Millions Spent by NC Baptist to Study Educational Relationship! Really?

I could feel the entire room inhale at the same moment when John Butler told the Executive Committee it has cost “millions of dollars” for our colleges, universities and Baptist State Convention to study, debate, vote and restudy their governance and funding issues over the past 50 years.

The above quote is found here. Dr. John Butler gave these costs of studies during debate in the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Baptist State Convention. Our EC was debating the merits of a recommendation coming from the Council on Christian Higher Education. Interestingly enough, the motion to approve this recommendation came after our EC President spoke about refraining from entering into major decisions without a thoroughly prayed through process. A 100 year relationship has been severed with one recommendation and possibly an hour of debate.

Here are some interesting tidbits concerning this issue. Dr. Butler has stated that this issue has been debated for over 50 years. As I understand it, he must be referencing Wake Forest back in 1957. He also has stated that it has cost the convention “millions” of dollars. Let me say first, I do not know what money has been spent on studying the relationship between the universities and the convention. Dr. Butler, working in the capacity he works, would be more knowledgeable of that amount. But millions of dollars? Come on! Did we fly everyone on the study committees to New York and have them stay at some swanky hotel for every study committee. Certainly neither Caswell, Caraway, nor Lake Hickory charge that much to accommodate meetings. Let’s say, which has not happened, there was a study committee each of the past 50 years on this project. For $1,000,000.00 to be spent $20,000 is needed to be spent each year to specifically study the relationship between NC Baptist and our University system. Folks, I knew our system was in turmoil but I did not know that it was in this type of turmoil. Also if Dr. Smith and Dr. Royston spent $20k each year to study a situation that there was no problem with, then we need to ask for Dr. Smith to return his retirement benefits and Dr. Royston to return to Kentucky. There was no yearly study committee during neither of our previous ExD’s tenure. Also, it is hard for me to phantom in my mind what it would take to spend $20k on a study committee. Let’s say Consultant fees for one study is $15k. Does it take $5k to pay traveling expenses along with lodging at Caraway, Lake Hickory, or Fort Caswell for roughly 10 committee members?

What I have pointed to is just one million. Dr. Butler said millions–plural. Therefore it was more that $20k each year. This has not happened. Dr. Butler told the convention just this past November that a study would cost approximately $10,000.00. I felt that was extravagant then and still think that. However, he has now stated that it has cost the convention millions of dollars.

I believe that Dr. Butler was exaggerating his numbers for effect. And notice the effect it had. The EC voted to accept this proposal and notice what they accepted.

1. Read here. The colleges and schools want to continue to bear our family name and pedigree.
2. Read here. Our schools want to stay affiliated with the Convention by “continuing to have a significant portion of trustees who are members of churches in friendly cooperation with the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.”
3. Read here. In this proposal, the five colleges propose over a four-year period beginning in January 2009 to elect all their own trustees; give up Convention funding of $6.1 million; and establish a scholarship program to be administered by the BSC staff.

Allow me to take these one at a time. 1. Why would they desire to do this? We have already seen what happened when Wake Forest desired to maintain a historical relationship with the convention. Talk with anyone in leadership with Wake Forest and you will plainly be told that the convention today is not the convention they support. It is very apparent what they desire for this relationship to benefit. It is the colleges and schools. 2. What percentage of Trustees would be “a significant portion of trustees”? If we had 75% of the trustees from churches in friendly cooperation with the BSC would that be appropriate? What about 55%, or 45%, or 35%, or 25%? The amount it takes for a school to have a “significant amount” needs to be defined. 3. This is the one that gets me the most. First it is going to take 4 years to fix this relationship. Oh, mind you this relationship that was supposed to be fixed with the vote of the convention in November, 2006. That means when this new Budget comes out we will commit ourselves to $6.1 mil. in 2008, possibly $5.1 mil. in 2009, possibly $4.1 mil. in 2010, possibly 3.1 mil. in 2011, and finally possibly 2.1 in 2012. Here is the additional problem. While it looks like we are freeing up $’s we are in reality displacing them. Notice the proposal! The Colleges, through the Council on Christian Higher Education proposal, have established the scholarship levels. You see there was a motion made by Dr. Norman Wiggins back in 1994 (?) that locks in the amount of scholarships, depending on the number of students, going to the colleges and universities. Therefore, we are not freeing up any funds for missions and ministry we are merely diverting funds.

What will come of this? There needs to be a clear understanding of the issues. While we are told that the vote of the EC was unanimous, my source tells me of possible abstentions because of the rush to vote. From my source, I understand that the EC President informed the committee there was no pressing reason to vote on this issue now. However, when Dr. Butler overstated the amount of cost for studies, it was a no-brainer. What good Baptist in his right mind desires to spend one more $ on a study when we have already spent “millions“?

