Note: I previously stated that “if Brewton-Parker states on record that Dr. Caner is not being considered for president in any fashion, this post will be removed.” Just to be clear, I did not receive that on record statement. I have other reasons, which are below, for taking down the post.
After much prayer and some counsel, I took down today’s post on Brewton-Parker’s potential presidential consideration. It served its purpose. Though Georgia Baptists still do not have clear answers, Brewton-Parker will make its decision soon enough. Let’s pray for all parties involved for God’s wisdom, guidance, and discernment.
Furthermore, as I said on twitter: Taking down today’s post. Pastor knows about the post; no he didn’t ask me to remove. Purpose served, but I don’t want to be THAT blogger.
I don’t want to be THAT blogger always looking for problems because I am not a watchblogger. Most who read here know I am not that kind of blogger. My desire to post here is: more edification; less watchblogging. (Yes, I think there is a little bit of watchblogger in all of us.) However, what I wrote was fair and just.
I know everyone will not be happy about my decision, but that’s life.
Here I blog…
Mark
p.s. Discernment blogs are fine and, at times necessary, to speak out in truth and grace. I often write discerning posts on cultural issues from a Christian perspective. Watchblogging, on the other hand, I see as looking for problems which are addressed more contentiously. I did not want my post to be confused with watchblogging among my fellow Georgia Baptists even though it wasn’t.
I also do not want to put everyone who writes on a similar topic in the more contentious watchblogging category. (Someone else can make that call.) Watchbloggers are welcome to do what they do. Sometimes I even agree with them.
p.p.s. When I write “THAT blogger” it is more of a personal conviction than a finger pointing. Yet, all day (despite later threatening phone calls that were put to bed immediately) there was an uneasiness about the Brewton-Parker post. There are bloggers who write speculatively (even Southern Baptists) and then insinuate on that speculation. THAT is the real kind of blogger with whom I did not want to be linked.
tagged as discernment in Christianity,Church Issues,Southern Baptist
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been reading your posts for awhile and you clearly aren’t THAT blogger. I didn’t find yesterday’s post inappropriate, but I understand your reasoning for taking it down. Keep up the good work.
mcjennn Thank you.
Mark, as a student of Brewton-Parker College I’ve found the chatter about Ergun Caner to be disconcerting and confusing. Do you have any source or proof that even says Caner’s name is in front of the Presidential search committee?
@ConcernedStudent Yes.
Why has brother Emir gotten off “free” in Ergun’s tales. I often wonder how the conversation between the brothers went. It is almost certain that there was one.
Mark Lamprecht Then would you mind sharing your source of information? My sources say there are no grounds to this rumor.
@ConcernedStudent Yes, I would mind, unfortunately. Though my initial sources were concerned parents and local pastors, it’s odd because as soon as I started asking around several people have told me the same thing about the potential new president. I received news from Louisiana to Liberty University to Truett McConnell to Brewton-Parker. Another odd event about this story is that it was so far from true that I was actually threatened by someone to remove my previous blog post.
If the assertions are not true then there is nothing to worry about and my warning shot was just that – a warning shot for GA Baptists. I’ve also been told that Dr. Caner preached twice in the Brewton-Parker area – at two different churches – the weekend in question which could be just a coincidence.
Mark,
I can also verify that Caner is in the running. He is one of 2 or 3 finalists. It is unfortunate that a pastor (and trustee) would pressure you to take down the blog. Maybe the pastor shouldn’t have had Caner preach in his church the Sunday after his interview at BPC. What kind of message does it send when one of the presidential candidates preaches at the chairman of the trustee’s church? Also, it is strange that the only faculty member on the search committee is a recent Baptist and a member of the chairman of the trustee’s church.
Some folks reading may want to listen to: http://www.janetmefferdpremium.com/2013/07/11/janet-mefferd-radio-show-20130711-hr-2/ where “Attorney Kel McClanahan talks about a lawsuit brought against a Christian blogger by Ergun Caner.”
Concerned Baptist Generally speaking, upon what grounds do you claim to have verification that Caner is one of 2 or 3 finalists? Also, I was not pressured nor threatened, to my knowledge, by a trustee.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mark Lamprecht Concerned Baptist I have insider information. You can email me directly and I will pass along the information. The last interview was conducted today. An announcement should be coming soon. One trustee is pushing really hard for Caner.
“I am not a watchblogger.” I love the grace you display when you write on even the most controversial of topics.
Also, WHO IS GOING TO WATCH THE WATCHBLOGGERS?! 😀