My Last Post as an International Mission Board Trustee?

I enjoyed visiting with several missionaries, trustees and friends who have come to Tampa for the International Mission Board meeting. The day passsed quickly but the evening plenary session seemed to last an eternity.

Dr. Jerry Rankin's Report

The plenary (public) session of the International Mission Board was held at 7:00 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Tampa, Florida. The session began with a report from President Jerry Rankin. Dr. Rankin showed a video of a message he gave to his staff during "President's Chapel" at the Missionary Learning Center a few weeeks ago. The message was one of the most humble, challenging and inspiring messages I have ever heard.

Dr. Rankin spoke candidly to his staff of the recent trustee approved policies on tongues and baptism and the administration's opposition, as well as his own personal opposition, to those same policies. However, he beautifully articulated his belief that God's grace is given to those Christians who submit to the authority that is placed over them by God. God is on His throne, and even if the authority He places over us acts unreasonable, submission to that authority brings grace. Dr. Rankin stated that though he opposed the implementation of the new policies, and saw no empirical evidence that they were needed, he still would follow Scripture and graciously submit to the authority of the board.

It seems that one trustee had requested a copy of the tape of Dr. Rankin's message but he felt he had been prohibited from obtaining it, and so, Dr. Rankin decided to show the video of his message to the entire board and guests in order to avoid any suspicion he was hiding things from the trustees.

Kudo's to Dr. Rankin. I appreciate his transparency and his candor.

Other trustees did not. For the next thirty minutes Dr. Rankin was mercilessly, and publicly accused of undermining the trustees, intentionally keeping information from trustees, not telling the truth about doctrinal errors on the field (the exact quote after Dr. Rankin said he had never been shown any evidence of charismatic problems on the field that the administration and staff had not dealt with under the old policies was "That's not true!"), and a host of other things.

I was absolutely embarrassed at how our President was treated publicly by some of my fellow trustees. One trustee spoke up and said how much they appreciated Dr. Rankin's humility and transparency, but other trustees spoke at length of their opposition to our President's remarks.

I do admire Dr. Rankins demeanor under fire, his grace to those who alleged he was not telling the truth, and his overall deportment while under verbal assault. We would all do well to model his spirit.


The Proposed New Trustee Policy Manual

After a report from all of our missionary regions through the Overseas Committee, the Orientation Committee of the Board of Trustees presented a four page paper entitled International Mission Board, SBC, Trustee Responsibilities.

The chairman of the Orientation Committee stated that this document had been in the works "two years" (I heard yesterday there was not certainty the document would be ready in time, so it seems the two years ended in a rush). He also stated that this document was to replace the fifty page trustee manual entitled "Ordered of God; Manual for Trustees" which is commonly called "The Blue Book." He also implied no trustee pays any attention to the "Blue Book" because it is too voluminous.

Unfortunately, he mispoke. I have read the Blue Book at least five times from cover to cover. I have posted about The Blue Book and some of the excellent policies it contains. The Blue Book was adopted by the IMB trustees in 1987 and for the last two decades has been the manual for trustee accountablity at the International Mission Board. The evening session ended with a motion made to table the vote on the new four page policy manual until first thing tomorrow morning.

I am praying that this proposed four page policy manual will not be adopted.

I am a trustee who abides by policy. I have repeatedly stated in my blog that I will abide by every single policy adopted by the Board of Trustees. In fact, when some trustees tried to get me to stop blogging last January, I simply said I would only stop if the Board approved a policy that forbad a trustee from blogging. The current Blue Book does not address blogging, nor does it forbid a trustee from expressing criticism toward majority decisions of the trustees. I believe the Blue Book wisely gives room for public criticism of majority decisions. Frankly, if criticism of boards was not allowed by minority dissenters in the 1970's and 1980's the conservative resurgence would have never occurred. Criticism can be healthy and drive an organization to excellence. In essence, appropriate criticism is good. And of course, appropriateness is in the eye of the beholder.

I have on several occasions criticized the reasoning and logic that led to the adoption of the two new policies approved by the majority of trustees last November. But again, I have intentionally complied with every single policy of the Blue Book, and in fact, the attorney for the IMB has stated clearly that a trustee who expresses minority dissent is well within proper protocol of trusteeship. But some trustees don't like me speaking out in dissent. Let me illustate.


