Edited sentence: At issue with those leaving was the use of scripture to support personal opinion and personal agendas.Be a disciple.Even an 'Atonement Night', meant to create healing between the factions, was little more than the leaders apologizing for their sin which was in response to a leader's sin, making it more of a night to confess the sin of a leader not there to defend himself.Every member of the Portland Church had to swear to:.Follow the Bible.If arrogant sin is the reason for factional split in Portland, then it was likely Russ Ewell who wanted strict obedience to his leadership and to anyone he put in charge.In March and April 2003, The San Francisco Church of Christ, led by Russ Ewell, took a more direct hand in guiding the Portland Church of Christ.Leaders were sent in to manage the financial affairs and reorganize the church.McKean, having personally witnessed many of the events, and questioning others who were involved, allowed no explanations as to what circumstances occurred during the split.Nearly half the Portland church left.One of the first moves was a disbanding of a church elected supervisory board to oversee church spending.Prior to Kip McKean moving to Portland, San Francisco ordered the following action taken.The biggest issue with the board was their refusal to hire more staff as current contributions couldn't cover the load and the church would become bankrupt.Those on the board and many longtime leaders had their faith and actions questioned and in some cases were slandered from the pulpit