After I won two decisions in the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, what a few national Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) leaders said would never happen, has happened.

Actions by the North American Mission Board (NAMB) have taken the future of the SBC inside the halls of the U.S. Supreme Court, and the court’s decision could change the SBC forever.

Practically speaking, NAMB is requesting US Supreme Court protections from defamation and tortious interference against ministers who serve autonomous organizations that choose to voluntarily relate to the SBC in various ways. NAMB, along with NAMB President Kevin Ezell and trustees made claims to US District of status and rights over voluntary autonomous Baptist bodies that are forbidden in SBC governing documents.

Three NAMB Deceptions in 1 Sentence

Before the US Supreme Court on May 28, 2021 NAMB Trustees via their attorney submitted the following false statement: “Reverend McRaney attempts to avoid certiorari by emphasizing that, though he was employed by one Southern Baptist entity, he was never employed by the particular Southern Baptist entity that he sued, namely the SBC Mission Board.”

There are three deceptions in this one sentence:  First, in my NAMB case involving the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCMD), I have not claimed that I was an employee of an SBC entity.  Second, my employer (the BCMD) was and is not an SBC entity.  Third, the North American Mission Board is not the SBC Mission Board.  It commonly refers to itself as NAMB for short, not the SBC Mission Board.  These damaging false statements scream for answers, (1) Why the deception and what will it cost the SBC? and (2) Will the SBC tolerate Ezell and the NAMB Trustees deceiving SCOTUS?

ERLC Caught Lying to US 5th Circuit Court

Former Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) President Russell Moore added to the deception when he filed an amicus brief, which contained false statements with the courts. He claimed the SBC was a hierarchy, and that the national entities are umbrellas over state conventions, associations, and SBC churches. This is the most impactful court case in SBC history, and the decision will now be made inside the hallowed walls of the Supreme Court. NAMB trustees and the SBC Executive Committee and other leaders have remained silent.  The NAMB Trustees have not required Ezell as a NAMB employee to meet with me and answer my accusations and related questions.

Summary of Beginning with Ezell’s Forced Takeover

To summarize, this all began when Ezell made false, damaging written statements against me that then escalated to worse behaviors. When Ezell’s lies against me did not give him his desired result, he ratcheted up the pressure on the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware (BCMD) where I was serving as the executive director. In a period of a few months, Ezell threatened to pull matching funding ($1 million annually) for joint ministry and a few joint staff from the BCMD based on a false narrative. Ezell increased the pressure on me by secretly tying NAMB financial partnerships to my termination, according to BCMD President Bill Warren who told others, “Kevin Ezell said that as long as Will McRaney was the state executive leader NAMB would not support the Maryland/Delaware Convention and that this was wrong for him to say.” After Warren orchestrated my termination, Ezell not only paid off the bribe for my removal, according to BCMD meeting records, he also increased funding to the BCMD.

Damage Continued, NAMB Trustee Officers Denied w/o Investigation

Ezell did not stop damaging me after my termination from the BCMD.  Ezell and NAMB leadership interfered with scheduled speaking engagements including calling his former church staff member and LifeWay Trustee Chairman Jimmy Scroggins.  Ezell also posted my picture in public view in the lobby of NAMB headquarters as I tried to restart ministry and provide financially for my family.

Seeking a resolution, I sent a five-page Letter of Concern to the NAMB trustees.  The NAMB Trustee officers sent written denial of my claims within 20 hours, instead of meeting with me and requiring Ezell to meet to resolve the claims against him. Days later, NAMB had their two attorneys contact me with legalese. After 12 additional months of seeking a resolution, I secured an attorney to seek a legal solution,  as a non-legal one could not be found.

NAMB’s Delay Tactics Take SBC to US Supreme Court as Evidence Grows

Instead of seeking a resolution for the next four years, NAMB filed legal delays and motion after motion to keep Ezell from desiring and facing a fact-finding effort through a discovery phase and then trial. Additional evidence could be publicly gained from sworn testimonies in depositions, interrogatory questions, and subpoenaed evidence – people who want to know the truth, seek truth and the converse is true in this case.

What began with my single complaints against Ezell and NAMB has now evolved and expanded with each legal delay. Mounds of evidence of wrongdoings and corruption at NAMB and across the SBC are surfacing.  Numerous people have been damaged while some in the know are complicit. Some who know about or were victims of wrongdoing have been silenced by taking severances tied to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in order to provide their family.  However, still others have shared all manner of wrongs with me. They trust me with information and/or the pains they experienced or inflicted on others under Ezell’s failed strategies, misuse of money, and abuse of power to damage people. The stories of pain and wrongdoings are not limited to NAMB but include other SBC entities and leaders. Corruption and all the evil around selfish ambition and pride have far too widely surfaced and must be addressed.

My wife, Sandy, and I never expected to be here, but we are seeking to be faithful in the midst of enormous challenges and value the sustaining prayers on our behalf. We are standing for just restitution.  We are advocating for the historic and governing SBC relationships between Baptist bodies.  We want to see God pleased and righteousness reign in SBC leadership.  We want to keep the SBC from imploding and destroying its future cooperative mission efforts.  Finally, we stand with or for all those known and unknown people negatively impacted and damaged by Ezell and other SBC leaders who have abused their stewardship and position of power.

This article first appeared in SBC News for June 2021 SBC Annual Meeting

What many SBC leaders said would never happen, is now inside the halls of the US Supreme Court and yet the NAMB Trustees have not demanded public answers from Ezell.  The SBC via an entity is now inside the SCOTUS after two defeats in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in spite of the efforts to deceive the courts.  In light of the unthinkable threats to partnership with churches and other partners and the false claims of NAMB and ERLC to the US courts (District, Appellant, and Supreme), the SBC Executive Committee must address these matters in your meetings on Feb. 22-23 or a special called meeting.

Likely you know of the dangerous and trust destroying lies of the ERLC/Moore to further deceive the courts in their amicus brief.  These were stacked on top of NAMB/Ezell’s previous false legal claims and filings of being a “Supporting Organization” with “absolute rights” and “absolute privileges“.  If true, this would undercut autonomy and legal protections in legal claims against the SBC.  I was told this week by an attorney that attorneys he knows are “foaming at the mouth” over the NAMB and ERLC claims.

Now, NAMB has presented two questions to the SCOTUS…

“1. Whether a secular court can, consistent with the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses, adjudicate a minister’s employment-related state law tort claims against a religious organization using neutral principles of tort law.”

“2. Whether the First Amendment precludes the adjudication of a minister’s employment-related state law tort claims only when brought against the legal entity that was the minister’s employer.”