The issues that need to be resolved appears to be three. First the Council on Christian Higher Education. If the Council on Christian Higher Education is to be maintained; why? What will happen if the convention decides to find other schools that may desire to form a relationship with us? Will the Council on Christian Higher Education have to approve of this venture? What happens if the convention decides to allow Southeastern College at Wake Forest to begin a relationship with us, will their President be allowed to sit on the council?

Second, it needs to be clearly stated that this is an ending to a relationship. Many are jumping at something stated in the secular media. See here. The secular media has defined this relationship as a divorce. Baptist are responding very hastily to say that is not the truth. Let me ask; What is the truth. The colleges and universities desire a different type of relationship, and want us to continue paying child support. I understand that we do not desire to end complete relations with the colleges and universities. However, let’s not dilly-dally around with words. They are ending the relationship that we have enjoyed. The convention did not impose this ending the colleges and universities did. The vote at the November, 2006 convention was supposed to keep them from leaving, as we were told by the amendment on Wednesday. You remember, the one that had me as mixed-up as a termite in a wooden yo-yo. We passed it in order to keep the colleges and universities and they left anyway. Come on Tammy sing it- “My D-I-V-O-R-C-E just came through today.” :>)

Third, Dr. Butler needs to release costs of past studies. Such a statement, without the facts, squashes debate on an issue. When such a statement is made there needs to be a question of proof. I do not believe Dr. Butler intentionally stated a mis-truth, but I do believe he over exaggerated his cost in order to get this issue passed. Also, the Executive Leadership Group should take notice as to how they influence decisions. Many times it would be better to allow those nominated and elected by the convention to make decisions for the convention.

That is just how I see it.

What to do When you are Wrong?

Last week I commented about Dr. Mohler’s latest article where he allegedly wrote about a “gay” gene. This comment that I made was on another bloggers blog. I commented because I received a telephone call from a another blogger alerting me to Dr. Mohler’s article. The blogger, that contacted me, and I disagree on many issues and that was part of the reason I received this phone call. He knew that the way the media was reporting this story there would be agreement among us. I must admit I never read the article and only followed what others were saying.

Because of this oversight I must now apologize to Dr. Mohler. Thank you Dr. Mohler for setting the record straight in a follow-up article expressing what you really said. Please forgive me for commenting without reading your thoughts, it will not happen again.

Blessings,

Tim

She came with No Instructions!

When the Physicians in the Delivery Room handed me this little bundle of joy, I asked them to give me the instruction manual. They all got a big laugh and we moved on.

Rebekah was at school the other day when she fell and broke her wrist. She is known around the house as a “drama queen” because she is known to exaggerate a pain. Her mother made her stay and take the test for that day and then brought her by the office to see me. After speaking with her I honestly felt that she only sprained her wrist at the worst. I told her Gail that she should probably take her by Urgent Care just to be safe. Once the Physician returned from taking her X-Rays he announced to her that it was broken. Man, we nearly fell out. Gail felt like a bad Mama and I felt like a bad Daddy. However, we realize that God is the one in control and we praise Him that she was not hurt any worse.

What about you? What has happened in your life to make you feel like a bad parent? I know that we all have those events.

Blessings

Tim

Making Decisions

Many times one does not realize what the outcome of a simple decision will contain. I received the following descriptions in one of those mass emails that everyone forwards. Simple decisions? I don’t think so.

:>)

Life decisions that people have to make are never simple. The importance of the initial decision should always be examined over the long run. Memories made and cherished are sure to be tempered along the way.

Consider the following two choices…

Should I get a Dog…

…or have children?

Which one did you choose?

Blessings,

Tim

Isn’t it Amazing?

I have tried very hard to openly look at the items that get recorded and posted on other blogs. I desire to look for the best in my Brothers and Sisters that disagree with me. I contstantly strive to not jump to conclusions that are not there. However, I must ask; Where are the blog articles reporting this?

Please note that many bloggers reported that Dr. McKissic had been treated badly by the BoT. To my wonderment you can find these surprised responses along with their deriding comments here here, here, here, & here. I remember reading in some comment streams about how BP has not been covering these items accurately. I wonder where the accuracy of coverage is now? I appears that BP has covered it but by Dr. McKissic privately meeting with the BoT’s he has dampened the blows of the harsh criticism being given out concerning his particular situation. Through all of this, one thing I must admit about Brother Ben Cole–he is consistent. See here, here, & here. No doubt this Brother is in this to rid the SBC of Dr. Paige Patterson’s PERCEIVED corruption. He is also being helped in his information gathering by one that may be possibly twice his age. This document, this document, and this document did not come from some unattended storage file room on the SEBTS campus. These files are under lock and key in another building on the SEBTS Campus.

Just thought it is interesting that when peace is trying to be reached, those calling for peace are not reporting it. Also thought it to be interesting that while everyone tries to distance themselves from Brother Ben Cole’s style, they behind the scenes, provide him with information.

