Confirmation Requested: Accreditation Complaint against Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention

As a part of the accreditation complaint (see previous post) against Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention though the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Marie has requested that, in order to facilitate communication, she be sent the following:

• written confirmation that each member of the governing `board which claims to own and operate Southwest Baptist University, that is, the current Executive Board of the Missouri Baptist Convention has received a copy of this complaint (and any subsequent correspondence resulting from the complaint) -- particularly Jody Shelenhamer, a layman a First Baptist Church heavily instrumental in the "Peacermakers Committee" of the MBC Executive Board (see latest story here);
• written confirmation that each member of the Southwest Baptist University Trustee Board -- particularly Rebecca Randles, who is an attorney for victims abused by clergy, and Rev. Billy Russell, who is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Bolivar -- has received a copy of this complaint (and any subsequent correspondence resulting from the complaint);
  
• written confirmation that each member of the Southwest Baptist University Faculty Senate has received a copy of this complaint (and any subsequent correspondence resulting from the complaint);
• written confirmation that each officer of the Southwest Baptist University Student Government Association has received a copy of this complaint (and any subsequent correspondence resulting from the complaint);
• written confirmation from each member of the Southwest Baptist University Administration has received a copy of this complaint (and any further correspondence resulting from the complaint).

Because the accreditation complaint will be public, the entire correspondence will be posted.

UPDATE! Re-Formation: Request to Reinstate Formal Accreditation Complaint against Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention

Marie has requested reinstatement of her formal complaint against Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention though the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (info on NCA).

Initial Complaint (see here)
(page and links currently being updated.)

YES, those dates are correct -- April 25,1996. ... And, yes, that is (now) Congressman Roy Blunt, (then) president of Southwest Baptist University.

Update! See here

SUNDAY UPDATE! Hoop Hopping and Bull Jumping with Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention

It was a long and difficult week -- too much to tell now -- but the situation (which became a series of "situations") is now corrected.

Information is being delivered SHORTLY [see update (here)] to Rev. Billy Russell on PICKING UP the packet of information concerning the "The Trinity To-Do Contract" and the URL and Password to the private blog by the end of February.

A brief outline of the "The Trinity To-Do Contract" will be posted SHORTLY.

Other individuals are being notified in writing of how they may participate or assist, if they are willing.

_______________________________________

UPDATE! Handoff ... to Rev. Billy Russell: Letter to Roger Moran SUSPENDED Pending Action by First Baptist Church of Bolivar and Rev. Billy Russell

______________________________________________________________

A BRIEF CONVERSATION AMONG FRIENDS:
The Hand-off ... To Rev. Billy Russell

Updated (see below) Monday, February 15 about 10:30 pm

______________________________________________________________

"I don't believe a thing these people SAY any more," Marie told friends.

"Well, then" one friend replied, "Believe what they DO! Explain what you want done to create whatever healing or restoration is possible in the situation and let their actions speak for themselves."

"What? Do you mean she should give them a ... To-Do list?"

"Exactly, it's a guy-thing. Give them "The Trinity To-Do Contract."

"Do you believe that Billy Russell can handle this?"

"Don't worry for him. He's a pretty scrappy pup from Detroit. I think he can deal with it. Besides, do you believe he loves his wife Regina?"

"Yes, whole-heartedly."

"Well, she'll keep him in line. What you're asking for is very reasonable and kind-hearted. Give Billy Russell 'The Trinity To-Do Contract" he needs ... and he'll run with it."

(More to follow ... )

______________________________________________________________

UPDATE!
Monday, February 15 about 10:30 pm

______________________________________________________________

Information is being delivered to Rev. Billy Russell on PICKING UP the packet of information concerning the "The Trinity To-Do Contract" and the URL and Password to the private blog by the end of February.

A brief outline of the "The Trinity To-Do Contract" will be posted SHORTLY.

Other individuals are being notified in writing of how they may participate or assist,if they are willing.

______________________________________________________________

Mailing and posting of the letter to Roger Moran, the Research Director of the Missouri Baptist Laymen's Association, regarding Southwest Baptist University Trustee Dr. Wayne Gott (here) has been SUSPENDED until further action by the First Baptist Church of Bolivar and Rev. Billy Russell.

______________________________________________________________

REAL COMMUNITY: Contact with Southwest Baptist University Trustees Suspended; Contact with First Baptist Church of Bolivar to Continue This Week

We are sorry.

We believe that it would have been in the community's (and the Missouri Baptist Convention's) best interest to involve Southwest Baptist University trustees and officials in the Restorative Justice Process, but, at this point, no viable communication can yet be established.