NAMB is seeking to confuse these matters AND you may have been told these are state law issues.  That is not what before SCOTUS.  NAMB’s claim relates to wanting First Amendment privileges and protections afforded to employers over ministers and organizations who are not their own.  NAMB is seeking to extend rights over all SBC partners, including State Conventions, Associations, churches and yes, likely the SBC Executive Committee.  You can ask Jim Guenther and others about the dangers should NAMB prevails in its efforts to deceive the SCOTUS to keep Ezell from facing justice and coming under the laws of the land.

My summary take after careful reading and talking with several attorneys and reading all the previous filings…

1.  I did not file a claim against my employer, Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, over these matters.  NAMB is seeking to avoid tort law violations under First Amendment protections, even though NAMB is not my employer nor are SBC voluntary partners.  Partners are not tied together by the “SBC Church”, which does not exist according to SBC EC filings on Feb. 11, 2020 in VA lawsuit against SBC.  Can you imagine the open doors for liabilities and violations of law if no religious organization can be held accountable for defamation, threats, bribes, payoffs and the like?  These problems would extend beyond the SBC to other religious organizations and maybe religious like Islam.
2.  NAMB wants the protections afforded to religious organizations with their own employees, which they already have, extended to have rights over ministers who DON’T work for them but in other religious organizations.  They want protection from legal liabilities from defaming and tortious interference EVEN AMONG MINISTERS THEY DON’T EMPLOY.  This too can extend beyond the SBC.

As a reminder when you get pushback or someone says there is nothing the EC can do, the EC acts on behalf of the SBC when it is not in session and if you don’t act in the numerous ways to maintain the integrity of the SBC, including THEIR entities, who will?   This is your highest fiduciary duty as the Executive entity of the SBC.

I will be in and around your meetings the next two days.  I would be pleased to engage with you if you have questions or concerns.

Will McRaney
will@willmcraney.com

NAMB’s Petition to SCOTUS
Will and Sandy McRaney on Facebook Live about NAMB’s petition
Article on NAMB’ Petition – Capstone Report
Article on NAMB Funding a Plant with Its Own Brewery- Capstone Report
Article on NAMB Scrubbing Evidence from their website – Capstone Report
Capstone has other reports on NAMB largely funded plants with women pastors and NAMB funding Assessors and Trainers who are communicating in ways to undercut the BF&M.  According to NAMB employee’s doc, NAMB DOES NOT require those trainers to sign and abide by the NAMB Code of Conduct.

In Dec. 2019, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against NAMB’s request to NOT have oral arguments heard.  The judges granted our request to argue before a panel of 3 judges.  The publicly conducted and audio recorded court proceeding will take place Feb. 6, 2020 at 9:00 AM in New Orleans LA, unless NAMB Trustees reach a resolution in advance.

Catalog of Legal Filings and Articles on Our Case

Occasionally Sandy and I will be asked for information on various parts of our case, whether legal filings or published news articles.  To assist our interested family, friends, and interested parties, we provide these links to various articles and legal filings.

Select Filings in Northern District of Mississippi (Federal Court)

NAMB’s filing for partial summary judgement – (see PACER system)

Doc 86 McRaney response to NAMB’s request for partial summary judgement

Doc. 85-1 Expert CPA Report on Supporting Organization

Doc. 134 – Economist Expert Wage Damage Report

Doc. 133 – Religion and Baptist History Expert Report

Doc. 136 – McRaney Response to NAMB Motion to Reconsider and Vacate

Latest Filings before US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans:

McRaney’s Appellant’s Rebuttal Reply Brief Oct. 16, 2019

Wondering about the current issues before the courts, read his 1,776 word Brief.  The first and last sections reveal how NAMB’s insurance company attorneys representing them have made false claims before Federal Courts by claiming rights, authorities, and ecclesiastical privileges NAMB/Ezell is forbidden to have under SBC Constitution Article IV.  Each state Baptist Convention is fully autonomous, like all Baptist Associations and local churches.

US Supreme Court

NAMB Petition to SCOTUS vs McRaney – Feb. 17, 2021

McRaney Brief in Opposition to NAMB Petition SCOTUS – May 20, 2021

NAMB Final Response to Opposition Brief SCOTUS – May 28, 2021

ERLC Muslim Mormons brief SCOTUS 20-1158ac NAMB – March 18, 2021

** all SCOTUS filings can be found here – https://www.supremecourt.gov/search.aspx?filename=%2Fdocket%2Fdocketfiles%2Fhtml%2Fpublic%2F20-1158.html

US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals

McRaney Appellant Brief Final 5h Circuit Court – July 29, 2019

NAMB Defendant’s Brief 5th Circuit – Sept. 11, 2019

Filed McRaneys Appellant’s Reply Brief McRaney re NAMB 5th Circuit – Oct. 16, 2019

McRaney NAMB Oral Audio Arguments Transcript – Feb. 6, 2020

5th Circuit Ruling Granting McRaney Appeal vs. NAMB – July 16, 2020

ERLC amicus brief for NAMB Ezell En Banc – Aug. 21, 2020

En Banc Ruling NAMB Ezell 5th Circuit – Nov. 25, 2020

ERLC Correction Amicus Brief 5th Circuit filing re NAMB – Dec. 14, 2020

US District Court Northern District of Mississippi

Doc 52 McRaney Response to Support Organization Release Dec 11, 2018

Doc 51 NAMB Memo 2 Support NAMB Claims Release by Supporting Organization

Doc 50 Order to Quash Subpoena work records BCMD

Doc 49 NAMB Memo 1 Support NAMB Claims Release by Supporting Organization

Doc 48 NAMB Motion for Summary Judgement Supporting Organization Release Nov 5, 2018

NAMB’s Defendant Brief Trial Court 9.11.19

McRaney’s Appellant Brief Trial Court 7.29.19

NAMB court filing Defense answers Trial Court 11.2.18

McRaney’s Complaint vs NAMB Ezell filed MS Circuit Court  4.7.17 

Capstone Report:

1. Will Sex Abuse Lawsuits Destroy the Southern Baptist Convention  2019/11/06
2. NAMB Legal Arguments Place Entire Southern-Baptist Convention at Risk  2019/10/28
3. Explosive Lawsuit Alleges Abuse of Power Ezell NAMB  2017/04/12

Baptist News Global:

1. Former State Exec says Arguments by NAMB Attorneys Increase SBCs Risk of Liability for Sexual Abuse
2. Southern Baptist Polity on Trial in Lawsuit Appeal
3. Reversing course, judge dismisses former state exec’s lawsuit against NAMB
4. Judge says employment interference lawsuit against NAMB can proceed
5. ‘Ministerial exception’ not a shield for wrongdoing, former Baptist leader says in lawsuit
6. NAMB denies defaming former state convention exec
7. Former state exec sues NAMB for libel, interference in business relationships
8. State convention ‘saddened and disappointed’ by claims of former exec
9. State Baptist exec blames firing on interference from SBC agency

