One of the most disappointing aspects of ministry is that, inexplicably, some people will simply choose to lie about you. I'm not referring to innocent misunderstandings or misstatements, I mean the intentional decision to spread falsehood, to impugn you, to do you harm.
Such is the case w/ this article. I typically ignore such, refusing to give oxygen to falsehoods. But, either the author, their "sources," or both have chosen to lie about me. Inaccuracies, misrepresentations, and outright falsehoods fill this article.
capstonereport.com/2020/01/09/did…
capstonereport.com/2020/01/09/did…
The accurate part is that I was in Jefferson City for a few hours on that date. I had several visits w/ Missouri Baptist Convention partners, and, since I was in Jeff City, enjoyed a brief visit with Gov. Parson. We visited for about 10 - 15 minutes.
With me were my two teenage daughters, Don Hinkle of the MBC Pathway, the Governor, and his aid. We talked ministry, Midwestern Seminary, Southern Baptist life, Religious Liberty, and protecting the unborn. Immigration, refugees, nor anything associated ever came up.
More broadly, I've not, in any way, been a part of lobbying efforts nationally nor in Missouri related to immigration or refugee placement. It's not that these are inappropriate considerations, I've just been more focused on other ministry issue & concerns.
More broadly, I'm always happy to hear from Southern Baptists. I work to respond in timely, candid ways to their correspondence. I'm convinced the SBC (& the church as a whole) must reject the scourge of tabloid journalism & repudiate slander. If not, it will continue to destroy.
As for me, questions are always in-bounds, false accusations are always out-of-bounds. Honest questions are always appropriate and should receive honest answers. False accusations are never appropriate and should be rebuked & repudiated. Differentiating between the two is key.
In the final analysis, to be lied about is a small thing. To get to serve the church of the Lord Jesus as I do is an honor, a joy, a precious stewardship. Southern Baptists are a great people. If we are able to move beyond tabloid journalism & slander, we'll be even greater.