However, Marie will still be in contact with the First Baptist Church of Bolivar this week and will offer a means of reconciliation to those from the University who choose to participate.

We will be encouraging members of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri (info here) and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri (info here) to participate in this Restorative Justice Process, also.

The Trinity Contract Blogsite will be posted and linked from this site shortly -- though it's official "opening" will be on Valentine's Day, February 14.

Atheistic Christians: It Appears an Investigation of the Southwest Baptist University Trustees and Governance is Inevitable

The initial informal feedback from the Southwest Baptist University Trustee meeting has not been positive.

Was this the usual immature bickering, defensiveness, and bullying of several of the Southwest Baptist University Trustees? Or, was this the comprehensive "spirit" of the entire Board?

Time will tell.

However, given this belligerent response, it seems a full and formal investigation of the Southwest Baptist University Trustee Board (as well as the individual Trustees, governance, legal staff, administration, faculty and staff) may be inevitable.

This was not wholly unexpected. From our experience, it appears few of the Southwest Baptist University Trustees, governance, or staff of Southwest Baptist University are actual Christians -- particularly as applies to their lifestyles, relationships with others, and understanding of civil law.

They are, in effect, *Atheistic Christians.

*Atheistic: rejecting any belief in God

Reconciliation may not be possible, though other options are certainly viable.

Regardless, The Trinity Contract will be posted this Valentine's Day, February 14, so that anyone -- whether involved in the original unethical and criminal conduct or not -- may participate.

There is still one more day of the Trustee meeting, but -- at this time -- it seems that reconciliation may well have failed.

Marie's formal letter will be presented tomorrow (Tuesday) morning.

__________UPDATE - APRIL 4, 2009__________


So, where are the REAL atheists in Bolivar ... and elsewhere?

The answer may surprise you.

Please read this intriguing perspective from Mark Galli, the senior managing editor of Christianity Today and the author of A Great and Terrible Love: A Spiritual Journey into the Attributes of God.

His comments are here: Click page one and page two.

____________________________

Two-Day Southwest Baptist University Trustee Meeting Begins Today (Monday); Posting Shortly!

Posting (and faxing) Marie's Letter to
First Baptist Church of Bolivar
and Rev. Billy Russell shortly --
probably early Tuesday morning.

Hey, Wait ... What Happened to the "Invitations to Reconciliation," the First Baptist Church of Bolivar "Angels" and Restorative Justice?

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1. What about the participation of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar?
They will all be included in the "festivities" next week during the Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees' Meeting on February 9 and 10.

Question 2. What about Billy Russell (their current pastor and a newly-appointed Trustees of Southwest Baptist University)?
He will be asked to deliver the "Invitations" to his colleagues on the Southwest Baptist University Board of Trustees and within the First Baptist Church of Bolivar.

Question 3. And Ray Leininger (their former pastor and former SBU Trusteee, Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board member, and etc., etc.)?
He has his part to play, if he chooses to do so.

Question 4. Will the Southwest Baptist University Trustees, members of the Missouri Baptist Executive Board, Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver, Southwest Baptist University President C. Pat Taylor, or others be asked to resign?
Only if those individuals refuse any other option. Such an outcome would be considered a failure of the Process of Restorative Justice.

Question 5. Why does this have to be so complicated?
It doesn't; it only appears so because Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention officials and others involved so many individuals and organizations.

This Process attempts to consolidate these various disputes into one "Opportunity for Restorative Ministry."

Question 6. With so much being discussed publicly, how can this possibly remain private?
Because of the number of individuals involved, certain initial aspects of the process must be made public, but the actual workings of the Process will remain private.

Question 7. How long will this take?
Marie has requested that the Process be completed by Easter; she wishes to relocate to her new university and home this spring, as soon as the weather moderates.

Question 8. How is Marie doing?
This winter has been difficult, but she has had far worse.

Food donations from organic food producers have been generous! (Thanks, guys!) Marie has been able to maintain her muscle mass and minimize seizures, respiratory inflammation, adverse immune responses and other complications -- which we hope will increase her chances of survival during her relocation.

Marie is looking forward to moving and to starting a new life, elsewhere.

Question 9. Does Marie still love Southwest Baptist University?
Always.

Cold Hope: WWII Vet Frozen to Death Leaves Estate to Hospital

Things aren't always what they seem.

In the blog entitled, Too Close for Comfort, which was posted last week (here), we described the case of the 93-year-old, Bay City, Michigan veteran, who froze to death in his own home as a result of the disconnection (or "limiting") of his electrical service.

