My point in this post is not to be a “news breaker”. If you hear of this first here it is not because I’m a news source. My purpose is primarily to warn myself, my fellow pastors, and the faithful church I pastor to be on guard, always.
The news of Dr. Frank Page resigning/retiring from the CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention yesterday caught me by surprise.
I first met Dr. Page in a private meeting with him and three others to discuss and address matters surrounding what happened on a mission trip that later became a month long jail time in Haiti. That meeting was unexpected and not requested by me. It was a meeting that likely was the start of healing from a deep seated pain I didn’t even know was present. The meeting with Dr. Page was humble, kind, and personal. I later would have moments of crossing paths with this brother, and all meetings and encounters were of the same kind as the first. I recall receiving word that Dr. Page took the time in a very busy meeting to stop and greet my parents, long term and faithful missionaries in North America for several decades in Colorado and Wyoming. The last correspondence I had with Dr. Page was at my father’s death. Dr. Page was kind to write a letter I later would read at my dad’s funeral service. This is the kindness of a leader that I found as a blessed thing in what otherwise lends itself to stoic arrogance of others in positions of this kind by some.
So, the news of his retirement was indeed sad.
Today, the sadness is still present and now with added sorrow. Baptist Press released news today that Dr. Page has been in a “recent past”, “inappropriate relationship.” In a personal statement, Dr. Page said, “as a result of a personal failing, I have embarrassed my family, my Lord, myself, and the Kingdom. Out of a desire to protect my family and those I have hurt, I initially announced my retirement earlier today without a complete explanation. However, after further wrestling with my personal indiscretion, it became apparent to me that this situation must be acknowledged in a more forthright manner.
It is not clear at this point when this “inappropriate relationship” took place. It is a matter beyond my intent to investigate or know. It is a matter of interest in what now must be done and a personal reminder of why I must trust in the Lord always for all things.
The Executive Committee has released a statement that I’m satisfied is a responsible first statement and will require clarification for accountability and trust among Southern Baptists everywhere who faithfully give and support Southern Baptist mission causes and gospel advancing duties with trustworthy responsibility.
What now? I post this to remind myself to delay quick conclusions without full knowledge of the situation. It is clear that it is of serious weight for Dr. Page to step down. But I must be on the alert to not believe everything one can read about on the internet. And, this reminds me to faithfully pray for leading edge, vanguard, gospel banner advancers. May God be glorified in how this brother in Christ re-calibrates his life, how he addresses the watching world, and how the church at large will treat this news. May we be bold, firm, honest, kind, and full of grace.
Even now, Father, be glorified.
