Before we begin, please download a copy of the Adopted-Constitution-and-Bylaws-5-22-11 as I will be quoting them. I would also like to say thank you to the anonymous reader who had the courage to inform constituents of nominating committee members, transparency doesn’t seem to the be the way of this conference. I have copied the list of members below at the end of this article I invite fans and critics to join this discussion. Email notifications for blog posts will no longer be sent please anonymously subscribe to this blog on your right for email notices and posts of election updates. You can also follow me on Twitter by clicking the My Tweets link to your right.
Do You See What I See Do You Hear What I Hear?
The past four years I have been criticized for being a negative influence on the spiritual advancement and growth of this conference when I report or post information that provides objective oversight for the Southwest Region Conference of SDA. You will probably remember that I advocated for the son of our conference Sam Green to be a president that could move this conference in the right direction. I have since, after many years of watching the further decline of the operational management of this conference, changed my perspective.
How can we vote in a president who does not possess the organizational management skills to ensure that proper standards are followed? When lay people commit their time to participate on committees and establish governing rules for operational procedure and constituents review and vote on these operational procedures, is it not the duty of the conference president, chairperson of the executive committee, to ensure that they are properly followed? Many of you who are in upper level management may agree with me that these are simple managerial skills that you utilize to prepare for upcoming or annual meetings. Our president has had 4 YEARS to prepare for constituency meeting and yet mismanagement is clearly evident. The worse part of this, is that the Southwest Union is supposed to provide the additional oversight to ensure that the incumbent, President Sam Green, doesn’t implement any kind of “foolery” to throw votes his way for a re-election. It may sound, well sinful, but we are all human falling short of the glory of God, no one wants to lose their job. So now your question must be, what is this about?
8 Geographical Regions
Our conference has been divided into 8 geographical regions with pastoral advisors leading in each region. The constitution and bylaws of Southwest Region Conference of SDA, ARTICLE IV Section 1 paragraph (d)) clearly states that these collective churches are to meet and caucus in their geographical regions to nominate for seats on the nominating committee (small committee) and by-laws committee for 2015. ARTICLE XV – Pastoral Advisory, clearly stipulates that these 8 geographical regions have pastoral advisors representing their region. How can pastors represent more than one region?
|
Southwest Region Conference 8 Geographical Locations |
|
| Geographical Region | Pastoral Advisor |
| West Texas/New Mexico | Ennis Johnson |
| South East Texas | Kenneth Edwards |
| South Central Texas | Not Assigned or TBD According to Conference Directory |
| North East Texas | Ken Dixon |
| Oklahoma | Stephen Brooks |
| South Louisiana | Theodore Weegar |
| North Louisiana | Not Assigned or TBD According to Conference Directory |
| Arkansas | James Roberts |
So what happened, according to our conference directory there are vacancies for pastoral advisory in some of these regions, how can a president moving into an election not simply assign personnel to oversee these geographical areas? Additionally, in looking over this list North East Texas and South East Texas members seem to have taken it upon themselves to merge to represent the North East Texas region. How is this a problem? Well if your part of any other region in the conference your representation has now been overpopulated with two regions combining their votes, the seat numbers may be accurate but each region may have a different philosophy or influence. Members who are from South East Texas have no representation. Who let this happen? The constitution and by-laws, ARTICLE IV Section 1 paragraph (c), stipulate that the union president and/or union designee is to oversee this process in every geographical region. Meaning you should have had a union designee at each one of your organizing committee meetings overseeing the caucus. Did the union designee care to read our by-laws before he attended these meetings? In all fairness it is a long document I’m sure he had confidence that our president and executive committee had done their due diligence for a smooth process.
Apparently either the union designee for this meeting in North East Texas allowed for South East Texas members to attend the meeting and/or other members were allowed to nominate members who are clearly not part of the North East Texas region. If South East Texas did have a regional meeting, then the union representative allowed for additional members of South East Texas to be represented in two regions. What a mess! If you look at the 8 geographical regional breakdown there is a member on the nominating committee representing North East Texas, Kenneth Edwards and Elias Glasmine who are not part of this region since he is the pastoral advisor for South East Texas and Glasmine a worker in Texarkana. If I’m wrong please correct me and I will retract this post or adjust my findings accordingly.
