My friend asked if he had been too hard on me, if I was OK after receiving pushback on recent stories.
I laughed and then paused, deciding to take a few minutes to think about it before answering.
It’s not often we are checked on in this manner, so I didn’t have an immediate response without being disingenuous.
We are blessed by such an encouraging and uplifting readership that most of the harsh responses coming our way are balanced out really well.
Your support keeps us moving forward. Every call, letter, email, text message, social media message and personal visit is not only appreciated but savored.
Our team knows we are better and only able to keep up with our ministry assignment and the amazing opportunities God opens in the midst of that assignment because you are surrounding us with love, care and prayers.
As you know, our work sometimes requires us to report on uncomfortable topics, and it can be discouraging to receive a heavy dose of scolding merely because a news story was reported.
At the same time, I’m truly grateful for so many who lovingly and graciously seek to make sure we understand all sides and work to sharpen us as individuals and as a team.
We all know how a lack of accountability and/or avoiding genuine feedback from trusted sources can lead to missteps and poor judgment. We are watching some of that play out now in Southern Baptist life.
Requires a delicate balance
Reporting on areas of brokenness requires a delicate balance of sharing important facts without sensationalizing information or instilling fear.
As you can imagine, the latest discussions and debates coming out of the SBC requires research, focus and discernment.
It’s more than merely detailing the foundational facts. It also requires sifting through the various interpretations being promoted while also attempting to understand nuances and thinking critically about what is shared and what details might be missing.
Our team takes our responsibility seriously and needs your prayers as we work through all the news and information to provide the clear and credible coverage you deserve.
We seek to share calmly and without labeling or attacking anyone in the process.
Your desire for transparency and authentic reporting, no matter how difficult the news may be, is a blessing and allows us to do our jobs with confidence.
We’ve always worked under the premise of “tell the truth and trust the people,” and we are encouraged by the renewed emphasis among grassroots Southern Baptists to settle for nothing less going forward.
As you work to process all that’s going on in the SBC and the world in general, know we are a safe space to talk it out.
The opportunity to have a conversation with you always helps us, too.
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