Infamous Gossip and Slander

A trustee told me that it is not my blogging that is the problem, but the content of my blog that is the problem. I have chosen, for conscience sake, to disagree with trustee leadership and the majority of trustees on the two new policies. I am disagreeing with the need for the new policies and have stated my interpretations on how, and why, these new policies are being introduced at the IMB without Presidential or staff support. Some trustees think, since I lost the vote, that I should be quiet. I am saying that I am following all proper policies of the IMB Blue Book by expressing my dissent and my interpretation of events to the SBC at large. EVERY trustee has the responsibility to speak out to the people who elected him, always supporting the work of the IMB, but making clear one's interpretation of decisions to those who have "entrusted" him to care for the institution. I just happen to be one who actually does it.

Again some trustees have not liked what I have said. In fact, at last January's meeting, just one month after I began blogging, I was recommended for removal from the board for "gossip and slander." For heaven's sake, it is one thing to not like disagreement, but do you call it "gossip and slander?" My removal must be approved by the Southern Baptist Convention in the June meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina, and I stand ready to provide a vigorous and documented defense. The only problem is, I have never officially been given the evidence.

I have repeatedly asked the trustees who are accusing me of gossip and slander to "show me the gossip," and to "show me the slander." Usually when someone makes such a public accusation they will provide supporting documentation. To this day, even though I have repeatedly asked for the evidence of gossip and slander, I have not received one piece of written material highlighting the alleged gossip or the alleged slander. Neither has any of the trustees received supportive, written evidence that substantiates the charges. I have one absolutely hilarious story of a trustee who verbally accused me of lying and slander, only to be embarrassed when he sought to make me "repent." You see, I proved him wrong. One day I'll tell the story, if necessary. I repeat, again, and for the final time to my fellow trustees who are accusing me of gossip and slander, please make public the basis for the charges --- I am ready to vigorously defend any and every statement on my blog.

It now seems that rather than produce substantiation for the charges, which means a vigorous defense, the tactic is to attack my character. One of these days I may list the names I have been called by some of my fellow trustees. Some trustees are now saying, in a failed attempt to produce any evidence of gossip and slander, that it is my "deportment and conduct" as a trustee.

I am being called a liar because three trustees say they practiced "Matthew 18" to me. I have a six part series on church discipline that expounds Matthew 18, and I can assure you, Matthew 18 has never occured in this situation. Period. I think some trustees use Matthew 18 as code for "We went to him repeatedly and he absolutely refused to change his mind!"

I have argued passionately about the policies with my fellow trustees. Some trustees have sought, even more passionately, to change my mind, but not ONE TIME DID A TRUSTEE EVER COME TO ME AND SAY, "Wade, if you don't change this sentence, or this post, or this word, or this paragraph, then I am going to recommend you be removed as a trustee of the IMB." The first time I ever heard about the recommendation for my removal for gossip and slander was when it was presented to the full board. I was shocked.

I stand ready to produce every single blog I have written, a fifteen page sworn affidavit, two notebooks of materials that document the entire issue with me and the board. My defense is ready. Where are the charges? It has been two months. Will someone please officially present to me the charges?

Hmmmm. My dad used to tell me if people can't win the argument then they begin to attack the messenger. I have attempted to be gentle while unbending, gracious while resolute, cheerful while principled, and always ready to share a good laugh with my brothers and sisters in Christ who serve with me. I am passionate about my arguments, but anybody will tell you who knows me, that if you can logical, Biblically, graciously defend your position over mine, I will change my mind. However, I can live with anyone, and everyone, who disagrees with me. I don't need you to agree with me, but don't even try to get me to agree with you if you can't support your position.

The new policies are illogical, unnecessary, and some would even say completely unbiblical. Why are you demanding I agree with you? Why are you demanding others agree with you? Can't you love, serve and fellowship with others who don't agree (Remember it is only the ADMINISTRATOR of baptism, and only a PRIVATE prayer language with which we disagree). The Baptist Faith and Message is silent on these two issues. You want me to sign the Baptist Faith and Message? Fine, I will. But wait! I can't be a missionary? What in the world is happening to the Southern Baptist Convention?

My patience is running thin.

As anyone who has read my blog will tell you, I have expressed my opposition to the new policies, while attempting to not make things personal. I have never mentioned any names, I have focused on the principles. I have publicy criticized the majority actions of our board in these two new policies. A vast group of trustees, what some call the "middle," are very naive about the issues at play. They will have a tendency to follow the leadership of trustees who chair major committees and have years of service, surely not a new trustee who doesn't have enough time to understand the dynamics of the work of the International Mission Board.