I would like to be wrong, being wrong would mean that South East Texas has fair 
representation and a caucus for them has taken place. Being wrong would mean that Edwards and Glasmine, both workers by the way, have magically relocated to the North East Texas region overnight and new leaders just haven’t been assigned. Surely if the executive committee could vote to move Pastor Polite on a teleconference they could have surely designated this process and published where and when all 8 of the geographical meetings would be held….right?
Disorganization
This is the constant disorganization and mismanagement that we continue to see with administrators at the Southwest Region Conference of SDA. It’s embarrassing that as a predominately African-American organization we cannot create a structure that is efficient and follows the standard set forth and adopted by YOU, constituents. The by-laws stipulate that the Executive Committee is to designate the time and place that each geographical region will meet 45 days prior to the Constituency meeting, ARTICLE IV Section 1 paragraph (d)). My question to members of the executive committee did you take it upon yourself to violate the by-laws and merge two geographical regions to ensure that North East Texas would have more representation than any other region within the conference? Are these members from South East Texas Region doing the bidding of those who you want a specific outcome this election? How did your chair person, president of the conference, lead you in this decision? Weren’t pastors in attendance at these meetings did anybody speak up? The rumblings of members in attendance report that some members came with pre-chosen names for nomination. Meaning North East Texas caucused before the caucus….right?
The by-laws ARTICLE IV Section 1 paragraph (d)) clearly say that the meetings are to take place in the geographical regions themselves. Therefore, did South East Texas have a meeting? If so, where are their nominating committee members. Could this be an honest mistake? Should the executive committee as a governing body be making these mistakes, this is the committee that manages our money right?
Solution
The solution to this problem is to allow the members of South East Texas to organize a meeting and elect the two members for whom they would like to represent them and remove the two members who were voted by members of North East Texas. If South East Texas would like them to represent their region, then allow South East Texas members to vote that way. Otherwise members of the South East Texas region will be going with the will and votes of members from North East Texas who may not know or understand the circumstances and issues that South East Texas members face that influence their decisions to vote for their upcoming leaders. If I was a member of South East Texas I would not put those members back in clearly they are doing someone else’s bidding by accepting a nominating committee seat in a region for which they are not even a member.
To The Leaders Union and Otherwise
Fix this mess! No wonder the executive committee voted no confidence on this administration they can’t even do simple human resource management and meeting preparation. Union representatives need to come in and unfortunately clean up the mess that this administration has made by violating the governing document that stipulates this process. Our executive committee and president should have this organizational structure planned and executed so that union representatives could come in and oversee this process with confidence that they have done the work on the front end. I say they are too busy twiddling their thumbs on Lanark Ave. They should take care to know that we are watching, and we will be ready for any foolery that this administration may try by pulling the wool over the eyes of the lay people.
To Constituent’s
Print out the Adopted-Constitution-and-Bylaws-5-22-11 and READ IT! Is it long? Yes! But this your governing document that you voted in 2011 to ensure that this process and procedure is fairly followed and implemented. You have no reason to claim ignorance.
TFS
|
Southwest Region Conference 2015 Nominating Committee |
||
| Name | Area | Pastor/Worker or Layman |
| James Roberts | Arkansas | Pastor |
| Naeem Omari | Arkansas | LaypersonNew Life Marion |
| Tyrone Boyd | North East Texas | Pastor |
| Kenneth Edwards | North East Texas | Pastor/Texarkana |
| Elias Rumaldo | North East Texas | Worker |
| Elias Glasmine | North East Texas | Worker/Texarkana |
| Natasha Gregg | North East Texas | LaypersonGrace Temple |
| Jonathan McNorton | North East Texas | LaypersonCity Temple |
| Rafael Morales | North East Texas | Layperson |
| Irene Merill Minden | North Louisiana | Layperson |
| Vanston Archibold | North Louisiana | Worker |
| Angel Machado | Oklahoma | Pastor/Worker |
| Albert Benson | Oklahoma | LaypersonNorth Highland Community |
| Frank Williams | South Central Texas | Pastor |
| Rolanda Baysa | South Central Texas | Worker |
| Luis Velosa | South Central Texas | Layperson |
| Tracie Faulkner | South Central Texas | Layperson |
| Theodore Weegar | South Louisiana | Pastor |
| Robert Davis | South Louisiana | Pastor |
| Rene Carr | South Louisiana | LaypersonNew Life New Orleans |
| Noella McCulla | South Louisiana | LaypersonCaffin Avenue |
| ????? | Southeast Texas | Pastor |
| ????? | Southeast Texas | Layperson |
| Jonathan McCottry | West Texas/New Mexico | Pastor |
| Martin Charles | West Texas/New Mexico | LaypersonLas Cruces |
The Forgotten Shepherdess 
Griffin from the Union nominated his son for the education position. The same son that worked 13+ years for Arlington ISD that refused to hire him back. I wonder why??? Then he went to Burton in Texas Conference and knew about the teacher having relationships with a minor. In addition, to lowering enrollment there. Got removed from there. Then went to an SDA school in Michigan and got fired from there for his inefficiency!!! Yet you voted in someone like him to lead our education system! I guess SWRGC wants its first scandal like Burton in Texas Conference! Very sad day indeed!