[As we noted, elements of the story were all too reminiscent of the treatment Marie had received in previous years at the hands of Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention, Empire District Electric Company and Bolivar City officials (see the end of the post here). ]

CNN is reporting that Marvin Schur's story has now taken another odd twist:

(CNN) -- A 93-year-old World War II medic who froze to death last month in his Bay City, Michigan, home left his entire estate to a local hospital, an estate attorney told CNN Wednesday.

The temperature in Marvin Schur's home was 32 degrees when his body was found, a medical examiner said.

The temperature in Marvin Schur's home was 32 degrees when his body was found, a medical examiner said.

The attorney would not disclose the exact amount left behind by Martin Schur. But his nephew said his uncle indicated to family members two years ago that he had saved up more than a half-million dollars over the years. Schur and his wife, Marian, who died more than a year ago, did not have any children.

"I just know at one time he said he had over $600,000 in savings," said William Walworth. "That's what he told me and my brother, and he was proud that he was able to save and build his estate up to that."

Cathy Reder, an attorney negotiating on behalf of Bay Regional Medical Center and the Schur family, said she was filing paperwork in probate court Wednesday for the court to determine the validity of the will. A hearing has been set for March 17.

Reder would not specify the amount left to the hospital, other than to say it's more than $1.

"The will leaves everything to Bay Medical Center," she said.

The hospital had no immediate comment.

Walworth said his uncle was a frugal man who hadn't eaten at a restaurant for over 30 years. "He was very tight, and he was very frugal. But he did manage to save a lot of money."

He said it's possible his uncle's estate could be less than $600,000, but he believes it's still "sizable."

"Knowing my uncle, that's him," Walworth said. "He loved his community. He loved Bay City, Michigan."

He added, "Hopefully his death is not in vain and we can learn from this, and he's still able to save lives. ... He was a very unique, special person in my life. I'm proud of what he was able to do in his life."

He said he hopes his uncle's message will spur others to "look out for their neighbor."

Read the rest of this tragic story (here).

Servant-Leaders?: Unethical/Criminal Conduct to be Addressed at Southwest Baptist University Trustees Meeting on Feb 9 -10; MBC's Tolliver Invited

When faced with moral or ethical failure, what example should "servant-leaders" provide for Southwest Baptist University students, Missouri Baptists, the Church, and the community?

Marie is asking -- in writing -- that the unethical and/or criminal conduct of Southwest Baptist University's leadership's be addressed directly at Southwest Baptist University Trustees Meeting on February 9 -10.

The "new" Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver is also heartily invited to attend ... and answer these questions in person.

Details to be posted shortly.

UPDATED (Feb 4)! Judges Rule IN FAVOR of Windermere and Against the Missouri Baptist Convention

KANSAS CITY — A three-member panel of the Western District Court of Appeals has upheld a Cole County Circuit Court decision in favor of Windermere Baptist Conference Center’s right to amend its articles of incorporation in 2001 without the approval of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Cole County Judge Richard Callahan in March 2008 granted Windermere’s motion for summary judgment, prompting the MBC’s appeal.

MBC cases against The Baptist Home, Missouri Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Foundation and Word&Way have not yet been decided.

Word&Way will soon post a fuller story on the latest decision.

See latest information from The Word and Way (here)
and more extensively (here).

~*~
IN-DEPTH COVERAGE from The Springfield News Leader
(here).

~*~
READ THE COURT'S DECISION
(here - pdf required).
(This link was borrowed from Brian Kaylor's insightful blog.)

~*~
Appeals court sides with Missouri Baptist conference center
By Vicki Brown (Associated Baptist Press)
Tuesday, 03 February 2009
February 4, 2009
~*~

Appeals Court Affirms Trial Judge in Windermere Case
MBC Pathway,
the official journal of the Missouri Baptist Convention
February 4, 2009
~*~

Appeals Court Rules Against Mo. Convention
EthicsDaily.com Staff
February 4, 2009
~*~

WINDERMERE'S WEBSITE (HERE)

~*~~*~~*~

After 22 Months It's FINALLY Official! Dr. David Tolliver Named Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention

From the time-warped MBC Pathway (timestamped as Last Published: February 3, 2009 3:25 PM)

Missouri Baptists get new executive director

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (BP)—The man who held the interim title for nearly 22 months, David Tolliver, is the new executive director of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC).

The MBC Executive Board in a special called meeting Feb. 3 voted to call Tolliver 44-4, and Tolliver said he would accept in a Gold Room filled with board members, state convention staff, and visitors. Tolliver, 58, has been serving since May 2005 as an MBC associate executive director.

