In 2011, when our journey of reform began, I (Paul) was 37 and Marc was 36. We were both young senior pastors, and for better or worse, we grew up in an atmosphere of conflict. I think Marc was better at it than I was. I was the writer and he was the “people person”. I wrote most of the blogs, he took most of the meetings. He was patient, I was explosive. There were times I think we both envied the skillset of the other.
That decade affected each of us profoundly.
Like the rings on a tree, those ten years tell a story that will be recorded forever in our bones. This article is our attempt to share some of what we learned for the benefit of others who, in the Providence of God, may be called upon to do something similar at some point in their own ministries. If it serves that end for even a single pastor or leader, we will count ourselves both very grateful.