Archive for April, 2007
Friday Photos — More of My Kids
April 27th, 2007 | 3 Comments | Posted in » Pictures
I guess I’ll make it two weeks in a row to post some Friday photos. Here’s a few new ones of my kids.
One Bummed Chiefs Fan…
April 25th, 2007 | 15 Comments | Posted in » In the News..., KC Chiefs
I rarely post on sports here, but I can’t help but do so right now. I’m not even remotely happy with my favorite football team.
So far this offseason, it’s been made known that they’re going to trade Trent Green (as much as I hate to admit it, that’s understandable). Then, Will Shields retired (yeah, outside of the organization’s control, I know).
But today’s news? Well… it’s unacceptable… irritating… maddening… depressing… all at once. They’ve ditched Dante Hall?!? And to the RAMS?!?
You’ve gotta be kidding me. Trading the X-factor… the human joystick… one of the biggest fan favorites on the team?!?
Herm… HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?!?
Are You Prepared?
April 25th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » In the News..., Just For Fun...
Here’s a good “are you prepared” question for you… what will you do in the event of an alien invasion?
Oh come one… you don’t know already?
Well, don’t despair… these guys have it all figured out.
Watch Out Superman…
April 24th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » In the News...
Watch out Superman… scientists have discovered Kryptonite.
Friday Photos — On the Job
April 20th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » Pictures
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a Friday photo, so thought I’d get back in the routine and post a couple I took while on the job.
The first is something I never like to see (a shattered pole, taken after a severe storm last year). I thought it made an interesting shot, though.
This is a shot from last winter, taken inside a substation.
Missouri Mess, Part 5: The Q&A
April 17th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News...
As was hinted at in my previous post (perhaps I should have stated it outright), I had heard a Q&A on the MBC’s April 10th Executive Board meeting was forthcoming, and hoped it would answer some questions in regard to the dismissal of David Clippard. At least to some extent, it has. Check it out here.
I have to ask… why in the world wasn’t this made available at the same time as the report? I know people were frustrated with the lack of information coming from the Executive Board on this (I was definitely part of that group), but shouldn’t those responsible for releasing the report have seen that putting it out there by itself would result in yet more frustration? Since this FAQ was apparently in the works, shouldn’t they have either simply held off another day in order to publish both simultaneously, or at least let everyone know it was coming? I’m still very frustrated with how this entire situation has been handled.
Anyway… thoughts on the Q&A.
One of the big questions most people (again, including me) have had was why David was not allowed to address the Board. The Q&A answers that he was aware of the report’s contents prior to the meeting, that he was approached to resign prior to the meeting, and that our MBC President believed that excluding him was important to allow for candid deliberation. The Q&A also states that after the decision was made to dismiss David, that several of the Board went to David’s office to discuss the matter with him and inform him of the decision. During that discussion, David asked why he was excluded from the meeting, and he was given reasons (presumably, those stated in the Q&A). They did not offer him the opportunity to address the Board at this point, nor did he ask to address them… somewhat understandable given that the decision to dismiss was already a done deal.
While the reasoning is now clear, I still believe that David should have been given the opportunity to address the entire Board at some point during this process. Maybe not during deliberations, but definitely during the report presentation, and probably also once the decision to dismiss him had been made.
My biggest question after reading the Q&A? Since I’m left with the impression that the lawsuit was a major issue behind the firing (I sensed this from the sanitized report, as well), I have to ask… why wasn’t this addressed by the Board way back in 2004? Or was it, and I simply missed it? What was David’s explanation for his handling of the situation? Did he misunderstand how much authority he had in handling the situation? Was he confused in what he was communicating to the Board about the suit? Is it possible he simply misunderstood the confidentiality issues? Where were the attorneys in all of this to ensure this was handled properly?
It certainly seems to me that there were mistakes made by many in this entire process. It’s entirely possible that David deserved dismissal. But I simply can’t see how the Executive Board could be without fault in this as well.
Of course, I’m just speaking as an interested observer. Hopefully everyone will learn from this and do better in the future.
The future of our convention may hinge upon it.