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http://www.problogger.net/archives/2011/06/28/5-reasons-to-blog-anonymously-and-5-reasons-not-to/
WHY BLOGGING ANONYMOUSLY IS A GOOD IDEA!
Reasons to blog anonymously
The concept of anonymity has always held a special enchantment for some people, and, for others it is purely practical. Whatever your blog topic, there are a five strong reasons to blog anonymously.
No pressure
If no one knows the “real you,” then they can’t tell you, in person, any thoughts they have on your blog. This means that no one will be able to make fun of, disagree strongly with, or ask to be featured on (using peer pressure) your blog. If your blog is a total flop, you won’t be publicly embarrassed.
While I wouldn’t advise disregarding your manners and morals, you don’t have to worry about close acquaintances or family members being offended by your posts.
A fresh start
Creating an anonymous identity also allows you to create a new character, if you so choose. Let’s say you are working full-time as an auto mechanic, but you are trying to create a blog on entrepreneurship. Your readers might not think you could be an authority on this subject as an auto mechanic, but an anonymous identity removes this doubt.
Instead, you could create a back-story to fit your blog; for this case, it could be something about how your latest entrepreneurial project is to build a blog anonymously.
You’re shy or unsure
Were you one of those people who is unwilling to put yourself on a blog for all to see, you should choose to blog anonymously. This way, you can hide behind a fake identity and not worry about what others think (similar to there being no pressure). You could also use anonymity to discover how people will react to your content before associating yourself with your content.
It’s a gimmick
Blogging anonymously might fit your content. For example, if you were to start a blog involving content that you received anonymously. Also, blogging anonymously places a shroud of mystery around the author and limits your personality to how you network and write your blog.
Additionally, you could make it into a marketing scheme, such as offering to reveal your true identity after reaching a certain number of subscribers.
Reasons not to blog anonymously
As an anonymous blogger who uses a pseudonym, I’ve been able to experience many of the negative aspects of choosing to remain anonymous firsthand. However, I have not yet encountered any one thing that was impossible to work around or ignore, so I have remained an anonymous blogger.
It’s harder to build traffic
Some of the initial things that many blogs recommend new bloggers do to build traffic cannot be done anonymously, and, thus, must be ignored or adapted to anonymity. For instance, many of the tips here and around the web encourage you to put your link in your email signature.
The only thing I use my anonymous e-mail address for is my blog, so this is redundant (it would be odd to have it in my real email). Also, linking to your blog from your Facebook page or Twitter account ruins your anonymity.
And, while you can (hopefully) trust your family not to share your blog’s identity, you can’t tell your friends or acquaintances to check out your blog and to spread the word, which is a great initial traffic builder.
More pressure
This is the exact opposite of “No Pressure,” but depending on what type of person you are, blogging anonymously could actually be more stressful than blogging as yourself.
You have to constantly watch yourself to make sure your anonymous identity never reveals your true identity (even in something as simple as signing your name to an e-mail) and vice-versa. Often, extra measures must be taken to ensure anonymity, and, while I won’t delve in to all of those, you must always check when giving any real information that it is not easily accessible.
Take this into account when creating user profiles for services or when registering a domain name (but you can choose to keep your information private for an extra $10 in this case).
No real-life connection
Since you can’t tell your friends about your blog, you can’t ever reference your blog in conversation.
