annoyance with his laid-back attitude and struggled to follow through on projects; I struggled to communicate openly with him. Though the congregation was oblivious to our five-year allergic reaction, by the time the rash was visible, the dis-ease required radical surgery. He eventually left the church. ...