Christian Examiner:

1. New Stealth Controversy at SBC Replaces Conservative Resurgence Battle
2. Southern Baptist State Leaders Accuse Mission Organization of Strong Arming
3. Breaking NAMB’s Kevin Ezell Defends Confidential Cooperation Agreements
4. NAMB Trustees End Investigation Involving Former State Convention Leader
5. Former SBC State Leader Charges Mission Board with Cover-up of Wrongdoing

Baptist Press:

1. Judge Dismisses Suit Against NAMB by Ex State Exec
2. NAMB Responds to McRaney Lawsuit
3. Former MD/DE Exec Sues NAMB Claims Libel

LA Baptist Message:

1. Federal Judge Lets Lawsuit NAMB Proceed
2. NAMB Tells Court McRaney Controversy Ecclesiastical
3. Concerns Circulate NAMB’s Lawsuit Response Erodes Historic SBC Doctrine

Pulpit and Pen:

1. Will McRaney is Suing NAMB and That’s Okay
2. North American Mission Board Perjures Itself to Win in Court
3. Former State Baptist Executive Claims NAMB President Kevin Ezell Verifiably Lied
4. NAMB Runs Roughshod Over Baptists
5. Judge lets Lawsuit Against SBC’s NAMB Continue  2018/01/23

SBC Voices:

1. McRaney Lawsuit Against NAMB Dismissed
2. About that Lawsuit Against NAMB

Reform NAMB Now:

1. 44 Days & SBC Leaders are Still Leaving the Fate of the Cooperative Up to a Judge?
2. Is NAMB Allowed to Interfere in State Conventions

Others:

1. NAMB Tells Court McRaney Controversy is ‘Ecclesiastical’ Matter
2. Lawsuit: Missions $$ Used to Muscle McRaney
3. Will McRaney’s Attorney Strikes at the *Achille’s Hell* of the Southern Baptist Convention: The Autonomy of Local Churches and State Associations
4. Judge Dismisses Suit Against NAMB by Ex-State Exec
5. Former Mayland/Delaware Executive Sues NAMB, Claims Libel
6. NAMB Responds to McRaney Lawsuit
7. Former State Executive Sues NAMB; Agency Denies Interference

Podcast:

• Amy Whitfield and Jonathan Howe 529/SBC This Week/NAMB Responds to McRaney Lawsuit an Interview with Nate Millican about Phoenix

Legal Overview:

• McRaney v. North American Mission Board of the SBC

NAMB in Lawsuits:  NAMB filings against others

• City of Clarkston
  • NAMB Lawsuit Defends GA Church’s Ministry Expansion
  • NAMB Sues Georgia Town Over Plans for New 10 Million Send Relief Ministry Center
• NAMB Sues to Evict African Church Planter/Family from NAMB home in Indianapolis
  • Order for Eviction NAMB Indy planter

Mt. 11:15  “Whoever has ears, let them hear.”  (This is copy of email sent to NAMB Trustees)

Last Thursday, you read with your own eyes that Ezell used the full force and power of NAMB to threaten a libel lawsuit against Joni Hannigan.  He used Mike Ebert to do his dirty work and make a cowardly threat and false accusation to keep the truth hidden.  You still owe Joni an apology and more.

Today, I reconstruct what started the problem, deconstruct the false narrative he wove for you and introduce you to undeniable facts.

Ezell Narrative… We had a great relationship with the BCMD under David Lee (remember the NAMB Trustee meeting in Las Vegas where Dr. Lee was his “special guest”? Intentional or Coincidental?…).  We expected and tried to have the same positive relationship under Will McRaney, but in spite of our best efforts, Will was hard to work with (remember what Ezell called Stone Mtn. Assn. AMS Larry Cheek said about Bobby Gilstrap – virtually the same words).  Ezell had NAMB PR staff release to the SBC through BP in May 2016, McRaney “caused the BCMD to violate the terms of the Strategic Partnership Agreement and otherwise hindered and interfered with BCMD’s performance of its obligations.”  Furthermore, Ezell alleged through BP that the BCMD “became a dysfunctional and difficult ministry partner” during my tenure.  BUT, is narrative true or one made up by Ezell to deceive you and cover his real intentions?

Opening Questions:

1. Is Ezell’s narrative accurate and did he tell you the real truth about his actions or did he scheme to fool you?
2. If Ezell misled you from the very beginning, can you trust him to tell you the truth about other claims against him?

Relevant Facts:
The original REAL problem between NAMB and the BCMD under my leadership was the Ezell was allowing a NAMB employee, Send Baltimore Coordinator Ron Larson, to travel throughout Maryland and Delaware to raise money for church plants in Baltimore through “A Dollar a Day Program” in DIRECT violation of the SBC Business and Financial Plan Section VI “Fund Raising Activities”.  (see email as PROOF & link to Business and Financial Plan)   I arrived in Sept. 2013, Ron Aug. 2013 – Ron’s raising money through early part of 2014 was concerning to BCMD pastors who brought their concerns to me, which I took to Christopherson and Ezell.

Among other evidence, NAMB’s own emails by then VP Christopherson prove I did not violate the existing SPA between the BCMD and NAMB.  NAMB had the small state conventions under a different SPA that NAMB wrote to give NAMB more controls in the hiring process and Davis and Christopher said they provided a new procedure to me, which they both know they did not and cannot prove otherwise.  Regardless, I did not violate the SPA.  (see emails from Christopherson and other info, BCMD attorney Jeff Agnor, signed statement by 4 BCMD officers)

In fact, Ezell and NAMB staff routinely violated and ignored the terms of the SPA with the BCMD, at their sole discretion.  This was shared in a BCMD General Mission Board meeting by BCMD President Dooley.

Closing Questions:

1. Is the reason Ezell has refused to meet with me on the record with you (Mt. 18:15-20, Prov. 18:17) be that the real provable facts that would expose Ezell as a repeated deceiver to you and related to me?
2. Why before God and me as a fellow servant of Christ, have you not demanded Ezell give an account of his accusations and actions and his threats against a female journalist and a host of other known action?  (James 4:17 & Jeremiah 48:10)
3. In light of these facts and new information to you, what are you going to do now?

You see, the narrative you were told was false from the word “go”.  Additionally, you must know by now that the insurance company’s attorneys have misled two federal courts and violated the SBC Constitution in their efforts to keep the insurance company from having to pay out on the NAMB policy.  What are you going to do about Ezell’s actions and do to bring a just resolution?