You will need to depend on the digital world for feedback, and there will be no “Did you like my last post?” conversations. Instead, you will have to rely entirely on comments to gain a sense of how your readers feel about your blog.
The truth always appears
In such an interconnected society, if enough people put effort into it, they will discover your true identity. If/when this happens, you need to consider whether or not your readers will feel betrayed or angry towards you. You should consider this even if you plan on going public with your identity yourself at some point.
Feeling a loss of accountability
Many people think blogging anonymously protects them from whatever they write, so they are incredibly rude, untruthful, or worse. You should always know that people can find your true identity, and it is just plain useless to write this way. After all, no one will want to read it.
Furthermore, though, (and I can attest to this) it may sometimes be easier to excuse not posting for an extra few days, or not pursuing a guest-posting opportunity, because no one holds you accountable but yourself (no inquiries from friends or family). Therefore, you must be responsible and motivated to successfully blog anonymously.
Should you blog anonymously?
While there are both pros and cons to blogging anonymously, I feel that the negatives don’t outweigh the positives in certain situations. Each blogger is different, but, in my case, it is the lessened pressure combined with the creation of a new character that led me to blog anonymously.
Also, because it is harder to build initial traffic with previous connections, I think it is more challenging to build an anonymous blog (therefore, any experienced bloggers looking for a new project should try building a blog with an anonymous persona, disregarding any previous connections they’ve accumulated).
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Thanks for that! I thinks and hope it’s been healthy dialogue for SWRC members
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Trying To Understand, make sure Anonymous sends you my replay to the Secretariats’ apologetic note. To be frank, I just cannot buy it. For the way teachers have been treated, the least administration can do is to stand before the constituents and apologize. Some of the “stuff” that has happened is too embarrassing to place on the blog for such an organization as we are a part of that bears the name Seventh-day Adventist.
My intentions are to give the teachers a forum to express themselves without intimidation or fear of reprisal. They “fear” the loss of their jobs some of them. I plan to place the request before the Constitution and By-Laws Committee for teachers to have a permanent seat on every small committee at constituency meetings. I know for that to happen this constituency is too late.
I have placed before readers on this blog a plea to speak in private with Senior Tenured Teachers, or those who have recently left the SWRGC; hear their testimonies, do not just accept my word. If it were up to me, the teachers every constituency would have the opportunity to caucus so their concerns and voice would be heard. If they caucus, and should they desire to stay the current course, so-be-it! I have done what I have purposed to do–give them a voice!
To be honest, I am speaking now because I will not be up for grandstanding at September Constituency 2015. God knows, I just want fairness for Educators. Years ago, they did not have the education agenda on the conference calendar until I brought it to their attention. Years past, both pastors and teachers met together for “Workers’ meetings”, in more recent years, there has taken place a great divide, which has brought us to where we are–on our knees! I apologize for taking up so much time on the blog, but from my perspective enuff-is-enuff!
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Dr. Stanley…You have not taken up space on this blog. I got it!! I am with you. You have a great message.
EXCELLENT AND SUPERB REPLY! WHAT COURAGE!
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I agree thank you for that it’s time for some unity stay turned to my next post
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Dr. Stanley…
I here your concerns which are the effects of a bad administration. I recenly read an email anonymously sent to me bearing the ExSecretary’s name who made every attempt to be an apologist for a sinking education system on the ropes, presently out on its feet.
My concern is: why won’t you say what you mean! Get rid of the cause of impotent administrators. Green failed you as an administrator and the rest are holding a maul to finish you off. Put in simple language; what happened to preachers happened to teachers through the bad judgement of SWRC leaders. Where was the RAM in the bush? Was your leader stuck in a thicket?
If the President really believed in supporting education he would not have allowed what you described in your comment to happen. What I am suggesting is that apparently Green was willing to sacrifice what he claimed he believed to save his hide from bad financial decisions. This causes me to question his sincerety for Christian Education.
You see, if you are running to be President, saying you support Christian Education plays on conservative SDAs. BUT, saying how you will support Christian education is a horse of another color. It’s sort of like mimicking Donald Trump, who if elected President may never build a wall to keep illegals out of of the USA–even though it plays on white conservative, racist americans whose ancestor were all immigrants.
Stanley, this is not a time for political scholarship or posturing! It is a time for action and a reawakening of the facts that put you/the teachers in this present delima.
