Here are three very different scenarios, each of them repeated hundreds of times in Christian organizations.  There is a common thread running through them.

1. Imagine that CEO who was extremely successful.  Charismatic beyond what you experienced anywhere else you worked, he was a visionary, a good listener, an effective fundraiser, dependable, honest.  Did he lack anything?  Did he have any flaws at all?  Well, yes, as a matter of fact he did.  He was a humorist, but he had a bad habit of teasing people with humor that was insensitive, that made people feel devalued and embarrassed.  No one ever said anything, of course.   He was successful, and he was the CEO.  Years went by without his ever knowing that he hurt peoples’ feelings with humor.  How could he know?  They always laughed. Read more