LINK to FB Live Video on this topic: 

Or watch on my Vimeo account

Short Summary Statement

“While the judge did not rule on the merits of the case, we were stunned at the judge’s reversal of his previous rulings by dismissing the case on ecclesiastical grounds.  The new precedent should be sobering for all involved in voluntary partnerships with the SBC.  This ruling makes acceptable under ecclesiastical protections what is unacceptable under tort law… libel, tortious threats weaponizing SBC mission dollars against a separate organization’s leaders, and vindictive behaviors as they seek to resume ministry.”

“If this ruling stands and if NAMB Trustees and SBC Leadership continue to abdicate their responsibility, Kevin Ezell will avoid accountability and will continue to operate in this ungodly and unlawful manner.  I am not the only one Ezell has treated in this manner, harming other brothers and sisters in Christ without expression of regret or remorse.  For these reasons, I will be appealing the ruling to the NAMB Trustees, the courts and the public as necessary.”

Extended Statement

I was in disbelief when, in less than twenty hours after I brought Kevin’s unlawful and unbiblical actions before the NAMB Trustees, they published a response in support of Kevin Ezell without interviewing anyone else involved besides Kevin.

I was in disbelief when, after NAMB’s CFO wrote a statement to the court claiming NAMB was legally a supporting organization of the BCMD, the SBC Executive Committee and SBC leadership remained silent despite that was a false claim and in direct opposition to Article IV of the SBC Constitution.

When my wife and I were notified that the judge had dismissed the case on ecclesiastical grounds, after having thrown out NAMB’s previous requests for dismissal on those same grounds, I was shocked.  Not just because of his decision to dismiss, but his reasoning and its negative impact regarding liability and partnership on all SBC entities, State Conventions, Associations and churches.

Is the violation of tort laws and causing financial harm to a brother in Christ really ecclesiastical?

The precedent this sets should be sobering for all involved in the SBC.  Weaponizing mission dollars to remove people from a separate organization because you do not like them because they will not bend a knee to you is neither Christian nor lawful.  Taking vengeance against those same people later and trying to prevent them from earning a living to support their family is neither Christian or lawful.

The problem is that I am not the only one that Kevin Ezell has treated in this manner.  He has harmed other brothers and sisters in Christ without any expression or regret or remorse.  If this ruling stands as it is, and if the Trustees and SBC Executive Committee continue to sit silently by and abdicate their role, Kevin Ezell will continue to operate in this ungodly and unlawful manner at the expense of our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

I have reached out to SBC leaders and the NAMB Trustees on numerous occasions to resolve this matter, and they have been unwilling to confront Kevin Ezell on these violations or honestly investigate the claims I have made.  Since the beginning I have been available and requested mediation or some sort of non-legal solution.  With others present with me, I have engaged in mediation with NAMB two times, and both times Kevin Ezell decided to not attend in person.  Now that the judge has made a ruling that leaves the relationship SBC entities in limbo and claims violation of tort laws against a separate organization are “ecclesiastical,” I have no choice but to appeal, unless the NAMB Trustee leadership decides to engage is resolution outside of silence and their large insurance and legal team.

The problem is that I am not the only one that Kevin Ezell has treated in this manner.  He has harmed other brothers and sisters in Christ without any expression or regret or remorse.  If NAMB’s Trustees and SBC Leadership continue to sit silently and abdicate their responsibility, Kevin Ezell will continue to take ungodly and UNLAWFUL actions at the expense of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The 2010 SBC Great Commission Resurgence (GCR) intentionally brought radical shifts in NAMB’s leadership, strategy, and priorities in funding and staff.  Are Southern Baptists better off and stronger, or worse off and weaker?  What are the measurable results and the impact on the self-regenerating missions funding and sending system?  What is happening at the local level in the midst of the national rebranding and PR efforts? (NAMB transitioned to a team of 30 staff members in Events and Marketing and 1.5 Evangelism staff members)

 1.  70 year Lows in SBC Baptisms, both Nationally, and per Church 

The decline in total baptisms is rapidly picking up speed, and baptism ratios are worsening.  SBC churches baptized 600,000 less people the last 8 years than the 8 years prior to the GCR.  NAMB not only terminated virtually all of their national evangelism staff, they eliminated SB funding for evangelism staff in partnership with State Conventions.  The NAMB President recently announced to the State Execs further cuts in evangelism through State Conventions to local churches to fund a speaking tour approach.  Southern Baptists agree that evangelism is a biblical command for all.  The Bible reveals that God has given evangelists to the churches.  However, during the NAMB President said in his address to the SBC in June 2016, “church planting is evangelism.”  Is that so?

2.  40 year Lows in number of SBC Churches Started

Southern Baptists are planting less than half the number of churches post GCR, but spending 3.5 times more money to plant fewer churches.  In 2018, the SBC saw only 624 new churches compared to the high of 1,781 new plants in 2004 and 1,578 in 2008.  NAMB wrestled control of planting outside of the south from local leaders and partners in State Conventions and Associations.  The controls for the national assignment of NAMB was then largely handed off to a few local mega churches.  The result… in 2018, historic low number of plants and NAMB only reported assessing 220 church planters.  Claims of better plants with much higher survivability is not proven out in the facts.  The total number of churches started and surviving is radically lower.

3.  Weakened Partnerships 

One retired State Executive Director stated, “partnership is dead in the SBC”.  Weakened and broken partnerships with State Conventions and Associations has been a mark or stain of the post GCR strategies.  Historically non-Southern Associations received funding to be the face of the SBC outside of the South, but they have been defunded by NAMB post GCR.  First NAMB sought to make the non-Southern DOM/AMS church planting catalysts and then defunded them completely.  In spite of brand new efforts by NAMB to woo AMSs, publicly and strategically Associations and States have been marginalized.  Has this contributed to the record lows in baptisms and church planting?

Furthermore, regional mission, ministry and evangelism efforts all across the US have been cut (Ocean City International Missions in Maryland, Brantley Center in New Orleans, Appalachian Mountain Ministry).  These places provided a place for Southern Baptists, young and older, to get their first taste of missions while seeing SBC cooperation and partnership at work.  However, NAMB has abandoned those efforts.   See NW State Exec Dr. Randy Adams’ outstanding article on the importance of Cooperations with local leaders in the SBC.    https://randyadams.org/2018/06/07/trust-and-partnership-a-recovery-program-for-the-sbc/

4.  Mega Church Focus 

Focus has shifted to working with and funding select mega churches.  However, existing churches have received less focus and fewer helps from the SBC nationally.   More SBC missions money entrusted to NAMB is going to start a few high profile, highly funded churches and to start new campuses of favored mega churches.  Concerns are being expressed that some of those “campuses” are not growing from effective evangelistic efforts, but rather are drawing people and resources from existing churches in that area.   

