by: Bob Reccord

It seems like there is a lot of half-truths, misinformation and accusations being thrown around these days in Christian circles. I am aware of it happening in some interdenominational ministries I know, at numerous churches, and in several denominations…let alone the work place, neighborhoods, and relationships. And too often too few seem to be willing to stand up for what is right…and true. They seem content to let the half-truths, misinformation and accusations go and justify it by something like “God will take care of it.”

And indeed He will. But He also uses people in flesh and blood to stand up for what is right, even at their own personal risk. He often wants to set the record straight here and now, but finds it tough I believe to find willing defenders.

I recently had a friend in a key ministry in the United States say it had come to his attention that someone in leadership where he works had politically trounced on some people and allowed half-truths, misinformation and accusations to go uncorrected. And he had been told that if some facts about this leader’s personal life/ ministry were ever to be known he would probably lose the role he held. When I asked him what he was going to do, he responded, “I guess I’ll just let God handle it.”

I have recently had an article written by a writer who has no love lost with conservative Christian leadership that had numerous points of half-truths, misinformation and accusations thrown my way. And to my surprise and thanks, two strong leaders (Bob Tenery and Dr. Randy White) stepped up and corrected the writer. Will he apologize? I will be shocked. But who knows, maybe I will be amazed.

Remember well the words of Martin Niemoller who wished he had stood up to Herr Hitler much sooner….

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out for I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out for I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then…they came for me and there was no one lift to speak out for me!

But what about you? When did you stand up on behalf of another…even when it is uncomfortable for you? Tell me about it and what made you believe it was the right thing to do. Or, do you feel it is best to “mind your own business?” If so, when and why?

Following is an email that was sent by Randy White: Pastor of the First Baptist Church – Katy, Tx to Greg Warner at apbnews.com regarding Bob Reccord.

From: Randy White
Sent: Tuesday, March 27, 2007 10:51 PM
To: greg@abpnews.com
Subject: Bob Reccord

Greg;

Your article today about Bob Reccord was pure “politics of personal destruction”. Who would not think that more than a year after leaving NAMB Bob Reccord would not be accepting speaking engagements in local churches, and that those local churches would not generously give honoraria and love offerings.

You know that what Reccord has done in his speaking since NAMB is completely normal and that what Calvary Baptist Church did in taking a love offering was completely customary. I would suppose you have received love offerings and honoraria yourself, and would continue to do so even if you left ABP with a handsome severance.

I encourage my church to give generously for love offerings for visiting preachers. When we do not take a love offering, I give a very generous honorarium from our church budget. I do so regardless of what kind of salary (or severance) the individual may have from their church or
denominational entity. This is the right thing to do.

Your article should have been praising Bob Reccord for being willing to go to smaller congregations to preach the Gospel after having opportunities to speak to tens of thousands. Too many, after serving “in the temple holy” never again go in “the homes of the poor and lowly”. Rather, your writing used the size of the congregation to make a snide remark. Shame on you for showing disrespect to the tens of thousands of congregations the size of Calvary that are being used of God to win our nation to Christ.

This kind of vindictive, agenda-driven “journalism” is unbecoming of you and of Associated Baptist Press. Bob Reccord and the Calvary Baptist Church deserve an apology.

In His Grace;
Randy White,
Katy, TX