You are willing to say who you are, will you say what you mean and exactly what you want. You have used the blog as a means for thousands to read who presently don’t have a clue as to what you really want. You are talking over the heads of the member in the pew. By the way, will you show up at the upcoming nominating committee and say what you mean and what you want for education before someone becomes President? Will you ask for a new Education leader?
As for GW; he is being perceived as a self seeking, disguised silent masked man who wants to be viewed as, “on your side.” But is he? He sat on the Committee and was nothing less than, “Shine.” He stood for nothing and supported the Incentive Exit Program, retirement of senior men, and termination of workers with out thinking about their future. Now I’m hearing that GW wants to be President, pastor of a large church, Secretary or who knows what else. Where was he when he needed to stand for Education? A good man doesn’t make a great leader–even when you love him. BUT, I hope he changes because he possesses great potential if he will break out of his self entombed shell of political correctness and be politically incorrect sometimes. Who knows…people might think he has some guts!
From the pew, I would like to see GW man-up like you. If he can email to members, workers and pastors (essentially political posturing-bloging) he ought to have the courage to put it on this blog so everyone can see the man in him. GW could explain the failed policies of the SWRC.
Don’t be a gutless wonder! GW, be a person who can walk the walk, and talk the talk. Amen!
TRYING TO UNDERSTAND
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Thank you trying to understand for you comment
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EDUCATION! Education! education!!! I was filling in my Tithe envelope this morning and for some reason–not that I have not noticed it before; right below Church Budget, there is the designated line item marked or entitled: Church School. I emphasize that to say this:
This year the SWRGC voted to increase the subsidy from local churches with schools. Needles to say, this increase has placed an extra burden on the local Church with Schools. If you are not convinced by my statement, ask any of our local church school administrators. Many are wondering how they are going to manage, considering that every school struggle making ends meet financially and enrollment. We need your support!
The purpose of my message is to raise the “consciousness” of Seventh-day Adventist Education not only in SWRGC, but across North America. The small local Church is attempting to carry the Lord’s agenda spiritually and academically is certainly in need of your help financially and morally.
The Church Schools in the SWRGC will commence Monday, August 17. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS AND FINANCIAL BACKING! I ask also, come Constituency 2015 in September, that you make Seventh-day Adventist Education a priority in SWRGC and a critical part of the dialogue in the election process.
In closing, we certainly solicit your prayer with financial backing. Do not forget to mark line Item: CHURCH SCHOOL monthly this year.
HAVE A BLESSED SABBATH!
(this note is also posted on my FaceBook page)
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👍🏽
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UPDATED SWRGC NOMINATING COMMITTEE 2015
If you click on the link below it will take you to the SWRGC Website. There you will find the OFFICIAL listing of pastors and laypersons on the 2015 nominating committee for N. E. Texas within the Dallas area–in fact all the representation for the SWRGC.
After careful observation, you will see that Texarkana and Jefferson, cities in Texas are listed as a pastoral district within the Dallas area (200 miles distance).
If you observe carefully in the SWRGC 2015 Directory you will see that Pastor Ken Edwards’ Churches are not listed as being in the Dallas area, but Elder Edwards is the Pastoral Adviser for another district or area in the SWRGC.
None of the pastors or laypersons from South Central Texas have met in the Dallas Association when convened I am told. Ministers have indicated that Edwards has never attended any Association meetings that they can remember. When this was brought 2 years ago it was too far for them to drive as relate to me by some pastors because they are at least 200 miles away from the Dallas area.
The SWRGC periodicals support the above article by the writer of this blog which seems to disqualify Edwards or layperson to represent the Dallas area. He should represent the so NAMED South Central Texas area and the layperson.
Did the SWRGC re-map the pastoral districts without informing the constituents? Where is the action from the EXCom that made these changes? Was the SWRGC Directory voted by the Executive Committee which is considered an official document? By whose authority and when did these changes take place?
Is the Dallas Association of Pastors, an official pastoral district, have no concept as to who their members presently are?
The two churches in Texarkana and Jefferson are not even listed as territories for community services federations!