For one new church plant in Pennsylvania, NAMB purchased a church building for $500,000, built the planter a brand new $500,000 home, and also hired two church planters as they merged into the new plant.  NAMB gave them titles and jobs in Send Relief and as a Send City Coordinator. NAMB has committed to spending $62 million to purchase houses for temporary housing for planters, 40% of them over $400,000.  Of note, larger houses seem to be in the hands of people who are somehow connected to the NAMB President or an influential mega church or are controlled not for planters, but for a mega church pastor to host someone they place in the home.  In a 2010 published interview Ezell said, “I can see where someone might say, ‘Well, he will just give money to his friends to plant churches.” Let’s #OpenTheBooks in a new demonstrated commitment to TRANSPARENCY and see to whom the money has gone.

5.  Nationalization of the SBC

In a “Washington knows best” approach, the SBC national has transitioned intentionally to be less responsive to the local leaders and more directive and more centralized in setting strategies, priorities, and goals with mission funds.  This was one of the stated objectives of the GCR.  As well, NAMB transitioned money from a broad approach to evangelism, missions and church planting to a nationalized approach to church planting while gutting evangelism.

Instead of being a resource and responding to local leaders and strategies, NAMB began working around them, even in Disaster Relief.  NAMB recently spent $11 million to set up one Send Relief location/property, Clarkston, GA, Local leaders are the best resources to know and meet the varied needs of people in their area.  Furthermore, for new members of SBC cooperating churches outside of the South, they KNOW NOT Lottie, Annie, NAMB, IMB, the CP or EC or the SBC.  They know the local and state leaders in front of them.  When times get tough, local, not national, matters more!

For a Deeper Dive into “Is NAMB Working?”

In the spring of 2017 I did a series of articles on “Is the New NAMB Working?”  I explored several areas: (1) Introduction/Questions to Consider, (2) Baptisms, (3) Church Planting, (4) Partnership and the SBC Ecosystem, (5) Financial Stewardship, (6) Leadership and (7) Oversight and Accountability.   You can find these articles at https://willmcraney.com/category/namb/

Conclusion

Regardless of the varied intentions of the 2010 voters, the power play that was the GRC has been a complete failure (excluding a few mega churches and those receiving significant NAMB funding).  Make no mistake about it, the GCR was a successful play for power.  However, failure accompanied it with both obvious and unseen damages to the Southern Baptist mission and partners.  As was part of the celebrity driven plan, we have a weaker, maybe neutered Executive Committee.  Maybe we need new LEADERSHIP, a new DIRECTION, and a new real commitment to COOPERATION and PARTNERSHIP, IF it is not too late!

Ownership of the Decade

NAMB President Kevin Ezell said in an Oct. 8, 2010 published interview with Christian Index editor Gerald Harris , “I will take ownership of the next decade.”  Here it is…

TEAM MCRANEY will be filing an appeal in the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, asking the court to overturn the latest ruling of the Federal District court, in which the judge seemed to overturn himself in his latest ruling on the “ecclesiastical” question. The SBC is not a denomination, but a voluntary fellowship at all parts, AND breaking tort laws under ecclesiastical cover should concern everyone (past and future abuse victims), not just Southern Baptists.

Ezell Not Found Innocent of Any Claim

The court did not exonerate Kevin Ezell of any claim I have made against him. In fact, Ezell has not himself denied or offered a public account of his actions (he lets NAMB PR Director Mike Ebert deceive others for him – see 2 past FB videos).  Kevin has proven repeatedly to not be trustworthy and will lie, deceive and threaten when someone stands in his way or challenges his kingship.  But it did not just begin with me, his life pattern is clear.  

SBC Polity: Not Polity of Methodist or Russian Orthodox

SBC President J.D. Greear commented in response to the recent publication by the Houston Chronicle on sexual abuse in the SBC, “It’s time for pervasive change.  God demands it.  Survivors deserve it.  We must change how we prepare before abuse (prevention), respond during disclosure (full cooperation with legal authorities), and act after instances of abuse (holistic care).”

Well, JD, in light of your comments, let’s hit rewind.

In 2003/2004 NAMB President Kevin Ezell asserted clergy – penitent privilege in order to not comply with a grand jury subpoena in a child molestation case that surfaced while he served as the pastor of megachurch Highview Baptist Church, Louisville, KY.  The perpetrator (a Highview member) at first pled not guilty but then changed his plea to guilty and was convicted of molesting seven boys in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Very Sad News, But Old News… Not Exactly …..

Fast-forward to June 10, 2018…. when my friend and respected SBC journalist for more than two decades, Joni Hannigan pens her own experience as a young women of sexual assault involving a Baptist deacon.  On that day prior to the SBC in Dallas, she shared “My Own #MeToo Story and How Southern Baptists Should Do More”.

SBC On Abuse… 

In a subsequent article two weeks later she analyzed the newly SBC adopted Resolution on Abuse.  Interestingly, Resolutions Committee Chairman Jason Deusing clarified by interview that the Resolution’s Committee did not intend to provide an “Exception Clause” in the resolution for clergy/penitent privilege.  So, in Joni Hannigan’s analysis, she included 5 sentences recounting the choices of NAMB President Ezell to not testify in a child molestation case and not inform his church while he served as pastor at Highview.

Hannigan’s article was published on June 26, 2018, and that night she received the following text message from NAMB President Kevin Ezell’s PR spokesperson, Mike Ebert.

The out of the box response from Ezell was not to call to clarify or send possible corrections but was to accuse this highly respected journalist and sexual abuse victim of printing damaging lies against Ezell.  The language chosen included a threat of libel, which if carried out, would involve NAMB filing a costly civil lawsuit against the Hannigans.  NOW, Joni Hannigan was victimized a SECOND time, but this time with the full force, money and power of the North American Mission Board.

Public Information

Ezell knew that what Hannigan reported was public information and had not been publicly refuted then, or now.  Just because Ezell did not want his past choice to not help the prosecution with his testimony “outed” is no reason to FALSELY ATTACK and ACCUSE Hannigan for reporting on what SBC President Greear stated we should do – “full cooperation with legal authorities”.  NOTE: Ezell did not go to the authorities, the authorities came to him for help, and when they did, he refused under clergy privilege.

Questions:

Was Ezell more concerned about his personal image or the image of Highview in exercising clergy-penitent privilege than he was for the victims and justice for them?  And/or … Was Ezell greatly disturbed over Hannigan’s retelling of his decision to not inform the members of Highview of the perpetrator’s acts and conviction?