The executive board action was the culmination of a nationwide search by the 11-member search committee that took nearly 19 months. During that time Tolliver, a fourth-generation Missouri Baptist pastor, was hard at work in the Baptist Building in what turned out to be an extended job interview. Various national candidates besides Tolliver were considered along the way, but he was the only one recommended and ultimately called to succeed David Clippard, who was terminated April 10, 2007, on a 44-7 vote by the board.

Tolliver becomes the 12th man to hold the position of executive director/general superintendent/executive secretary since the 175-year-old convention created that office in 1917. Seven of those leaders served in the Missouri Baptist General Association, which was renamed the MBC in December 1958.

Read article (here).

Lots more to be said later today ...

Peacemaker's Ministry on the Agenda for Today's Meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board with Dr. David Tolliver

From the January 29, 2009 MBC Pathway :

Peace Committee continues work, more meetings set

JEFFERSON CITY—The Peace Committee of the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) is looking for some guidance from the entity that formed it, the MBC Executive Board, before going ahead with a third-party mediator for what would appear to be a process of biblical reconciliation.

The committee agreed Jan. 15 when it met at the Baptist Building to place two items on the agenda of the Feb. 3 special called meeting of the Executive Board, which is mainly to consider MBC Interim Executive Director David Tolliver for the position of executive director.

The first item is to amend the composition of the committee to include two non-voting, ex-officio members—the executive director, and the chairman of the board’s Administrative Committee, who is Roy Dameron, a retired minister from Concord Baptist Church here.

Also up for a board vote is a Peace Committee request that Johnny Johnson, a Peacemaker Ministries consultant, be secured as an independent contractor for future Peace Committee meetings. This is “in compliance with the spirit” of the mandate of the committee, which is “to work things out in Missouri Baptist life.” ...

Read entire article (here).

More comments to follow after today's meeting ...

SAFE PASSAGE: An Opportunity for RESTORATIVE MINISTRY for the Missouri Baptist Convention, Southwest Baptist University & First Baptist Church Bolivar

SAFE PASSAGE:
An Opportunity for RESTORATIVE MINISTRY
for the "TRINITY" --
Missouri Baptist Convention,
Southwest Baptist University
and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO

POSTING SHORTLY -
Letter to Dr. David Tolliver,
(Interim) Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention


~*~

Updating links and making other blogsite adjustments ...
~*~

Our warm prayers are with the victims of the recent ice storm.

~*~~*~~*~

Too Close for Comfort: NEWS LINK/COMMENTARY 93-Year-Old Michigan Veteran Frozen to Death When Utility Company Shut Off Power for Unpaid Bills

The story from the Associated Press:

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) — A 93-year-old man froze to death inside his home just days after the municipal power company restricted his use of electricity because of unpaid bills, officials said.

Marvin E. Schur died "a slow, painful death," said Kanu Virani, Oakland County's deputy chief medical examiner, who performed the autopsy.

Neighbors discovered Schur's body on Jan. 17. They said the indoor temperature was below 32 degrees at the time, The Bay City Times reported Monday.

"Hypothermia shuts the whole system down, slowly," Virani said. "It's not easy to die from hypothermia without first realizing your fingers and toes feel like they're burning." ...

Read The Associated Press Story (here).

Also, from Wichita Falls [Texas] Times editorial:

Our Opinion: Heartless Power company shows no remorse at death of customer

No one gave Marvin E. Schur a second thought.

And someone should lose sleep — if not some freedom — over his death.

...

The company must file testimony in the case by Feb. 22, reported the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, including what steps the company took to enroll senior citizens like Schur for shut-off protection.

Bay City Manager Robert Belleman told the Associated Press that the company’s policies would be reviewed but he didn’t think the case was handled incorrectly.

A man died, and the city manager doesn’t think the city did anything wrong?

In his infinite wisdom, the city manager did have one sound piece of advice:

“I’ve said this before and some of my colleagues have said this: Neighbors need to keep an eye on neighbors,” Belleman told the AP.

Customers are neighbors, too.

Read the entire editorial (here).

Having endured this form of torture several times, Marie is all too familiar with this kind of scenario -- with Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Baptist Convention officials applauding as Empire District Electrical Company (and their lawyers, who happened to be deacons/spiritual leaders at First Baptist Church of Bolivar and within the Southern Baptist Convention Boards) as well as the attorneys for the City of Bolivar, the County of Polk, Missouri ... and (of course) Southwest Baptist University permitted Marie's utilities to be disconnected on over a dozen occasions, the longest for 64 days.