This is what you will see from the SWRGC Directory under Pastoral Advisers:
Dixon, Kenrunne, North East Texas
TBD South Central Texas
Edwards, Kenneth South East Texas
As a layperson who has looked at this material, I can see the point and the incongruity as listed in the above article. Someone needs to call a TECH on the SWRGC Administration. It appears as if something is very screwy about all this. They need to get this right so that the constituents have gripe to make that some manipulation of the upcoming election has take place.
Click to access Nominating-Committee-Members-2015.pdf
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CORRECTION:
Under Ken Edwards as South Central Texas it should read South East Texas.
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EDUCATION! Education! Education! Where’s the emphasis? I think we can all agree that much attention as far as blog talk has been given to the treatment of Veteran/ Senior Pastors and Conference Administrators as we lead up to Constituency 2015. However, looking through a different lens, I’ve had to ask myself, and you the reader, have the constituents in SWRGC completely overlooked or ignored the plight of teachers, including—with emphasis—the Veteran Senior teachers in SWRGC? Have we given it thought in the run-up to constituency?
Reviewing the names of pastors and laymen appointed to the Small Committee, it is quite apparent that the critical area of Adventist Education has been completely ignored or overlooked in the appointees listed. Shockingly, not one Veteran Senior Educational representative was appointed—with emphasis on Veteran with Seniority. Something indeed to ponder!
For brevity sake, I am raising the issue of Education because I have been exposed not only to [quote] teacher talk[unquote]; but as a pastor of a small church with a school there are certainly issues that need be considered. While I choose not to go into these issues and concerns on the blog, this note is an attempt to raise “educational consciousness of SWRGC Constituents come September to make it a part of the dialogue.
For now readers, I would counsel you “educate” yourselves relative to the issues and concerns by speaking with your Veteran Teacher with tenure, because they are aware of issues that incoming teachers and the recent hiree’s are completely un-aware.
To not speak openly in fear is never a good thing. In all fairness, SWRGC Teachers need a voice and I would hope, but it may be a long-shot by now, that one of the open positions left on the Small Committee could be given to a Senior Veteran Teacher with tenure who can speak to the past and current educational concerns and issues.
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This is an opinion blog. Everyone has an opinion on issues. You give opinions every day about politics. Without discussing the issues change may never come. The cloudy veil over education is political and nobody can make it better unless they no what the issues are. So tell the readers what they are.
I am sure you can’t be afraid since you are not afraid to say who you are and issues have something to do about who you are and what you will stand for.
Here is what I am not afraid of…..you will get no where in education with the present leader of education and an administrator who supported a failing school system approach.
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You have a great point a lot of the discussion is very pastor centered…what do you think of the churches consolidating their grade levels to k-6 and the church opening an swrc boarding school on the Kiest property?
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Really, an Educational Actuarial Study need be done of SWRGC which would not consume a lot of time.
Consolidation k-6? Not sure, I would prefer Pre-K through 8. Pre-K is definitely a feeder and helps the financial base. Get the kid as early as possible and should we keep that child for a number of years, when the final departing test is given, he/she (ITBS) will probably be off the charts. How do I know, my small Church School has proven it to be factual. Our ITBS scores are comparatively good such that we are proud of what we produce. By the way, when Ellen White made that statement of a child going to school at age 8, there was no Adventist school system at the time. There were only public schools.
Boarding School on Kiest Property: Personally, Day School for Dallas/Ft Worth area families. Maybe! The way things are trending for our schools percentage wise, we have more non-Adventist than Adventist kids attending. (if I read the stats right some time ago). Therefore, we have a clientele issue which leads to affordability. Spirit-of-Prophecy substantiates small church schools wherever there is a church considering “affordability.”
If we ever get to the point of a Boarding School, I would take a hard look at the additional properties we purchased at Lone Star Camp, Athens TX. We have some good facilities (e.g. multipurpose gym with classrooms) already conducive and ideal for a wholesome learning environment. Some additional building would need be added. Right now, in education I think we need to strengthen what we have. This Veteran Teacher turnover rate for starters need be dealt with. It hurts to see that we are loosing good veteran teachers to the public sector and other conferences, who willingly accepts them.
Another problem we have (my opinion); more emphasis and study need to given to the product (the student); and less emphasis on clerical work( if you understand my use of “clerical”) for the teacher during school hours. Keep the child the focus. Increase the ITBS Scores. It can be done; we have proven it.
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Gotcha!
