Lonnie Wilkey
For more than a decade I have observed as some, not all, presidents/CEOS of Southern Baptist Convention entities distance themselves from those “who foot the bill” — Southern Baptists in the pew.
Some leaders have been curt (a polite way of saying “rude”) to messengers who have dared asked tough questions from the floor of the SBC annual meetings.
Lifeway Christian Resources took a great deal of criticism last week over a decision to discontinue its lifewayworship.com website.
This upset state convention worship and music specialists including our own Scott Shepherd of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board as well as church worship leaders and pastors.
The website provided a resource they desperately need. The Baptist and Reflector reported this story on the website soon after it was released a week ago. See “Lifeway Worship to discontinue worship website on Sept. 30” at baptistandreflector. org.
Southern Baptists let their displeasure be known and Lifeway, led by CEO Ben Mandrell, listened and announced plans to postpone the decision for now. See story on page 2.
Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, speaks at the Lifeway Board of Trustees meeting earlier this year.
Mandrell said, “We are delaying the implementation of this decision until we have time to listen, allow for dialogue, and find out how we can best support churches’ digital worship music needs.
“We are actively considering alternatives to ensure minimal disruption and keep this essential catalog alive. We have been exploring long-term solutions for keeping this catalog of resources alive and have reason to be optimistic.”
He admitted they “underestimated the value this tool brings to a meaningful portion of our churches” and he assured Lifeway customers that “their voices and messages are being heard, and we are committed to incorporating their feedback into our plans moving forward.”
Thank you, Ben Mandrell and Lifeway for having the courage to admit they acted without considering all the ramifications and being willing to get input and make a decision that hopefully will continue to meet the needs of churches.
Hopefully, their action will be an example for all SBC entities to remember they serve churches, not that churches serve them. B&R