On Feb. 3, 2019, a full seven months later after Ezell threatened her with libel and accused her of lying in her article, she was able to push past her Ezell created fears to publish “A Menacing Message” in which she recounts the threat against her.

What Did Mohler, Akin, Moore, Scroggins and Rainer know and approve?

Was Ezell seeking to cover up the fact that Al Mohler, Danny Akin, Russell Moore, Jimmy Scroggins, and Thom Rainer were members of and leaders in Highview Baptist in 2003 when Ezell was pastor and a female church member encouraged the victims to come forward?  Did any of those men know and encourage Ezell’s silence before the court and the church members?

Summary

A victim courageously speaks.  A threatening coward is exposed.  What will Southern Baptists and NAMB Trustees do about this behavior and these patterns of behaviors?  Will this be tolerated?

If Southern Baptists are to ever walk in the light, even with our human frailties, we cannot have the President of NAMB or any other SBC entity creating a culture of silence and fears with gag orders, non-disparagement clauses, threats and secrecy.  Victims shouldn’t be victimized twice and we as Southern Baptists can create a different culture over time.  BUT, in order for that to happen, we have to start now.

Moving Forward: Three immediate actions

1. I am requesting that JD Greear as the President of the SBC exhort Kevin Ezell to offer a public apology to Joni Hannigan as a matter of demonstrating his repentance. This act would demonstrate a concern for and value of a sister in Christ who has been threatened and damaged, and demonstrate that President Greear cares more for Joni Hannigan than he does about his personal and ministry relationship with NAMB and Kevin Ezell.
2. I am requesting that NAMB Trustees review the matters with Joni Hannigan and also issue an apology to her and make some restitution to her for the offense of Kevin Ezell, while taking the appropriate disciplinary action.
3. I would request that all SBC entities take the necessary actions to publicly void all non-disparagement clauses and make public their whistleblower policies.

PS  – Does the retaliatory behavior of Kevin Ezell against a victim/journalist in Joni Hannigan have parallels to what Ezell did against Bobby Gilstrap in Michigan and Atlanta?  Or, did what Ezell do against me (McRaney) in Maryland and Florida and by posting my picture at the Alpharetta headquarters fit this pattern of retaliation?  We know there are others who have been treated in like manner.

• Not above reproach.
• Does not meet the standard for spiritual leadership.
• Not good stewardship of the trust of Southern Baptists and our cooperative mission efforts.

How Now Shall We Live?: NAMB Presidents past choices and current threats – Email with numerous links, questions to be answered and more.  This email is in the hands of State Baptist Editors, State Baptist Executive Directors, select EC staff & officers, and select BP staff

Joni Hannigan’s 3 Related Articles:

Hannigan’s “Opinion: My Own #MeToo Story & How Souther Baptist Should Do More”

Hannigan’s “News Analysis: Was SBC #MeToo Resolution on Abuse a Band Aid for Larger Issues?”

Hannigan’s “A Menacing Message”

Video:  Will and Sandy share story of Ezell’s threat

David Platt gave us a glimpse into the Closed Door behaviors of some SBC leaders.  Who was he talking about?  He didn’t name names, but it is likely that NAMB President Kevin Ezell was one of the leaders he was referring to.  More on that later.

3 Persons: Public, Closed Door, Secret

Pastor Clayton Cloer noted in a 2018 sermon that everyone has 3 persons inside them: public, private (closed door) and secret.  Public persons do not always match their closed door person or their secret person. Often we are shocked when the discovery of secret sins comes to light in public ways.  Look at the sad public disgraces over personal closed door behaviors with Bill Cosby, Enron, Michigan State, Wells Fargo, the Today Show with Matt Lauer, the Lance Armstrong doping case or Penn State.

Closed Door Damages and Hurts

Sadly and similarly, the Closed Door person and the Secret person inside of Christian leaders do not always match their public images and behaviors.  For example, the closed door behaviors of a few Catholic priests caused enormous hurt/damage to persons, public grief and outrage, and disrepute to His church.  But Catholics are not alone in these human struggles. In fact, Southern Baptists have lamented several of their own recent public failings: our SBC Executive Director, South Carolina Associate Executive Director, and several beloved SBC seminary professors.  Local churches and communities are not immune either.  But likely, these failures in their Closed Door and/or Secret lives are not limited to just these leaders.

It is imperative that we demand of our leaders that their Public, Closed Door and Secret lives match; in other words, integrity.  This surely must apply to our SBC national entity leaders.

NAMB President and the PAR Principle

The NAMB President is widely visible and publicly known, but like everyone, has a public person, closed door person, and secret person.  The question is: Which Kevin Ezell(s) do you know?  Why does this matter?  Because no one other than Kevin Ezell, as the President of NAMB, has been entrusted with such enormous power and money to do good or do evil before God and man.  That’s why it matters.  Only Kevin has been entrusted with providing leadership of the nation’s largest North American missions agency.  Only Kevin has been entrusted with over $335 million in net assets, and with the task of assisting over 47,500 churches evangelize two nations.  As such the PAR leadership principle is at work:  Ezell has high Privilege, which demands high Accountability, to match his high Responsibility.

Dangers of Duplicity

“The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”  Prov. 11:3  Duplicity and pride not only bring destruction to the individual, but the consequences and casualty count includes other people far beyond the duplicitous person. At NAMB, several men likely have compromising regrets over what they have done in the names of protecting NAMB and Ezell: Ferrer, Christopherson, Davis, Ebert, Murphree and others.  It stands to reason then that if the duplicitous person leads a national entity, individuals in the organization and the organization itself suffers.  Most importantly, the name of Christ and His bride suffers.  Like Nehemiah said of Hanani, leaders must be “men of integrity and fear God more than most people do.”

The Biblical Standard: Above Reproach

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered, or a drunkard, or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”  Titus 1:7-8

Paul instructed Timothy and Titus, along with the church at Philippi that a requirement for leadership is to be above reproach.  That includes being “above reproach” in the Public person, the Closed Door person and Secret person.  Then the question becomes, does the NAMB President meet these requirements for leadership?  What if that closed door person, is given to public and secret threats (even to journalists), lies and deceptions, ignoring basic Biblical commands and entity governing documents, and doing so to damage and hurt other people in order to get what he wants?  Paul has something to say about that (Eph. 5:11).

