Reflections on: Reparations by Duke L. Kwon and Gregory Thompson

I probably should have written this earlier, back before I had to return my copy of the book to the library system, but alas.  Some reflections based off of my memory on Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair by Duke Kwon and Gregory Thompson.  

When Silence Harms

Mickey and I have been reflecting a lot on the problem of silence from church leaders.  I've come to realize that although silence is harder to spot than egregious words or actions, in many ways it can be just as problematic.

It's relatively easy to point to egregious words and actions.  I can read a problematic email.  I can hear the inappropriate things said at a meeting.  I can be troubled by the actions of a dominant personality.  And I can tell others about these words and actions.

Thoughts on "What Happened at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Part 2"

The second half of the podcast by Julie Roys: "What Happened at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Part 2".  Various reflections on not only the podcast itself, but also the primary source documents that are linked at the bottom.  

Our favorite books from 2021

Becoming Elisabeth Elliot by Ellen Vaughn (H) 

When Someone Leaves Your Church, Take Time to Listen to Them

In Spring 2021, I was at a playdate with a friend, and in the course of our conversation, she told me that she was leaving Bethlehem because bad things were happening.  I didn't respond well.  I didn't say, "Tell me more."  I didn't ask a single follow-up question.  Instead, I said, "Oh."  And I changed the subject.

Reflections on "What Happened at Bethlehem Baptist Church? Part 1"

Julie Roys posted a podcast: part 1 of an interview with Janette and Steve Takata about their experience at Bethlehem.  

Prior to sending our our letter, Hannah and I were only vaguely aware of the stuff that had happened with the Takatas.  Hannah was at the members meeting in January where they brought their motions.  She saw how Andy dramatically escalated the stakes with his threat to resign.  We also saw the emails sent out by Andy Naselli and the other elders following up, but we didn't really know any of what had happened behind the scenes.  As we wrote our letter, we didn't lean on the Takatas as a primary source, though Daniel was more familiar with their story and filled in a little bit of backstory, so glimpses of how they were treated showed up in our letter.  

I'm ok sitting with you, both you and your emotions

It continues to confuse me that the very church and community from which I learned many truths and practices that have helped me love Jesus and others better could also be the place of such harm and darkness. 

BCS and narrowing orthodoxy

Some reflections prompted by a twitter thread.  It is an email from a prospective student recounting his interview for seminary with Andy Naselli, where Naselli asked him a number of questions about hot button culture war topics (Critical Race Theory, Jesus and John Wayne, Complementarianism) because (according to Naselli) the church and school have decided the Elder Affirmation of Faith isn't enough and they want to filter out broad evangelicals.    

What do I mean by an "investigation"?

Someone commenting on a facebook post asked the following, which I really appreciated. My response is below it. Others also chimed in disagreeing that all the relevant information was actually known by the congregation, but my response focused on the nature of an investigation. 

1 month retrospective to our open letter

After three public meetings downtown and receiving some emails from the elders, we wrote a 1 month retrospective in response to our open letter, summarizing how the elders have responded and highlighting some statements/emails we've received that have sharpened our concerns. 

1 month retrospective

Julie Roys picked up the story and brought in three people familiar with the dynamics of spiritual abuse who helped confirm for us that yes, we weren't being crazy.  We really appreciated that.  

Open Letter to the Elders of Bethlehem Baptist Church

Hannah and I have become very concerned about what has happened at Bethlehem Baptist Church. We've called Bethlehem home for many years, and we care about this church. We believe the problems at our church go far deeper than the elders are willing to admit or address. We've written a letter to the elders detailing our concerns and asking for a third party independent investigation. We are the latest in a long line of people who have pleaded with the elders to address these concerns. We believe that only with an honest look at the past can the church move forward in a healthy direction. We are now posting our letter publicly (linked below) for 3 reasons: 1) To get things in the light, 2) To stand with those who have been hurt, and 3) To convince the people of Bethlehem (congregation and elders) of the need for an independent investigation. Please read and share. 

Open Letter

(edit: and a follow-up detailing how the elders have responded)