Missouri Mess, Part 4: The Report
April 16th, 2007 | 1 Comment | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News...
Okay. So the sanitized version of the investigative committee’s “report” is available. After reading it, I find myself more confused than ever, and more frustrated with this situation than ever, specifically in regard to the dismissal of David Clippard (if you’ll recall, the report was to address a much broader topic than just David).
Check it out for yourself here, and tell me that I’m just nuts and that this whole situation makes perfect sense to you now. Please. I’d rather know I’m crazy than be left wondering whether I’ve lost my mind and just thought I saw half a page devoted to whether David Clippard really put Don Hinkle in a headlock or not. Seriously, that’s in there… at least I think so, assuming I haven’t actually gone mad.
Anyway, best I can tell, from the heavily-edited, devoid-of-details page that relates specifically to David’s dismissal, the main reasons for his dismissal appear to be:
- poor morale amongst MBC staff, attributable to David
- harm to Missouri Baptists’ reputation due to David’s comments and conduct
- that David has been less than forthright with information
- that David has poorly managed the sexual harassment lawsuit brought upon him and the MBC by Carol Kaylor
- that David exhibited a divisive spirit toward the committee
These allegations are interesting, I suppose, but with so few supporting details, we’re still left trying to connect the dots to figure out just why David was fired. You’d think that this group, being made up of Missouri Baptists, would realize that this is the Sho-Me state, and would show us some details. But the details simply aren’t there, and we’re left guessing.
Here’s what I’d put on the list as relevant, were I to venture my guess (although I have no idea to what extent these issues played):
- Don Hinkle’s work at the Pathway, particularly some of his editorials, apparently upsets MBC staff sometimes. David appears to be held to task for his management of Don and the Pathway’s work. (BTW, it appears Don’s job is on the line next, if I’m interpreting page 9 of the report correctly.)
- David’s comments at the 2006 MBC Meeting regarding Islam brought attention to the MBC as a whole, in a rather negative light in secular media. I would presume this is at least part of that referred to by the Missouri Baptists’ reputation bullet.
- The sexual harassment lawsuit and subsequent settlement appear to play a large role in this. Even the sanitized report makes clear that David may have taken action in the case that was not authorized by the Executive Board.
Strangely, I find myself wondering if the secular media reports were really all that far off. Again, though, we’re given almost no details, so at this point, how could anyone tell anyway?
*SIGH*
I do hope more information is forthcoming.
Missouri Mess, Part 3: Coverage and Concerns
April 15th, 2007 | No Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News...
Last Wednesday, the MBC Pathway indicated in its news coverage of David Clippard’s dismissal that the report presented to the Executive Board leading to his dismissal may be available later in the week. Unfortunately, it has not been as quick in coming as many would have liked… the latest word is that it will be released on the MBC Pathway website tomorrow.
The problem with this? In this age of near-instant information, Missouri Baptists are rapidly growing frustrated at the lack of concrete information regarding the reasoning for Dr. Clippard’s dismissal. Couple this with the turmoil our convention has been through in recent years, the questions surrounding the process of Dr. Clippard’s dismissal, and now secular news coverage of the situation that seemingly provides more detail than our own state paper, and, well… let’s just say it doesn’t do much to defuse the situation.
Now, I know patience is a virtue, and I’m certain that everyone is doing their best in this. But I can’t shake the impression that public relations portion of this situation has been very poorly handled (if not flat-out botched), and it concerns me more about the action taken. I’m anxious to see the report, and hope it has not been “sanitized” to the point of uselessness in informing Missouri Baptists as to the real reasons behind Dr. Clippard’s dismissal.
My biggest concerns?
- Why wasn’t Dr. Clippard given an opportunity to address the Executive Board in regard to the report? I can understand him not being present while the Board was considering their course of action, but during report presentation and after their decision, what would have been the harm?
- If there were no ethical, moral, or legal failures, what was so damning in the report that the Executive Board would dismiss Dr. Clippard within such a short time of hearing the report (if I understand correctly, there was roughly a two-hour period for the report to presented, the Board to discuss it, and action to be taken)? How much time was really spent in prayer, carefully considering the decision?