Some will ask, "But why did you go public with your dissent?" I only went public after I went through every appropriate internal policy and procedure of the IMB in order to attempt to stop the adoption of the new policies that exceeded the authority of the Board, undermined staff and leadership, and seemed to be a culmination of an attempt by outside forces to force a narrow agenda upon the IMB. And yes, I have documentation. I stand ready to defend my every statement. I am abiding by the Blue Book and fulfilling my role as a trustee of the IMB, appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention at large to guard the institution. It is a sacred trust that I do not take lightly.

The Old Policies Within the Blue Book

The Blue Book states that "The International Mission Board's power can never exceed that of the convention itself." We have adopted doctrine that goes beyond the convention approved Baptist Faith and Message. We have exceeded our authority. I am abiding by the Blue Book.

The Blue Book states that "Trustees are expected to support the president in the effort to build a quality institution known for its excellence . . . (page 10)." As is evidenced by tonight's actions, and a host of materials in my possession that I have chosen to not yet make public, some trustees seem to have a hard time supporting our president. I am abiding by the Blue Book and am holding others accountable to do the same in this area.

The Blue Book states that "The board never does its work in secrecy, but through openness. Baptists abhor hidden corners in its denominational operations. They expect a constant flow of communications and interpretations. The only times executive sessions of the board should be held are when human life is at stake, or tedious personnel problems must be handled. Instead of a secret approach, Baptists demand a program of information and want it to be kept up to date." (Page 22). I am abiding by the Blue Book.

The Blue Book states that (Trustees) must feel and act on their own best judgment (page 26). Yet my experience has been that when I act in what I believe to be my best judgement, I am told that I am being resistant to accountability. I am abiding by the Blue Book.

The Blue Book states "A trustee is to bring (his/her) voice to the meetings when serving, but is to also take (his/her) interpretations back to the people after adjournment" (page 33). Yet, I have endured a both a withering private and then very public attack because I have dared to bring my interpretations of events to the people of the SBC. Any fair reading of my blog will tell you I have been supportive of my fellow trustees, have spoken graciously of everyone involved, but I have held to my convictions and have not bowed to pressure. I am abiding by the Blue Book.


Tomorrow the Blue Book May Be History

If the trustees adopt the new policy manual proposed by the Orientation Committee, the Blue Book will be history. On the back sheet of the proposed policies this statement is in brackets and in bold letters {Note, this policy supersedes the document, Ordered by God, Manual for Trustees, which now becomes a reference document}.

I could give many illustrations as to what this means, but let me give you just one . . .

The new proposed manual states on page three . . .

"Individual IMB trustees must refrain from public criticism of Board approved policies."

Hmmm. Interesting to you? Is there a reason for this? Could not Baptists learn from dissent, and if dissent is without merit, aren't Southern Baptists smart enough to ignore it? Hmmmm. Interesting.

A proposed motion to add the word "Individual IMB trustees must refrain from public criticism of Board approved policies, and staff, and fellow trustees" was being debated quite vigorously when the motion to table until tomorrow was approved.

Implications for Me

I have sought in all of my posts to be positive about the work of the IMB, even when I have criticized Board approved policies. Tomorrow the Board will address two motions in relationship to me. One is regarding the approval of the minutes of the last Board meeting. That was on the agenda last night, but it was skipped.

There is also the expressed desire by the Executive Committee that the recommendation for my removal for "gossip and slander" be removed from the Southern Baptist Convention's agenda, and the IMB trustees handle it "internally." It could be a possibility that the IMB trustees will censure me and then reprimand me, while at the same time, possibly taking away committee assignments, not allowing me to attend forums or Executive Sessions, and at the discretion of the Chair, not allowing me to speak.

Hmmm.

I don't know what recommendation is forthcoming, because I have not been officially told, but all I can say now, whatever it may be, if the proposed manual for trustees is passed tomorrow, I cannot by new policy, and I will not, publicly criticize the action of the Board regarding me.

I want to be very clear for one final time. This is my final opportunity to speak firmly and critically to the SBC at large about some majority actions of my fellow trustees. For those of you who have read my blog regularly, I have waited patiently, holding back from such firm talk.

You will not hear one word of criticism from me tomorrow regarding the majority decisions of the Board if the new trustee manual is approved tomorrow morning.

I pray to God it is not.

In His Grace,


Wade Burleson

P.S. On a humorous note, I intend to ask if the new trustee manual is "retroactive." If it is, I'm toast. :)