Marie herself does not face electrical disconnection this winter -- which, however, is not due to any assistance from any federal, state, local or Christian organization, because she has still not received any assistance since this statement in 1996 (see here).

Nonetheless, we could not allow this incident to pass without some comment.

Update: COLD HOPE (here).

Too Close for Comfort: NEWS LINK/COMMENTARY - 93-Year-Old Michigan Veteran Frozen to Death When Utility Company Shut Off Power for Unpaid Bi

The story from the Associated Press:

BAY CITY, Mich. (AP) — A 93-year-old man froze to death inside his home just days after the municipal power company restricted his use of electricity because of unpaid bills, officials said.

Marvin E. Schur died "a slow, painful death," said Kanu Virani, Oakland County's deputy chief medical examiner, who performed the autopsy.

Neighbors discovered Schur's body on Jan. 17. They said the indoor temperature was below 32 degrees at the time, The Bay City Times reported Monday.

"Hypothermia shuts the whole system down, slowly," Virani said. "It's not easy to die from hypothermia without first realizing your fingers and toes feel like they're burning." ...

Read The Associated Press Story (here).

Also, from Wichita Falls [Texas] Times editorial:

Our Opinion: Heartless Power company shows no remorse at death of customer

No one gave Marvin E. Schur a second thought.

And someone should lose sleep — if not some freedom — over his death.

...

The company must file testimony in the case by Feb. 22, reported the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth, including what steps the company took to enroll senior citizens like Schur for shut-off protection.

Bay City Manager Robert Belleman told the Associated Press that the company’s policies would be reviewed but he didn’t think the case was handled incorrectly.

A man died, and the city manager doesn’t think the city did anything wrong?

In his infinite wisdom, the city manager did have one sound piece of advice:

“I’ve said this before and some of my colleagues have said this: Neighbors need to keep an eye on neighbors,” Belleman told the AP.

Customers are neighbors, too.

Read the entire editorial (here).

Having endured this form of torture several times, Marie is all too familiar with this kind of scenario -- with Southwest Baptist University and Missouri Baptist Convention officials applauding as Empire District Electrical Company (and their lawyers, who happened to be deacons/spiritual leaders at First Baptist Church of Bolivar and within the Southern Baptist Convention Boards) as well as the attorneys for the City of Bolivar, the County of Polk, Missouri ... and (of course) Southwest Baptist University permitted Marie's utilities to be disconnected on over a dozen occasions, the longest for 64 days.

Marie herself does not face electrical disconnection this winter -- which, however, is not due to any assistance from any federal, state, local or Christian organization, because she has still not received any assistance since this statement in 1996 (see here).

Nonetheless, we could not allow this incident to pass without some comment.

Further posting shortly.

UPDATE! Outta the Blue! Houston, We Have a Problem -- Communications Outage and Converging Timelines

While working to post (and etc.) earlier [on Sunday], we were hit with a communications outrage.

Though this has happened before, the phone company has no real explanation: "Computer switching error, perhaps?"

We are up and running again and will be posting soon.

However, what should have gotten done yesterday was delayed until today ... and some of today's "assignments" were tended to yesterday.

At some time today, though, the two timelines should converge and we will be back on schedule. We will keep you posted.

Welcome Back Southwest Baptist University Students!

Thank you for your patience.

The "All In The Family" Letters: A Call to Manly Action for Interim Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver

As discussed in yesterday's post (see here), this week's Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway has confirmed (as Marie and others have suspected for nearly a year) that the nominee for the "new" Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention will be the "old" Interim Director, Dr. David Tolliver.

Upon hearing the news, Marie incorporated this new development into the "Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice" Letters (Introductory letter here) to the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO.

Bypassing intermediate steps, Marie has addressed Dr. Tolliver directly in a letter to be faxed this weekend and delivered on Monday, January 26, 2009.

The "All In the Family" Letter urges immediate action on Dr. Tolliver's part to forestall complications and to accelerate the establishing of basic framework for resolving this dispute (before the scheduled election on February 3).

Dr. Tolliver's cooperation in founding of such a framework would eliminate the need for a full-scale, formal Investigation.

Otherwise, Marie acknowledges, such an Investigation would reveal elements of Dr. David Tolliver's "leadership style" that would imperil Dr. Tolliver's nomination.

However, Marie recognizes that Dr. Tolliver's behavior was due primarily to his adoration to his old friend and mentor, the late Dr. James Sells (former Southwest Baptist University CEO, chancellor and president), and forgives him for his lack of diligence and impartiality in discerning what is best for Southwest Baptist University and the Missouri Baptist Convention.

