Dear Rob,
I must write because I know not what else to do.
Only a friend can betray a friendA stranger has nothing to gainAnd only a friend comes close enoughTo ever cause so much pain
Read more: MICHAEL CARD – WHY? LYRICS http://www.metrolyrics.com/why-lyrics-michael-card.html#ixzz22dTn8yVy
Copied from MetroLyrics.com
I guess this thought attests to the friendship you did have with the Shepherd. You certainly were close enough to cause so much pain.
The plotting and conniving to get rid of the shepherd was mean. It was demeaning. And it was very hurtful. Mostly because you lied and connived. Perhaps not you personally, but certainly as a board. I can understand the board thinking it was making a hard decision for the benefit of the church. But the church does not need leadership that is conniving. If we come to believe the Church must be lead with deceit, we should stop trying to lead the church. For it is Christ who is the head. Jesus is without fault. He does not need our conniving to save the church. Instead, He sacrificed Himself for righteousness.