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It seems that you have given some real thought on education. Why haven’t you shared this information with others? If your school is doing that well–why not a boarding school in Round Rock?
At the end you made a major historical point which contrdradicts original purpose! Your point made indicates that we are operating church schools from a 19th century mindset. SWRC operates schools today for money and psychological/sociological appeasement–not to train Adventist children for missions. With non adventist children comprising a majority of students in our system– because many cannot go any where else– because of behavioral issues—and the the sda school is an ALTERNATIVE–no wonder our system is in shambles! Is our mission really to provide public education? Or is it to educate our children because of Sabbath issues and to prepare them to take the three angels messge to the world? My point is that Adventist education has morphed into something else–that EG White never saw it being. I believe that adventist education is necessary but the church has taken Ellen’s statements out of context. Preparing SDA kids and Adults who could not read or write was on her mind along with James her husband.
With my perspective in mind what REAL plan can you give for the SWRC system that will prepare sda children for the future and global evangelism?
If our concept remains that every church should have a school, instead of every sda child should have access to an SDA Christian, balanced superior education then, our education approach will fail and schools will open and close. These are hard facts.
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Are you kidding me: why don’t others know of what we are doing in Round Rock? Most teachers and conference officials are very much aware. Just to add to what I call our small successful approach to education; we just erected– what some label–a model facility for a small church schools. Let me put it this way, the President and his wife, along with the superintendent toured our facility giving us very high marks. We built on the premise “Affordability & Functionality” –“build only what we can AFFORD and what is we need to FUNCTION. Needless to say, God blessed! By the way Round Rock is a very small church that prioritize the counsel given us through Mrs White.
On my philosophy? I embrace Spirit-of-Prophecy. When my wife accepted this position as teacher, I took her to have a sit-down conversation with the now deceased Lou Thompson of the Berean SDA Church School (MLK Academy). Lou Thompson was a proven successful teacher/principal who embraced the Adventist Educational philosophy to n’th degree. Lou believed that the parent/teacher/student should work together for the success of the child. Lou Thompson embraced the concept that teachers should be treated fairly, with dignity, paid right and supported. These are areas I have firmly disagreed with the current administration and superintended. At every cut(in pay) and increase(church stipend) they imposed on principals/head teachers and small schools these past five years, they did not do it without a fight from “little” Round Rock. Unfortunately, SWRGC Constituents are unaware of these Administrative actions and yet God knows it hurts my heart to openly confess it! This is why I encouraged, speak with the veteran tenured teachers–at least those who now remain.
We here at Round Rock believe in the Individualized Approach to Learning for the student. The traditional “shotgun approach” on the majority, does not work in a small multi-grade classroom setting, as opposed the “pistol individualized approach.” Each student is given an Individualized Lesson Plan, because every child learns at a different pace. Some students are slower others are faster (comprehension). Grant it, in larger classrooms pairing or grouping takes place, where students assist and help one another. Nevertheless, every student has a Lesson Plan “custom designed” to serve their particular needs. Trust me it works! Study the Kahn Academy approach the learning and you will understand our philosophy. We discovered much later its the same approach to successful learning.
For education to succeed here in SWRGC as opposed to the past, when pastors supported church schools or else (faced letting go); my opinion; these non-supporting education pastors need be marginalized–placed in churches where there are no church schools or far from church schools because membership support many times is determined by the Leadership…, membership copy leadership! Therefore, part of the failure of our school system is due to the lack of pastoral leadership.
Enuff said.
In closing, also Ellen White never said, “the worst Adventist school is better than the best public school.” That is a colossal misquote! Ellen White substantiates, where Adventist schools are, membership is encouraged to place their children in them. Her comments are, “we are to prepare our children to live in this present world and the world to come.”
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Dr. Stanley…
I here your concerns which are the effects of a bad administration. I recenly read an email anonymously sent to me bearing the ExSecretary’s name who made every attempt to be an apologist for a sinking education system on the ropes, presently out on its feet.
My concern is: why won’t you say what you mean! Get rid of the cause of impotent administrators. Green failed you as an administrator and the rest are holding a maul to finish you off. Put in simple language; what happened to preachers happened to teachers through the bad judgement of SWRC leaders. Where was the RAM in the bush? Was your leader stuck in a thicket?
