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Courage such as David possessed is an essential leadership quality.  An internationally known statesman was once asked by reporters, “What is the most important quality for a national leader to possess?”  His answer:  “Courage.”  This is true not only for political leaders, but for church elders as well.  To discipline sin in the church (especially the sin of prominent members or leaders), to confront internal strife, and to stand up to powerful teachers and theological luminaries who expound high-sounding false doctrines requires courage.  Without courage to fight for the truth and the lives of God’s people, the local church would be washed away by every new doctrinal storm or internal conflict.

Biblical Eldership, Alexander Strauch, page 22