- If this was simply a leadership issue (it happens), where did everyone go wrong in allowing it to grow to this point? Do not other MBC staff and the Executive Board also bear much responsibility in this matter (put differently, why just cut off the head)?
I don’t know… maybe I’m letting this situation bother me too much, but it just doesn’t smell right to me, as an average Missouri Baptist layperson. No matter how hard I’ve tried to look for the best in everyone in this, it simply continues to look like more of the same stuff our convention has been dealing with for the past several years.
I hope and pray that I’m wrong.
Missouri Mess, Part 2: Just the Facts
April 11th, 2007 | 1 Comment | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News...
As I wrote in my last post, the Missouri Baptist Convention’s Executive Board voted to fire our Executive Director, David Clippard, during its meeting yesterday.
Today, I’m going to simply summarize the facts we know at this point, and share some links to news articles covering their action. If I’ve missed anything important, or if I’ve misstated anything, PLEASE correct me.
The facts:
- In 2002, David Clippard left his role with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma to serve as the MBC’s Executive Director. The vote by the Executive Board, approving his hire, was 48-2.
- At the December Board meeting, a motion was made by Wesley Hammond to create a committee was to “investigate rumors affecting the character of some of our members which, if true, would render them unworthy of leadership, and cast doubt on our credibility and our integrity as an executive board.” The committee was to consist of five members: the MBC 1st VP, 2nd VP, recording secretary, and two past presidents. The vote to create this committee passed by a margin of 29-19, with 3 abstentions.
- Yesterday, the investigative committee presented their report to the Executive Board. Their recommendation to the Board was to dismiss David Clippard from his role as Executive Director. The vote of the committee was 4-1 in favor of that recommendation.
- Prior to the review of the report by the Executive Board, MBC 2nd VP Jim Cogdill submitted his resignation.
- The Board entered executive session to review the report. After extended deliberations, a secret ballot vote was taken considering the investigative committee’s recommendation. The vote was 44-7 to dismiss David (with 1 abstention).
- David Clippard was barred from the executive session, and was not given an opportunity to address the Board regarding the report.
- Although David was interviewed by the committee in the process of developing the report, it is unclear if he has seen the final report.
- A copy of the report (edited by legal counsel) will be available soon.
- David Tolliver, Associate Executive Director of the MBC, was selected to serve as interim Executive Director. David has served the SBC and MBC in a variety of ways, including serving on the Executive Committee of the SBC, MBC President, and other positions. He is also known as a leader in Project 1000.
- There is currently no timeline specified for the selection of a new Executive Director.
- A joint statement was released by the Executive Board and David Clippard.
- Reporters from Associated Baptist Press and from Word and Way were forced to leave the meeting at various times (aside from periods of executive session). It is unclear as to whether these were the only media asked to leave.
- A meeting is scheduled for April 12th at the Baptist Building in Jefferson City, so that MBC staff can show their appreciation to David.
News Sources:
- Baptist Press, “Mo. Baptist board forms investigating committee”, December 15, 2006
- Baptist Press, “Report precedes Mo. exec’s dismissal”, April 11, 2007
- Missouri Baptist Pathway, “Missouri board dismisses Clippard as exec”
- Missouri Baptist Pathway, “MBC Executive Board issues official statement”
- Missouri Baptist Pathway, “Board elevates Tolliver to interim executive director”
- Associated Baptist Press, “Clippard, embattled Missouri Baptist exec, fired in closed-door session”, April 10, 2007
- Word and Way, “MBC’s Clippard fired in closed-door session”
Missouri Mess…
April 10th, 2007 | 4 Comments | Posted in » Baptist Issues, In the News...
It’s no secret the Missouri Baptist Convention is a mess. Today, that translated into the firing of our executive director, David Clippard.
It is a sad day when anything like this occurs. I can only hope and pray that the reasons for the firing were legitimate and not simply some sort of political power play.
More to come as news breaks and information becomes available. For now, pray for David, and pray for our convention.
NOTE: I’ve compiled some of the facts surrounding this, as well as news coverage of it. Check it out here.