Nonetheless, Marie insists that she not be forced to suffer for his errors (and the mistakes of others in the past) and asks that Dr. Tolliver act swiftly, maturely and manfully -- with Southwest Baptist University and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, MO -- in bringing the matter to a God-honoring conclusion.

Parts of the "All In the Family" Letter will be posted shortly.

Keeping It In "The Family": Missouri Baptist Convention to Consider Tolliver for Exec. Director Feb. 3 (with former Gov. Matt Blunt Joining Prayer)

The Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board will consider Dr. David Tolliver for the position of Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Director during their February meeting (February 3):

(Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway) JEFFERSON CITY—David Tolliver, who has served as interim executive director for the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) since April 2007, will be recommended for the job permanently at a special called meeting of the MBC Executive Board Feb. 3.

The board is expected to discuss calling Tolliver to the position and vote, up or down, on his candidacy, according to James Freeman, chairman of the Executive Director Search Committee and a layman from Country Meadows Baptist Church, Independence. The meeting will take place at 11 a.m. at the Baptist Building.

Tolliver, 58, is well known throughout Missouri as a pastor who has stood in pulpits and shepherded flocks from St. Louis to Mid-Missouri to Kansas City. Those churches include: Calvary Baptist and Oak Hill Baptist in St. Louis (8½ years total after a merger); Friendship Baptist, California (5 years); and Pisgah Baptist, Excelsior Springs (6 years).

Over the last two decades he has worn multiple hats as both a Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist leader, serving on several national and state boards and committees.

His work includes: Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee, 1992-2000; SBC Committee on Nominations, 1999; MBC president, 2004; MBC recording secretary, 2002; president of the Missouri Baptist Pastors’ Conference, 2000; MBC Agency Restoration Group since its inception in 2002; Southwest Baptist University trustee, 2002-2007; and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary trustee, 2002-2008).

... (see remainder of article in the MBC Pathway here).

Conveniently, Dr. David Tolliver is well acquainted with the various situations within the governance of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

~*~ALSO NOTED~*~

All political disagreements apparently forgiven, the contributions of former Missouri Governor Matt Blunt were warmly applauded by members of the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board:

(Missouri Baptist Convention Pathway) JEFFERSON CITY—Founders of the annual prayer service for Missouri government leaders at Concord Baptist Church have always said that the event is bigger than any one person, yet Jan. 7 was notable in that it ended the five-year run of a familiar friend—Gov. Matt Blunt.

Blunt, a Missouri Southern Baptist who worships at Second [Baptist Church of] Springfield, never missed a service after he attended the first one in 2005 as governor-elect.

His actions revealed his abiding belief that prayer works, and members of the three sponsoring entities—the Missouri Baptist Convention (MBC) Christian Life Commission (CLC), The Pathway, and the host church—came to appreciate his consistency.

It seemed inevitable that the 2009 service would have a warm moment. Five days before he was to leave office, the governor heard Michael Knight, prayer service master of ceremonies, pastor of First Baptist Church, Viburnum, and member of the MBC Executive Board, thank him for his faithful service while in office due to his good character.

Departing from tradition, many of the 200 or so attendees applauded a man, causing the governor to examine his shortcomings before a holy God.

“It was too kind,” Blunt said. “I’m a fallible person, and I’m aware of that, but it’s been a real privilege to attend this event through my years as governor... .”

Jay Nixon, a Democrat, has since succeeded Blunt, a Republican, as governor.

(See: Governor Provided Annual Reminder of Prayer’s Priority here.)

~~~*~~~
See Update:
The "All In The Family" Letters: A Call to Manly Action for Interim Missouri Baptist Executive Director Dr. David Tolliver

~~~*~~~

REAL JUSTICE for Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist of Bolivar

After reading the "Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice" (which have not yet been posted), a friend commented to Marie:

But I don't understand! Doesn't REAL Justice demand that those involved in unethical and even criminal conduct be dismissed -- both within the Southwest Baptist University Trustees and the Missouri Baptist Convention Executive Board?

Marie wrote in response:

If that is all that can be done, then, yes.

But, in light of all that has happened, that seems like a pathetically simplistic response.

Of course, my purpose in this (at least in part) is to deliver my own life out of their hands and to “restore”(if and where possible) the lives of those who aided me during these years.

If this reprehensible situation persists, sooner or later, individuals associated with Southwest Baptist University will be responsible for ending my life -- either through unmediated hostility, calculated, surrogate assault, or ongoing, contemptuous neglect.

