The International Mission Board Manual for Field Personnel (MFP)

Keep in mind a couple of things about the manual. As has already been noted here, there are serious security problems with making copies available to any who might be asking.


That is my assumption as well. However, it is odd that they would not state that this is the reason. I can understand that they do not want “foreign entities” having such knowledge (whatever it may be), but that they would not tell anyone that this is the reason.

Again, the “security issue” factor is just speculation and it’s the factor which most gives them the benefit of the doubt. All of the missionaries I know do not even know why it’s not made public. They themselves are not given the manual either.


Further, given the current climate in which a faction of their very own Board of Trustees is undermining adminstrators at every opportunity...I can understand their apprehension about making copies of the manual available for public consumption. Especially to someone in Fort Worth!!


I think you might have hit the nail on the head with that one.

I began to investigate this issue in May but, apparently, others had been doing so since the Fall of 2005.

Of course, in recent years, some SBC leaders have narrowed doctrinal parameters required for SBC missional activity (the 2000 BFM). However, apparently these same SBC leaders have attempted to further narrow the required doctrinal parameters beyond what is expressed in the 2000 BFM. In order to accomplish this, they have used the agency trustee boards to make such doctrinal decisions in the name of setting policy. Of course, the fact that such new parameters go beyond the 2000 BFM has caused many on members on the trustee boards go against these changes (including those members which were hand-picked by the SBC leaders seeking such doctrinal change). Unfortunately, may of these SBC leaders and assenting trustees have neglected trustee board rules in order to accomplish their goals. When these leaders and trustees are called on it, the person who does so is tarred and feathered and attempts are made to remove that trustee from the trustee board (see the Wade Burleson incident). The reaction by these SBC leaders to such dissent in the IMB and on the trustee boards has resulted in greater secrecy and lack of public information with regards to the deliberations and decision making of policies.

I think many IMB employees are caught in the middle of this between SBC leaders who want greater secrecy and those in the SBC who want to find out what is actually going on there.


Don't take it personally, and don't let it cause you to question the motives or integrity of IMB adminstrators and staff.

Oh, I don’t take it personally. I think the IMB administrators and staff are scared. That is why I ceased to pursue the matter with them.



Your seminary president and dean of school of missions are probably the ones to whom to direct your concerns about the narrowing of parameters for cooperation and the exclusion of potential missionaries over non-essentials.

(With sarcasm) Yeah, I’ll go ask them. That would go over real well.

“Tell me: why are you using the trustee boards in order to set doctrinal parameters.”

 

"Can't you go in and talk with Patterson? I would think that as a president, he would have access to that kind of information. Couldn't you request it as part of a research project for one of your classes?"

1) No, I cannot.
2) I'm not doing a research project for one of my classes on that subject.
3) Ha!

 

"Do you know someone that can go and talk with Patterson?"

Yes, but I prefer to not involve myself in this particular episode of institutional bureaucracy and political intrigue.

Once I found out how scared IMB employees are about these issues I decided to lay off it all altogether. I don't want to be a reason why more people get fired.


"Ha! was it? Should I know what we are Ha'ing about?"

It would probably be best if you did not know.

 

"Do you really walk alone? I have found that few actually do. But, if you do - you won't be the first. And I think that places you in good company."

I'm not sure what you mean by "walk alone".

Well, if I do "walk alone" and I'm not the first and I am placed in "good company" then I "walk alone" with a lot of other people. Yes, it gets pretty crowded walking alone.

No, I prefer to be different just like everyone else.

Thanks.

 

"Well if ya' want, I could try to find a copy of that there field manual."

Nah! No, thank you. I am not going to pursue that rabbit anymore. Anyway, I already have someone from whom I can get a copy.

I just think that too many innocent by-standers (i.e., IMB employees) could get in trouble if I continue to pursude the matter.

 

"Even tho' I think I can understand all of the pregnant meaning in that statement, I will still not even try."

Probably the best thing, yes.