Blessings,

Tim

UPDATE:  I have already addressed this in the comment stream but feel it necessary to address it in the post.  My statement; “These files are under lock and key in another building on the SEBTS Campus.” Is not intended to imply that Brother Ben Cole has done anything illegally.  He has not stolen documents to my knowledge and I do not believe he would stoop to that level. 

Ambulance Chasers–1-800-Get-alawyer

When was the last time that you were in an accident? I remember about 3 years ago I was involved in an accident where I was the one at fault. I fought with my insurance company over some of the issues, but ended up getting them to do what was covered in my policy. The person I was involved in the accident with told me that not only did my insurance company pay, they paid without any hassle. The person I was involved in the accident with was treated better by my insurance company than I was and I was the one paying the bill–so I thought. What I later found out was the person’s property, who I was responsible for damaging was contacted, by mail two days after the accident–by a number of law firms. This contact was for the sole purpose to remind my damaged friend of his rights and their willingness to defend his rights against the mean person that had inflicted this dastardly deed upon his family. In speaking with others I find that our insurance rates have a direct correlation with the settlements received after the accident. Thank God this man did not follow his desire to “move up to the east side” using this accident and my insurance company to accomplish his goal.

This brings me to the current situation we find ourselves as a convention. While many are trying to establish a wrong was perpetrated, others are pointing to Scripture. Here one pastor has even advocated suing if certain conditions are met. As we look at Scripture, there are many principles we can follow. There are many areas that do not give us the “wiggle” room that many desire. 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 is such a case. I will say only one thing about this and then move on as my post is not about this passage. Dr. Warren Wiersbe says this about this section of scripture; Paul is not condemning courts of law (see Rom. 13), for the government is instituted by God for our good. But matters between believers must not be exposed before unbelievers, and certainly an unsaved judge lacks the spiritual understanding to deal with spiritual matters —Wiersbe Expository Outlines. Here is one scholar saying, and I dare say other scholars will agree, there appears to be little if not any wiggle room.

In fairness to this pastor he has done a great job trying to articulate a position which we all can agree. However his assessment precludes that the one offended will seek only that which due. Also, this pastor has stated; “If a wrong has occurred that has led to harm, it would be immoral for those able to bring about correction to not seek to rectify that wrong and make restitution.” He also said that he was saddened by the lawsuit. Allow me to say that when you publicly present private conversations on the internet and then try to get those whose trust has been violated by the public release of private information to sit down to talk privately, you will be hard pressed to get them or anyone to sit down with you privately.  This pastor seems to forget that personnel issues are not able to be discussed with no one other than the employee or their legal representatives. This issue has now taken a life of its own with no recourse but to pay lawyers the parties that opened this can of worms, I believe, new this from the start.  Please take note of the timing of the release of information along with the lawsuit.   If I am wrong I ask God to forgive me.

Here is my concern. With everything that is being said about this, I wanted to look at the words and match the actions. One of the afore mentioned pastors presented this word of wisdom for a guideline. “The motive for anything is more important than the action. If it is to bring out [speak] the truth in love, it can be right, but, if revenge, anger, self protection or other things motivate, it can be wrong.” Great words of wisdom. Let’s look at the actions. Who filed the lawsuit? You can find that Lawyer’s name here. While I know that we need lawyers he is not the only one listed. This Law firm is proud of their accomplishments and you can note that here. While this lawyer is noted for his legal tenacity please note something I find interesting. On their web page where you can decide on a lawyer there are some interesting tidbits. In this page there is explained many different items about the Firm’s Lawyers. One thing that is pointed out about catastrophic litigation is this statement. “We like to win and we hate to lose.” While I certainly do not want a lawyer that is going to go into a court room and intentionally lose my case, this lawyer is not the kind of lawyer that is in this to expose truth. I wonder if the lawyer in this blog article here gave any direction in this choice. My concern with this lawyer doing the filing is simple. Is the level of damage done to Dr. Klouda on the same level as Enron? Also, look at the types of settlements they seek to settle. Notice that they were able to get a settlement for a wrongful termination in the amount of $1.5 but were only able to get a $500,000 settlement for a sexual misconduct lawsuit. What am I saying? I believe if we are about getting a wrong corrected, sexual misconduct would be more than wrongful termination. Also, this lawyer appears to be on the case because of his tenacity in catastrophic litigation. So much for arriving at the truth and correcting a wrong.

I must admit that the only ones signed onto the case that makes sense is this Firm Merica & Bourland. These lawyers are labor lawyers and that is what I thought the case was about. If we are in this to get truth to come forward, then these ladies are perfectly suited and experienced enough to get that accomplished. However, if this is being presented in order to get into the deep pockets of SWBTS and their endowments, then certainly you would need to bring in the law firm that had a part in bringing down Enron.

Just remember, according to some pastor’s understanding of scripture. The next time your plane is late getting you to your destination in order to do that much needed ministry, contact these guys, you may have a case.