Long Time, No See!

   Well, I bet you all thought that I had dropped off the face of the earth. Especially given the fact that I had mentioned that once having moved to this site I might actually post more regularly. Well, to put it mildly, I have been in the midst of a whirlwind. As you know by now, the Investigative Committee presented its report on April 10 and the end result was that Dr. David Clippard was fired. It has been difficult to know exactly what to say since that time. Questions, confusions and warnings about prohibitions against revealing Executive Session material abound. Let me say this, without intending to re-open a very delicate yet explosive issue, Dr. Clippard is a wonderful visionary and great leader. He has, as always, my complete respect and utmost confidence in his leadership abilities. The massive amounts of speculation are, quite probably, unavoidable given the nature with which the proceedings occurred. With that comes a great amount of frustration on my part. I do not now, nor have I ever believed that Dr. Clippard has done anything of an immoral or unethical nature. I would, in a moment's notice, tavel anywhere at anytime to vouch for his integrity, moral character and wisdom. I have watched him function for some time under a cloud of suspicion that, in the end, could only produce a majority belief that his period of leadership in Missouri Baptist life has come to an end. It has taken some time for me to process all of this, and I'm still working through it. For the sake of healing within the state, it is my intention to not address that particular issue any further publicly. There is no way of undoing what has been done. My prayers are with Dr. & Mrs. Clippard. I count it an honor and privilege to call him my friend and to have had the opportunity to serve with him in the Missouri Baptist Convention. Wherever he lands will undoubtedly be a very blessed place. I look for tremendous reports of Kingdom growth in the years ahead as a result of his leadership.

So, Now What Happens?

   What I believe this state has needed since the days of the conservative resurgence is the ability to disagree agreeably. For many years now I have sat through annual meetings and watched as "the slate" were presented by MBLA for us to elect and we elected them. Some time back, I attended a listening session that Dr. Clippard hosted at the Baptist Building about what issues we would like to see adressed within Missouri Baptist life. I expressed a concern at that point, which was shared by many if not all within the room, that we move beyond the realm of suspicion to a day in which candidates could be nominated by anyone without the fear of being branded a "liberal." It is understood that we now have a conservative Executive Board and conservatives serving in all the leadership positions of our institutions. So, for the health of the state, let's get back to sharing our individual perspectives without fear of marginalization.

   If John over here says, "You know, I think Fred would make a great president." Then why should he feel like there is a cloud of suspicion placed upon him because he didn't vote "the slate." I'll be honest, I have every intention of being part of a process whereby an alternate candidate is nominated from the floor, but if someone wants to nominate someone else, let them. I will not view that individual in any less esteem because he/she may not agree with me. Since when was it a requirement for Baptists to agree on everything? We must move beyond this!

Dad, Can I borrow the car?

   I was sharing the other day with a couple of friends of mine that my eldest son is seventeen. He is at the wonderful age of freedom. I have taught him all I know to teach him about driving. I told him to be cautious about "the other guy." I've told him to always be prepared should he have to exit the road in order to avoid a head-on collision. I've given him everything that I can give him. Now then, when he asks to go someplace, I don't check to make sure that my calendar is clear in order to either drive him or to go with him to make sure that he listens to sound advice. I have to come to the gut-wrenching point in parenthood where I let him go by himself and face the potential risk that he might make a wrong choice. The possibility is real that he might become the victim of another person's carelessness. But no matter how painful and burdensome it may be, I must let him go.

   Friends, that is exactly where I see the Missouri Baptist Convention today. We have been through a lot together. I have no doubt that many with whom I disagree are convinced that it is still too early to let the Convention take the keys. But if not now, then when? When will this body of believers be mature enough to learn the lessons from the past and to move forward? Must we always have an ad hoc committee accompany our every move in order to insure that we make the right choices? Must we always have an organization to oversee our nominees to make sure that we don't elect "closet liberals?" At what point will we say, "Okay, we're ready?" Will it be when our grandchildren are in leadership positions? Or will we still be concerned that there might be a liberal somewhere unbeknownced to us seeking to devour the convention that we love.

I believe the time has come to hand the messengers the keys and let them drive. If we crash, we crash; but unless we drive, we will never be free to be the body Christ has called us to be.