David Platt Told Us About Closed Door Behaviors

Let’s consider the last formal words of former IMB President David Platt and consider what he could have been communicating to us is denoted in (parentheses)

“I hate the politics of the SBC (I saw people behaving in disturbing and seriously wrong ways that bothered me). And I don’t say that as an outsider.  I say that as an insider (I was there representing Southern Baptists and drawing my salary from SBC mission dollars) these last four years.  Some of the lowest points in my leadership have been when I found myself participating in them (maybe I joined in the sin while I was there) — jockeying for position (envy and greedy for gain), continual self-promotion (selfish ambition), backroom deals (scheming behind Closed Door) followed by spin in the front room (planned deception), strategizing like brothers are your enemy (selfishly warring against fellow servants), feeling like others see you as their enemy (I lost credibility with people over our behaviors) … getting to the point where you wonder if you can trust anyone even as you start to wonder how trustworthy you’ve become (damaging our cooperative mission by reducing the essentials of trust, goodwill and the favor of God),” Platt said.

Unleashed Disorder and Evil Behaviors

James gave warnings to be heeded.   ^14”But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” James 3:14-16  In other words, James was saying that all manner of fleshly and demonic evil is released when there is envy and selfish ambition.

Alongside unnamed others, I have and continue to suffer real and significant damages at the hands of the NAMB President.  He knows it, I know it and a few others know it.  I sought first to gain Biblical restitution privately, then with a few, then publicly, and now by the civil courts because of the silence, denials, and deception of NAMB leaders.  So I have investigated, listened to reports and documented in preparing for my legal case.  For I, who Ezell who is reported to have referred as a “gnat” in a live video staff meeting, now face Goliath: the wealth of NAMB; the enormous legal firm of NAMB; the print and social media PR machinery of NAMB; the deception and cover-up of NAMB leaders and others; ongoing legal delay and deception tactics to run me out of time, will and money; a poorly informed NAMB Trustee board; a President with a bully pulpit and who has the presumption of innocence; and a legal system with its own set of rules, timetables, and challenges.

Kevin Ezell: Public and Closed Door

I learned from personal experience, the testimony of others, and available records that the closed door, and likely secret person, of NAMB President Kevin Ezell is radically different from the public blue sweater vest wearing Kevin. The public Kevin is smiling, affable, and generous to friends and his protectors with the mission money of all Southern Baptists.  Perhaps you have received NAMB swag and only experienced the public Kevin.  If so, you understandably would have a positive perspective.

However, I and others have seen the real Kevin Ezell at work behind closed doors.  David Platt said he saw it.  The facts can be distorted and people fooled, but the facts before a Holy God of Truth will not be moved.  Truth sets us free, but only if we seek it, and not ignore it or cover it up.

Religious Politicians Remain Silent – Righteous Leaders Act

Isaiah warned Hezekiah of all the destruction coming to his children and possessions (Isa. 39), yet Hezekiah responded with “There will be peace and security in my lifetime.”  Don’t miss the application… Hezekiah went on his merry way after he learned the destruction would not impact him PERSONALLY.  Yet Paul instructs Christians to “not look to your own interest, but to the interest of others.”  In light of that, Southern Baptists need watchmen on the walls and leaders who look to the interest of others, of His Kingdom and the mission of the SBC, not just their own interests and agendas like religious politicians.

Concluding Questions…

1. Will the NAMB Trustees act to require Ezell to give an account or remain passively ignorant, steadfast in denials, and justify countless pieces of evidence about the Closed Door leadership of our NAMB President?
2. Will the State Executive Directors and Associational leaders rise up or is silence allow people to continue to be hurt and the SBC cooperative spirit and mission to be destroyed on their watch?
3. Will the SBC Executive Committee speak and act in the ways available to them in matters of partnership, budget recommendations, and legal challenges to the SBC or will they stand in silence and passivity to preserve the peace and say, “there is not much we can do,” while the integrity, cooperative relationships and governing documents of the SBC are challenged by NAMB’s leaders and attorneys?
4. Will those who have benefited from special favors, jobs, income, houses, and the like from our SBC mission dollars entrusted to Ezell speak and rise up as courageous righteous leaders to demand reform, or passively remain silent?

Stand in the light of truth and fear not!  Please join me in praying for the Spirit of God to move, a few righteous men to rise up with spiritual courage, and His people to respond to His hand.

LINKS…

Article: NAMB Claims It Can Interfere and Force State Leaders Out

Article outline and video: Did NAMB and BCMD Leaders Mislead a Federal Judge? with supporting court filed documents.

Learn more about the need to Reform NAMB Now and Sign Petition for Reform

To financially support me and my ministry: The Church Strengthening Network

Integrity involves the consistency of one’s public, private, and secret life.  Living and leading above reproach is the biblical requirement of leadership.  The public releases, public statements, Twitter kisses, and platitudes from Dr. Kevin Ezell as the NAMB President reportedly do not match his private thoughts and attitudes, nor the words he has shared with multiple people, multiple times.  

Kevin Ezell’s Public & Private Statements Conflict

According to Nov. 13, 2015 Baptist Press article, “Ezell: NAMB-state partnerships remain strong”.  http://www.bpnews.net/45834/ezell–nambstate-partnerships-remain-strong  However, according to multiple reports, Dr. Ezell shared with multiple witnesses and settings that State Conventions “suck” and that all of his problems with State Conventions would go away with “5 heart attacks” and “change is coming”.  

Trustees: Questions Answered & Accountability Needed for SBC Stewardship Duties

In light of the enormous missions challenge, amount of money, and trust State Conventions and their churches place in NAMB, is it reasonable for individual church members, SBC churches, Associations and State Conventions to know the real perspectives of their NAMB President toward State Conventions and their elected leaders?

The Stored and Distributed Money is NOT Ezell’s Money

Churches First Entrust Their Money to State Conventions Who Entrust to the SBC 

The money is given by people in the pews to their churches who entrust parts of it to others for Kingdom work.  Annually, 47,544 SBC churches and individuals and entrust $500 million dollars to their State Convention leadership for missions, who then select the amount or percentage to forward to the SBC.  NAMB does not print, earn or give away its own money. 

From those dollars to State Conventions, $197 million of those dollars are to used to fund the mission and ministries of the SBC through the Cooperative Program.  Of those dollars, the SBC annually entrusts $43 million to NAMB leaders from the Cooperative Program and another $60 million directly to NAMB through the Annie Armstrong Missions offering.  From these SBC resources, the selling of loans, and cuts to staffing and evangelism, Ezell/NAMB has been able to stockpile a whopping $330 million in net assets and reserves, including $223 million in liquid forms (an estimated $40 million in houses and an additional $140 million in assets).  WHY?  Are they storing it for a rainy day, more missionary houses with pools and a beautiful view, more favors, or more gifts and trips?  Even Ezell has publicly acknowledged that SBC members do not gibe money for NAMB to stockpile, yet they are.  

