Someone wrote me today, worried about what they had read on my blog. They were concerned about the statcounter thing and whether or not I was perhaps being paranoid.
I had to assure them (this is someone I know) that I knew more than they did. I do, in fact, know of some who scour our blogs for tips to our thoughts and weaknesses that can be exploited. I even know some of their names, though statcounter couldn’t tell me that.
For the rest of you, relax. I don’t pay much attention to where you are looking from and Missionaries, I especially want to reassure you. I will not be posting any list of your whereabouts. I don’t want any repercussions for you or anyone else who is interested in what I write. Also, my statcounter is private, so no one else can check the data there and they are purged as we go along, so there is no long term record of your presence unless I make one, and I don’t.
Speaking of there being more than the rest of us know, for months I have been hearing that there is more to Wade Burleson’s story than even Wade has told. In fact, I have heard that there is much, much more and that it had been shared with some on the Executive Committees of the IMB’s BOT and the SBC.
I have watched good and godly people be very confused about Wade and his actions. There seemed to be something motivating him to action that they mistook as raw arrogance. I understood that Wade was dealing with certain situations in a public forum while walking the tightrope of trying not to make everything he knew public.
Some will say that he should have been public long ago. They may be right. Still, I think he was doing his best in the best way he could. Apparently, Wade has decided that his prior course of action is not going to be effective as an agent of change within what is a political culture. As to defending his decisions, I will direct your questions to Wade. He should speak for himself as I don’t want to misrepresent him in any way.
He tells us that he is preparing a release of previously withheld information in his post:
The Spin Is In; The Tipping Point Is Reached.
I know of only a few stories about which you may hear from Wade next week. The stories I have heard have made my hair stand on end and made me nauseous at the same time. Be in prayer for what is to come. For most, it will be a time of deep soul searching about what has been going on behind the scenes of the SBC.
Next week will be a big one for blog town.
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CB Scott
on May 26th, 2006
@ 3:00 pm:
Now I change my song from…..the beat goes on….To: DRUMS ALONG THE MOHAWK!!!!!
cb
Kevin Bussey
on May 26th, 2006
@ 5:04 pm:
Art,
Are the powers that be trying to run some of us off? I really don’t get it.
Dorcas
on May 26th, 2006
@ 9:05 pm:
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. :)
art rogers
on May 26th, 2006
@ 9:32 pm:
CB,
Is that the one that the Altlanta Braves and FSU Seminoles use? That “OOOHHH OH OH UH OHHH” Tomahawk Chop, thing? I always liked that deal, even though I am an Astros fan and the Braves are League rivals.
Kevin,
I think that certain ones, not all conservative leaders, but certain ones would like for us to show up, pay up, and shut up.
If we don’t like that, and want the SBC to reflect certain things that are important to us, but don’t reflect them, then I think they would like very much for us to leave.
That is incredibly short sighted, since, we will take our churches and offerings with us to go it alone. As you well know, but many of them ignore, there are “Missional” minded networks springing up all over the place. They are small and certainly not the IMB, NAMB, Lifeway and the SBC, but they reflect a lot of what we believe. At some point, we are going to reach our tipping point, if things don’t change.
Dorcas,
I just had the one from Ft. Worth reading this post before I commented. I will be gracious and withhold his name, but I suspect you know it, seeing as Ben is your pastor.
Grace to you all, friends, Missionaries and lurkers alike.
Art
tim rogers
on May 26th, 2006
@ 10:00 pm:
Brother Art,
I am not a missionary–in the sense that we call those commissioned by the IMB to international missions–or a lurker, just a friend (I pray you feel the same)and brother.
I do understand the frustration of feeling that the powers that be desires others to show up and shut up, but I do ask, no beg, no plead with you not to draw the lines in the sand as you did when you said; “At some point, we are going to reach our tipping point, if things don’t change.”
Things will change when the fear to speak up is overcome. This can be overcome as long as the voices of change continue. Once those voices depart, there will be no need to change. We can never just show up and shut up, but we can show up, speak up, and graciously stand up.
art rogers
on May 26th, 2006
@ 10:19 pm:
Tim,
I agree with everything, except the “line in the sand.”
“At some point” is not a line in the sand, but a general acknowledgement that there is a point of no return. That is a reality, and an uncomfortable one. However, it is not one that is going away.
“At this point” would be an example of a line in the sand. “Here and no further” is the language to which you refer, and I have not yet said that.
In fact, I have much more hope – and much more fear – for the SBC than I have had in years.
Frankly, Greensboro will tell the tale. I am optimistic. I liked the way you phrased it in your last paragraph. Good words.
art
Dorcas
on May 26th, 2006
@ 10:34 pm:
Art – Very interesting. I think my blog runs 24 hours like C-Span in Fort Worth, Texas. However my newest and strongest “fan base” is out of Arkansas at the moment. All Dorcas … all the time. :)
Alan Cross
on May 26th, 2006
@ 10:53 pm:
Art,
Not to push my blog, but I’ve got some thoughts and research on how missional networks can be effective at downshoredrift.com and writings.downshoredrift.com. I’d love for you to check it out.
I really believe that is the future. The SBC will remain and we will be connected with the convention, but a great deal of effectiveness will happen through smaller networks based on relationships. Blogs can be a great vehicle for that. I think that it should be both the convention and smaller networks so that we can work together on both levels.
On what Wade is going to do next week, I have mixed feelings. If something can be gained by it, great. If it can help overturn the new policies, then fine. If it is just to vindicate Wade’s case, then I don’t see the point. We shouldn’t tear down others (even if things are true) to support our case. My hope has never been to “take over” the SBC as some have accused us blogger of. I just want to be able to participate with my denomination in missions. That’s it. That’s all. When they closed the door, I got involved. I wish they could see that.
GeneMBridges
on May 26th, 2006
@ 11:03 pm:
Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you. :)
Speaking for myself, Dorcas, I only think about it when the voices remind me! :~)
tim rogers
on May 26th, 2006
@ 11:41 pm:
Brother Art,
I do see that your comment is not as strong as I read it. I think I understand that you are saying if things do not change–then one day.
I honestly do believe the last paragraph. That is why some of my theological training was at SEBTS BP.
art rogers
on May 27th, 2006
@ 12:33 pm:
Alan,
Thanks for the reference. I encourage all to check out what Alan has written.
I’ll let Wade speak to his motives. I don’t think I could accurately represent them and don’t want to have my words used against him in any way.
Gene,
Do you still think you are Whorf?
That could tell us something.
;)
Tim,
Thanks.