At this point, I have a moral responsibility to act: My refusal to publicly confront these people -- who show so little concern for the lives of others (and for my life, in particular) -- would be the moral equivalent of suicide (or self-murder) and/or of being an accessory to the "murder" of the souls (if not the actual bodies) of others.

Regardless of their propaganda claims of excellence, these people have not acted in a "godly" -- or even "reasonable" or "good" -- manner.

REAL Justice is demanded in this case. Absolutely. But, Justice -- especially Restorative Justice -- is not simple or reflexive revenge. Always, Justice must be tempered and transformed by Mercy.

Jesus came not merely to fulfill Justice, but to teach, demonstrate, and embody Mercy.

His Sacrifice should be the Example we model, not the weak exculpations and excuses, which so permeate much of the modern Church.

Christ’s sacrificial Example was not (and is not) simple, cheap, or easy.

Jesus came to give Himself for the good of the Church and the World -- THAT should be OUR ultimate goal in this Sacrificial Justice.

This is the Mystery: Justice -- transformed by Mercy through Sacrifice -- brings True Restoration.

Indeed, both Sacrificial Justice and Restorative Mercy are desperately needed by Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and the First Baptist Church of Bolivar -- whether they acknowledge it themselves or not.

... and THAT is what we ALL should seek.

~~~*~~~

The text of the
“Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice”
(details here)
will be posted shortly
and will be available to the congregation
and returning Southwest Baptist University students
at the First Baptist Church of Bolivar
before the Wednesday night service this week.

~~~*~~~

Missouri Baptist Heart of Integrity Questions Blog for Southwest Baptist University, Missouri Baptist Convention & First Baptist Church of Bolivar

SISTER BLOG:
Missouri Baptist Heart of Integrity Questions Blog
(http://heartofintegrity.blogspot.com),
which should prove relevant over the
next few days
as they consider the


"Invitations to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice"
(here)

Updates and new information this weekend ...

Invitation to First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Southwest Baptist University & Missouri Baptist Convention to Reconciliation & Restorative Justice

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Marie O’Hara
Mailing Address
Bolivar, MO 65613

Invitation to Reconciliation and the
Restorative Justice Process

Pastor Billy Russell, Former Pastor Ray Leininger,
and Interim Pastor Rodney Reeves
and the Staff, Trustees, Deacons and Congregants of
The First Baptist Church of Bolivar
316 North Main Street
Bolivar, MO 65613
Phone: (417) 326-2431 Fax: (417)-326-4706

Restoring a Brother

15 "If your brother sins against you, go and rebuke him in private. If he listens to you, you have won your brother.

16 But if he won't listen, take one or two more with you, so that by the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact may be established.

17 If he pays no attention to them, tell the church. But if he doesn't pay attention even to the church, let him be like an unbeliever and a tax collector to you.

--- Matthew 18 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Dear Brothers and Sisters of First Baptist Church in Bolivar:

In the past several years, as you may be aware, I have repeatedly attempted to communicate with Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention and (more recently) the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri concerning my outstanding claims against individuals and officials associated with Southwest Baptist University, the Missouri Baptist Convention, and former Pastor Ray Leininger, the Trustees, the Deacons, and the staff of First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri.

As I explained in my November 11, 2007 letter to you:

Specifically, these claims involve: malicious slander and defamation; harassment; intimidation; retaliation; witness tampering; forgery; obstruction of justice; fraud; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with city, county, and state officials; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with Southwest Baptist University, Southern Baptist and Missouri Baptist Conventions and other church officials; the conspiracy to defraud and harm in collaboration with local business and community members; the intentional infliction of physical damage, pain and suffering; the intentional infliction of emotional distress and social, spiritual, and psychological anguish, pain and suffering; financial damage and losses; the invasion of privacy and violation of confidentiality; pastoral negligence and the abuse of pastoral privilege and authority, and various conspiracies to cause injury, humiliation, debasement, and harm.

As you can see, these claims are a serious, long-standing affront to Jesus Christ and His Church. Further, it is impossible to ignore the reality of the involvement of a sizable portion of the membership of your congregation.

In seeking a means of resolving these circumstances, I have studied the Holy Scripture, particularly the text of Matthew 18, which concerns the restoration of an errant brother. However, I was surprised to discover that I interpret this passage with a different emphasis than many scholars do.

