The Unthinkable, Unconscionable, Untenable Position of the IMB
When all the smoke has cleared and all the facts have been uncovered we will learn the truth about what has really transpired at the IMB in recent months and perhaps for even years.
That day will come and probably bring great embarrassment to several involved in the whole flap. I, for one, patiently await that day, when the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is finally uncovered or revealed.
While the recent Tampa meeting of the IMB Trustees sought to defuse the volatile issue many questions remain unanswered.
Questions like:
1. Was there an outside group of “advisors” attempting to influence Trustee leadership and promote radical change at IMB?
2. If so, who were they and what was their agenda?
3. Where does the obvious animosity directed at Dr. Rankin come from?
4. Was there a small group of Trustees who controlled the entire board?
5. What really prompted the introduction of the two controversial policies on “baptism” and a “private prayer language”?
6. Did Wade Burleson uncover an embarrassing “good old boy network”?
7. Can SBC Missionaries voice their honest opinions about policy without fearing for their positions?
8. Will the new policy manual for Trustees really be the answer?
9. What other problems are known but not yet exposed?
10. Is it time to rethink the way Southern Baptists organize for missions?
In the meantime, while we wait for answers to these questions, we have this giant incredible problem just standing there in the middle of SBC consciousness, staring us in the face, tearing at the very seam of our sense of justice and logic.
WE HAVE A POLICY AT THE INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD THAT PROHIBITS SOUTHERN BAPTISTS WHO HAVE A PRIVATE PRAYER LANGUAGE FROM BEING APPOINTED AS FOREIGN MISSIONARIES AND AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE A PRESIDENT OF THE IMB WHO DOES AND HAS FOR 30 YEARS!
Does anyone else except me see that this position defies both logic and common sense?
Can this be anything but the product of a dysfunctional board of trustees and a broken system?
It is a public relations nightmare that produces suspicion of deeper problems at the International Mission Board.
This is an unthinkable, unconscionable and untenable position.
You would think that grown men and women would know what to do to solve the problem.
Since they obviously don’t let me tell them.
Dr. Rankin – Resign. It’s the honorable thing to do.
Dr. Hatley – Resign. This happened on your watch.
Board of Trustees – Reorganize and appoint a new Chairman and begin the Search Process for a new IMB President. By the way, I would also suggest an apology at Greensboro would be in order.
That day will come and probably bring great embarrassment to several involved in the whole flap. I, for one, patiently await that day, when the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth is finally uncovered or revealed.
While the recent Tampa meeting of the IMB Trustees sought to defuse the volatile issue many questions remain unanswered.
Questions like:
1. Was there an outside group of “advisors” attempting to influence Trustee leadership and promote radical change at IMB?
2. If so, who were they and what was their agenda?
3. Where does the obvious animosity directed at Dr. Rankin come from?
4. Was there a small group of Trustees who controlled the entire board?
5. What really prompted the introduction of the two controversial policies on “baptism” and a “private prayer language”?
6. Did Wade Burleson uncover an embarrassing “good old boy network”?
7. Can SBC Missionaries voice their honest opinions about policy without fearing for their positions?
8. Will the new policy manual for Trustees really be the answer?
9. What other problems are known but not yet exposed?
10. Is it time to rethink the way Southern Baptists organize for missions?
In the meantime, while we wait for answers to these questions, we have this giant incredible problem just standing there in the middle of SBC consciousness, staring us in the face, tearing at the very seam of our sense of justice and logic.
WE HAVE A POLICY AT THE INTERNATIONAL MISSION BOARD THAT PROHIBITS SOUTHERN BAPTISTS WHO HAVE A PRIVATE PRAYER LANGUAGE FROM BEING APPOINTED AS FOREIGN MISSIONARIES AND AT THE SAME TIME WE HAVE A PRESIDENT OF THE IMB WHO DOES AND HAS FOR 30 YEARS!
Does anyone else except me see that this position defies both logic and common sense?
Can this be anything but the product of a dysfunctional board of trustees and a broken system?
It is a public relations nightmare that produces suspicion of deeper problems at the International Mission Board.
This is an unthinkable, unconscionable and untenable position.
You would think that grown men and women would know what to do to solve the problem.
Since they obviously don’t let me tell them.
Dr. Rankin – Resign. It’s the honorable thing to do.
Dr. Hatley – Resign. This happened on your watch.
Board of Trustees – Reorganize and appoint a new Chairman and begin the Search Process for a new IMB President. By the way, I would also suggest an apology at Greensboro would be in order.
posted by Jim Shaver at 6:05 AM
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