Note: I have many reasons for believing that this was a a really good, not GREAT meeting- and for reasons that only someone in the context of our board dynamics would understand. I understand that a lot of people are angry about what they percieve as the "silencing" of trustees. Perhaps the nature of my blog has added to that perception. I ask everyone to not jump to conclusions about my position. I am not naive or a patsy. I know what I am doing and what I am saying. Those of you who read my blogs know that my prayer has always been that things would work together for the good and for God's glory in this whole situation- I believe wholeheartidly that this is happening. If you are upset with me for believing that- I have no control over your perception. I prefer your emails over your public comments on this particular blog. Right now my impression is that there are too many of you who are too passionate to hear me in a public forum. I am taking Wade's lead here and removing the comment section and asking you to email me instead.
We have just completed what I believe to be one of the best IMB meetings we have had since I have been on the board. The demenour was mostly Christlike and friendly; very enjoyable. Even in difficult discussions, our trustees for the most part maintained a joyful spirit that was God honoring.
The end result was a UNANIMOUS vote to rescind the motion to remove Wade Burlison.
We also passed policy on trustee accountability that I believe is adequately specific and will be a big help to trustee deportment and communication in the way we speak about board approved policy and in the way communicate publically about one another, our president and IMB personnel. It wasn't perfect, and I would have changed a few things, but hey- whose perfect this side of heaven.
I am most pleased that EVERY trustee on our board will be held in account. Our opposition to one another and to policy must always be gracious and upbeat, non inflamatory and carefully expressed in a way that does not bring desparity to the board OR STAFF. The wording is very specific; we must not disparage one another or IMB staff.
Note the definition of "Disparage": to belittle or express a negative opinion of.
From now on trustees of the IMB must not belittle or express a negative opinion in public of any fellow board member or of the President of the IMB or of IMB personel. From now on, all such opinions will be dealt with in a biblical Christ like manner within the board.
This is good (maybe not yet great) policy, and I am pleased.
I give Him praise for a spirit of Christian unity in our meeting that I have not sensed before. As I have said, I believe that there is great benefit in struggle, and that often God does His best work when we go through the storm. I believe God will be glorified.
Tom Hatley is to be congratulated for positive leadership throughout our executive sessions.
I believe we have made significant progress as a board this week!
Obviously, though I stand by all of my concerns expressed in previous blogs, as a trustee of the board who is more excited than ever about what we are doing oversees (I heard some incredible stories this week that I will blog about later), I am forbidden by this new policy on trustee responsibility to express criticism in a way that I have in the past. From now on, all such criticism will be between me and my brothers and sisters on the board.
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