tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post9118353525548245314..comments2018-12-16T21:23:39.790-08:00Comments on Transformational Truth: One of the BoysTom Willoughbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12070536816388717604noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-64875702184758156152007-01-25T18:53:00.000-08:002007-01-25T18:53:00.000-08:00Bro. Tom:
Thank you for your reply, and for the h...Bro. Tom:<br /><br />Thank you for your reply, and for the heart for the Lord that its content appears to evidence.<br /><br />Remember: in your elected position, you are as much a "full member" of the MBC board as is any other trustee--power-broker or otherwise. Despite committee assignments, there is no "pecking-order". Do not be a silent board member; do not fail to stand up or to speak up in any board or committee meeting. Ask every question which should be asked of both board members and of staff members--and the questions others want to ask but fear to ask. Lovingly call for a cessation of the trouble and for repentance--and keep calling until those who should do both actually do both or give up and go home. Insist that the MBC press accurately reports the truth of matters--after it personally and professionally investigates those matters (and refrains from what editors of other state convention newspapers have indicated to me they consider extreme and off-the-wall comments).<br />Let righteousness win the day.<br /><br />You are being prayed for (Exodus 14:14).<br /><br /><br />David Troublefield<br />Wichita Falls, TXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-49056227288012993652007-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:002007-01-25T14:48:00.000-08:00David,
Thank you for your insights. Let me assure...David,<br /><br />Thank you for your insights. Let me assure you that it is the desire of a very large percentage of our current board to see a radical transformation take place that would end the reign of the political power-brokers and return us to a day of spiritual brokenness before God. It remains to be seen as to whether there is a majority on the board, but I can say that there is most assuredly a ground-swell statewide toward that end.<br /><br />The word that needs to be heard throughout the MBC and SBC are the words of Joshua recounted in the Willoughby Paraphrase ;) "Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve: whether the power brokers who live toward the river, or the voices of fourth and fifth generation Missourians in whose land they will remind you that you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."<br /><br />Please keep us in your prayers. We need them!Tom Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12070536816388717604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-14063940292751269282007-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:002007-01-25T09:00:00.000-08:00Tom:
Maybe it's a new day in Missouri and for the...Tom:<br /><br />Maybe it's a new day in Missouri and for the MBC. <br /><br />I had the privilege (?) of serving as a MBC executive board trustee (1998-2001) at the time when that state Baptist convention chose to come apart at its seams--unnecessarily and as an absolute embarrassment to Heaven, I'm sure. At that time, it actually was possible for a biblical/theological conservative--like me--to vote his informed conscience before God and STILL be castigated as, first, a theological "moderate" and later a "liberal" (and this by at least one very public face who claims to stand for the truth and telling it plainly--but who apparently means by this his uninvestigated version of it, who does not have courage corresponding to his reported moral convictions, and who fails to respond to inquiries regarding his practices). The level of hypocrisy displayed at that time in executive board sessions--public and closed--was incredible and sad. In 2001, the MBC board was led by ones also guiding that state convention's congregations into numerical decline--a condition from which I hope they now have recovered. Yes; no one is perfect--and imperfection was on full-display at that time.<br /><br />If I'm incorrect and it isn't yet a new day either in Missouri or for the MBC (this actually is suggested by recent reports), please work to make it so, brother. May the Lord be with you as you do.<br /><br />David Troublefield<br />Wichita Falls, TXAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-42827083568284016102007-01-24T11:34:00.000-08:002007-01-24T11:34:00.000-08:00This is a great example of how God is always speak...This is a great example of how God is always speaking, through all of life, for those who will listen.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing this story and message.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-12230196366231156042007-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:002007-01-24T10:31:00.000-08:00Tom,
Thank you for this post. You're right on trac...Tom,<br />Thank you for this post. You're right on track. My guess is that if thirty people who are involved in denominational life, from denominational employees to pastors and church staff, to actively involved church members, put their heads together, they would come up with lists of names that, with few exceptions, would be remarkably similar. <br /><br />It only takes being on the receiving end of the actions of one of those "networks" to cause someone to completely reconsider their ministry career course.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-40332246481285567532007-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:002007-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:00Tom:
Ironic you used a picture of the "godfather"...Tom:<br /><br />Ironic you used a picture of the "godfather". God is the Father, and I suspect that where He finds a "godfather", He simply wouldn't hang around.<br /><br />There's only one "godfather" in any organization.Bob Clevelandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06110395869562328309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-64465970521166912892007-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:002007-01-23T07:54:00.000-08:00Tom, I think your observations about blind loyalty...Tom, I think your observations about blind loyalty in family, carried over to systems in church/sbc life are both interesting and true. I've seen it for some time now, attending both associational and state conventions. Many don't even know the issues at hand, but it so-in-so says it, that's good enough for me.<br />We just don't want to be the next cool aid generation. We <strong>must</strong> be listening to the Holy Spirit and our allegiance is to Him first and foremost.<br />Thanks for the reminder.Alyceleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15130147737160480022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-76072348034001896282007-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:002007-01-22T20:08:00.000-08:00Thanks Marty, you're an encouragement to me. Bless...Thanks Marty, you're an encouragement to me. Blessings on you Brother!Tom Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12070536816388717604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-30839763294138483222007-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:002007-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:00James, I just had dinner tonight with a church pla...James, I just had dinner tonight with a church planting leader who is DEEPLY concerned that several of the new church starts he is working with in a major metropolitan area are hanging on to the convention by a thread. What a thought! We are just a thread away from losing the one link we have between the convention and this generation! <br /><br />I can't tell you how much this breaks my heart. I believe more and more that part of my calling is to help bridge the gap between the convention and this unreached people group called age 18-35. <br /><br />If I didn't believe in the SBC and the Cooperative Program, I would waste my time; but I believe that God has raised this convention to reach this generation just as much as the tribes of Western Africa. God help us to see the light and share His love.Tom Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12070536816388717604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-41856798405730380732007-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:002007-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:00loveforthelost, sorry I don't know your name. No o...loveforthelost, sorry I don't know your name. No offense taken. I was gone all day today at a state evangelism conference. With a name like yours, I'm sure you can understand my not getting things published as quickly as you may have liked.<br /><br />Anyway, to answer your critique, let me just say that I NEVER mentioned a name for the very specific reason that to do so is to do exactly what I was addressing in my post (i.e. turning issues into personal attacks). My concern is not that any one endure a character assasination, but rather to give specific direction toward our prayer and our awareness.<br /><br />It seems interesting that you request a name, but you yourself are reluctant to post your own name on your profile. I have seen first hand what I have seen. My concern is not to convince you of this but simply raise the question, should these things be so? You may disagree that such invisible structures exist, that is your prerogative. There are many who doubt that there ever was a crime syndicate, a moon landing or even a holocaust. They are entitled to their views however misguided they may be.<br /><br />I have sat through the Nominating Committee meetings, the Executive Board meetings held in Executive Session, been part of the phone calling ring to secure votes for the conservative resurgence, etc., etc.. I could go on, but I think the point is made that my insight does not come from hearsay or gossip, but rather first-hand experience.<br /><br />Denial is never the way toward healing in the land. And a blog is not the place to list names to call into accountability, but rather one should go to these individuals (which I have), and to confront them privately. <br /><br />I do find it interesting that you automatically assumed that I was referring to Dr. Patterson. Is this a guilt by association comment? Or was there something in what I wrote that led you to believe that I might in fact be speaking of Dr. Patterson? I would be interested to know the answer to that.Tom Willoughbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12070536816388717604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-28972914299903716952007-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:002007-01-22T17:56:00.000-08:00Keep standing, Tom. Your tribe is increasing and ...Keep standing, Tom. Your tribe is increasing and no one is looking for handouts, payola or favors.<br /><br />We are willing to let God use us as far as He will to accomplish whatever He can. Or He can squash this convention tomorrow and He still reigns!Marty Durenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13428755643842315790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1680687444464330336.post-3051727484763033912007-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:002007-01-22T17:31:00.000-08:00Et tu, Tom?
Thanks for opening up a part of your ...Et tu, Tom?<br /><br />Thanks for opening up a part of your family history and life story with the rest of us. Very interesting and very applicable. [German on one side and from Chicago on the other? You can't be all bad!] ;)<br /><br />Don't know about you, brother, but in many respects I feel like a "man without a country" at this point and time. I'm seeing the importance and centrality of the local church more and more.Rev.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01921507566144608199noreply@blogger.com