In light of Dr. Ezell’s statements, has he forfeited the privilege of stewarding SBC national missions, money, staff, partnership and the spirit of cooperative which is essential for our form of missions?  

Heart Attacks for State Convention Executive Directors?

What does Dr. Ezell want to see happen to those Christian leadership with those heart attacks that he wants?  Was Ezell referring to your State Executive Director and if not, which ones?  Does he want the Executive Directors to die from the heart attacks or just become incapacitated for continued ministry?  

Expected Responses: Ezell Silence and NAMB PR Spin

If patterns hold, Ezell will likely not publicly defend or give an accounting of his known statements.  He may continue to stand by “I will let my attorney speak because I am in a lawsuit.  He has his lawyers and I have mine”.  If other patterns hold, NAMB will be dismissive of the importance and impact of this “one-time” statements.  

Consider These… 

I encourage you to consider the following 4 statements before Ezell, Trustees, Ezell defenders or some of the 30 NAMB staff working in marketing/PR dismiss or spin Ezell’s ‘heart attack’ and ‘suck’ statements.  First, what comes out of one’s mouth is a reflection of what is in one’s heart and mind.  Second, Ezell’s statements were not one time, but reportedly made multiple times to multiple people separated by months and years.  Third, the statements are reckless and demeaning.  However, a basic requirement for serving as the NAMB President is the discipline to guard one’s speech.  Fourth, the speech not only demonstrates the perspectives and reveals insights into Ezell’s character, it damages the listeners and partnership with State Conventions for years after there is a change in who stewards the duties of the NAMB President.  

Is Ezell Fit for Continued Leadership, Stewardship and Trust of NAMB for the SBC? 

Should SBC members and the NAMB Trustees question Dr. Ezell’s fitness for continued leadership of the SBC’s North American Mission Board and the stewardship of over $400 million in SBC assets for their mission impact?  There is a current lawsuit claiming libel and tortious interference with the former BCMD Executive Director.  Additionally, there are reports of Dr. Ezell’s damaging interference and seeking to buy influence, including in the selection of Executive Director positions with SBC mission dollars?  …. AK, MI, CA, WVA, MD/DE, others.  

Ezell Reveals His Real Views in SBC funded meeting, inside SBC funded building, “Your State Conventions Suck”

In the late 2014 or early 2015 according to an email, Ezell and then IMB President Dr. David Platt met with over 20 younger SBC pastors in offices in Alpharetta funded by SBC mission dollars and while both Ezell and Platt were drawing SBC funded salaries.  The young pastors had to leave their cell phones outside the meeting and agree to not write or post on social media the contents of the meeting being funded by SBC mission dollars.  WHY?  

What did Ezell know he was going to communicate that he did not want to be known outside that meeting?  According to the email report of that meeting, where Ezell could have been wearing his navy blue NAMB logo sweater vest and toting other NAMB swag, “Kevin and David then came into the conference room and “basically told us, ‘we know your state conventions suck, but just hang with us because change is coming’”.   (INSERT) 

Well, has Ezell’s “change is coming” damaged your State Convention like it did in the BCMD in Dec. 2014 and June 2015?

Ezell Brings Changes and Damages the BCMD and Their Elected Executive Director

According to the signatures of Ezell and then NAMB VP Jeff Christopherson, on December 2, 2014 (see Platt’s statement below), Ezell was providing notice of cancellation of a historic partnership with the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware, and making false allegations against the BCMD Executive Director.  (INSERT) (INSERT denial letter & other facts) 

Ezell Threatens State Exec and State Convention During Board Meeting

Are Dr. Ezell’s privately shared views consistent with the threatening text message that Dr. Ezell sent to a BCMD General Mission Board member DURING their special called Feb. 6 2015 meeting to address their concerns with Ezell/NAMB.  In that meeting after Ezell’s threat was read aloud, the GMB voted their unanimous support for the Executive Director McRaney AND their unanimous rejection of Ezell’s offer to take over church planting in MD/DE through another new Strategic Partnership Agreement?  Is it possible that the NAMB President would make written lies and interfere with State Conventions who dared to think for themselves and faithfully carry out their duties to their churches in stewarding the God entrusted mission field?  

IMB’s Platt told us this Behavior was Happening

Is this the type of meetings and behaviors that Platt was referring to when he said to the IMB Trustees and Baptist Press as he departed, 

“I hate the politics of the SBC. And I don’t say that as an outsider. I say that as an insider these last four years. Some of the lowest points in my leadership have been when I found myself participating in them — jockeying for position, continual self-promotion, backroom deals followed by spin in the front room, strategizing like brothers are your enemy, feeling like others see you as their enemy … getting to the point where you wonder if you can trust anyone even as you start to wonder how trustworthy you’ve become,” Platt said. 

NAMB Trustees, Not NAMB Insurance Attorneys are Charged with Oversight 

In the SBC, the sole member of NAMB, the responsibilities and authority for oversight and accountability lies with the Trustees of NAMB after their election by the SBC in its June annual meetings.  Is it reasonable to expect that the NAMB Trustees would call Ezell in and demand answers regarding these reports of his statements?  Is it reasonable and in good order for the NAMB Trustees to report the answers or have Ezell report his answer to all the State Conventions and their churches?

What Pieces of the Puzzle Reveal

The pieces of the portrait when put together reveal failure in key areas.   Failure in strategies, other than PR, which were built on lies about the evangelistic effectiveness of church plants, which has resulted in significant declines in baptisms and the number of churches planted and the dismantling of essential long-term partnerships.  Failures in leadership with the abuses in power and partnerships; acting to damage fellow servants out of view with one hand while handing out favors and “swag” publicly with the other.  Failures to steward SBC resources in public view with good reporting, while adding unknown people to the payrolls and buying houses across North America as ways to store extra reserves which are over $220 million.  And, failures to lead above reproach as required Biblically.  Let him who has eyes, see.  Let him who has ears, hear.  

Next Steps

It is the duties of the NAMB Trustees address these matters on my behalf and behalf of SBC churches.  However, if the Trustees do not address these matters and provide public and appropriate actions, there are other options.  One option is for State Convention leaders to consider directing their funding for North American mission efforts around NAMB and directly fund State Conventions and leaders in those mission fields.  

A second option is for the Executive Committee of the SBC to recommend that the SBC reduce funding to NAMB and redirect those funds directly to State Conventions for use in their local mission fields.  A third option involves the Executive Committee leadership directing BP leadership to do investigative journalism and reporting so that SBC members and churches can make more informed decisions and also encourage state paper editors to do the same.  A fourth option is for SBC members to express their concerns in variety of ways: funding, letters, calls and the like to Associational, State and National leaders and entities.  

SELECT QUESTIONS to be answered for SBC church members and partners