As the process of restoration reaches its zenith in Verse 17, I believe that the intent in the command to “tell it to the church” is not to humiliate, shame, or exile the brother. Instead, I believe this is an admonition to notify the Church as a whole – as the Living Body of Christ – that there is an urgent need to initiate a more comprehensive and cooperative effort to rescue this straying brother by providing a mediating and buffering presence, lest the Church of Jesus Christ be disgraced by malfeasance and divided by internecine struggle.

My understanding of this passage, I am prayerfully convinced, is well in keeping with the character, identity, mission, and Spirit of Christ Jesus.

For this reason, I have written to request the intervention of the First Baptist Church of Bolivar, Missouri – both as individuals and as members of this congregation – in implementing a Process of Restorative Justice.

Restorative Justice: The Principles and Process

Restorative Justice?

Perhaps this terminology is completely unfamiliar to you. Or, has the concept been used (and abused) so imprecisely that its meaning is diluted or obscured?

In order to clarify the use of the term in this context, I request that you familiarize yourselves with the document, Statement Of Restorative Justice Principles As Applied in a School Setting (2nd Edition, 2005).

The Statement may be freely downloaded and printed from the United Kingdom Restorative Justice website at the URL address: http://www.restorativejustice.org.uk/Resources/pdf/Principles_Schools_2005_2nd_ed.pdf

So as to provide a common platform for communication, please review this publication, which enumerates, summarizes, and elucidates the lexicon and Principles of Restorative Justice.

As the Statement encapsulates, the Principles and Values of Restorative Justice:

... form the basis for restorative practices in all settings, using all models, where the primary aims are to repair harm and promote dialogue. ... Supporting this framework of Principles are the values encompassed by the Restorative Justice Process. Restorative practices are underpinned by a set of values, these include: Empowerment, Honesty, Respect, Engagement, Voluntarism, Healing, Restoration, Personal Accountability, Inclusiveness, Collaboration, and Problem-solving.

Although this exposition originates with a secular organization, these Principles of Restorative Justice harmonize with a distinctly Biblical and Christ-centered understanding of Justice.

Even with this qualification, this Statement Of Restorative Justice Principles As Applied in a School Setting (2nd Edition, 2005) will serve us well, I believe, as a pragmatic architecture upon which to construct a systematic accord of conduct.

Nevertheless, I will admit to my own arrière pensée, that is, an unstated doubt that prevents me from accepting this Statement wholeheartedly.

Restorative Justice: The Limitations

As vital and instructive as the Principles of Restorative Justice (as delineated in this Statement) may be, these Principles are, nevertheless, limited.

Although I will continue to refer to this process and procedure as Restorative Justice, this term may overstate my actual intent and approach.

Particularly since the death of my widowed sister and the orphaning of her four remaining children in June 2007, I recognize that what I have lost as a consequence of my interaction with First Baptist Church of Bolivar and her members cannot easily (or ever) be "restored."

In truth I tell you, I do not believe that you can “restore” to me what you do not possess yourselves.

Wouldn’t “true” Restorative Justice require a willingness to grapple with and engage the Holy Spirit in reclaiming -- for my benefit and on my behalf – that which has been lost?

Quite honestly, as the years have become decades and each wrong has multiplied scores and hundreds of times over, I have no real confidence that any of us could sustain the exploit and effort necessary to win such a Restorative Justice.

Nonetheless, my prayer is that through this process you may experience for yourselves – by the forgiveness and redemption of Christ Jesus – the re-visioning of your own souls, that you might more richly reflect the magnificence of the Ancient of Days.

And, therefore, since “true” Restorative Justice appears beyond our capacity, would it not be in all of our best interests to consider a viable alternative?

Restorative Justice: Keeping Competence and Confidentiality

This coming week, various individuals associated with this situation will be receiving – by fax, by mail and by delivery – “The Invitation to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice,” which I will hereafter refer to as “The Invitation.”

Within “The Invitation,” I have outlined a means by which we may communicate (and, hopefully, resolve) this situation.

To insure ordered and confidential communication, I respectfully petition that you contain your contact with me to those modalities specifically authorized and detailed in writing.

(To forestall misunderstanding, please note: My auxiliaries, those who aid me in errands, do not have the authority to speak for me. For this reason, please do not question them, as this may needlessly complicate or hinder this matter.)

Likewise, in order to minimize chaos, it would best serve our mutual interests if you were to designate in writing – through the process described in “The Invitation” – those individuals who are appointed to speak or act on your behalf.

Please honor my request to respond to this “The Invitation to Reconciliation and Restorative Justice,” – either to accept or decline – by Sunday, January 25, 2009.

I thank you for your consideration and cooperation.


Praying Wholeheartedly for Your Integrity,


Marie O’Hara