If the President really believed in supporting education he would not have allowed what you described in your comment to happen. What I am suggesting is that apparently Green was willing to sacrifice what he claimed he believed to save his hide from bad financial decisions. This causes me to question his sincerety for Christian Education.
You see, if you are running to be President, saying you support Christian Education plays on conservative SDAs. BUT, saying how you will support Christian education is a horse of another color. It’s sort of like mimicking Donald Trump, who if elected President may never build a wall to keep illegals out of of the USA–even though it plays on white conservative, racist americans whose ancestor were all immigrants.
Stanley, this is not a time for political scholarship or posturing! It is a time for action and a reawakening of the facts that put you/the teachers in this present delima.
You are willing to say who you are, will you say what you mean and exactly what you want. You have used the blog as a means for thousands to read who presently don’t have a clue as to what you really want. You are talking over the heads of the member in the pew. By the way, will you show up at the upcoming nominating committee and say what you mean and what you want for education before someone becomes President? Will you ask for a new Education leader?
As for GW; he is being perceived as a self seeking, disguised silent masked man who wants to be viewed as, “on your side.” But is he? He sat on the Committee and was nothing less than, “Shine.” He stood for nothing and supported the Incentive Exit Program, retirement of senior men, and termination of workers with out thinking about their future. Now I’m hearing that GW wants to be President, pastor of a large church, Secretary or who knows what else. Where was he when he needed to stand for Education? A good man doesn’t make a great leader–even when you love him. BUT, I hope he changes because he possesses great potential if he will break out of his self entombed shell of political correctness and be politically incorrect sometimes. Who knows…people might think he has some guts!
From the pew, I would like to see GW man-up like you. If he can email to members, workers and pastors (essentially political posturing-bloging) he ought to have the courage to put it on this blog so everyone can see the man in him. GW could explain the failed policies of the SWRC.
Don’t be a gutless wonder! GW, be a person who can walk the walk, and talk the talk. Amen!
TRYING TO UNDERSTAND
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Stanley….
I am glad you are back in the land of the free.
Our perception is often developed by our experiences. Apparently my experiences are different than yours. My ratings of negative or plus are based on my personal experiences which is my freedom of expression. Right now as far as Douglas is conern I believe it was and is a bad choice. So in response to Anonymous above he gets two thumbs in–meaning too early to call.
Right now the crew down in South Louisiana is playing out a big contradiction of beliefs and how they will lead in the future. Those two men are aligning themselves with two selfish men in the North. It is the King of the South kissing the King of the North–prophecy being fullfiilled by writers in this blog. The kings of the South said they did not believe in politics yet they are engaged in a process that is political. Are they pushing Byrd or Jones? What Green did to many of you is only a beginning. Douglas is in this clan of bad politics for the further demise of senior workers like youself–and would go along with it to move many of the “belief compromiser’s” up the latter—a latter they did not build.
You see in Adventism when you say that you don’t believe in politics it plays to many conservatives and some moderates who think that politics should have no place in Christianity. For those engaged in this fraternity of political practice they are saying “that they are more Christian than, let’s say, the Forgotten Shepherdess”–whom they described as evil and told their church members publically not to access-it– from their pulpits.
Why would I vote for them for anything when they would contradict their beliefs for personal gain? If you believe God’s wil will be done than stay with that! Right now the King of the South is sending out letters to the Union to appear politically savvy and prayer as a tool to appear humble. The King of the North is trying to hold on to the last remnants of power and influence he has left because he is at the latter of retirement too. The word on the street is that the king of the South secretly wants his head on a platter–that his church–for a fraternity brother.
Stanley–are you a person who stands by what he believes? Will you stand for what is fair and right? Will you play to the boys on the constituency floor, to the deliberate contradictive road show that is developing with the cow girls of the north and the cow “boys” of the south?
I am glad you added to my list. Ted Brown would make an excellent president; Massiah works hard. But you have admitted that much improvement is needed in the crystal cathedral–Right? I will not retract that this administration is the worst that the SWRC has ever elected.
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I’m a newcomer to responding, but I have been keeping up with this blog since the beginning. I believe there are others doing the same. But I believe what readers don’t understand is that your comment is important regardless of your belief system because it expresses maybe opinions of others and it helps us all examine our thinking. I have been thinking about the leaders we have and we have very educated and sensible leaders like Winston Stanley, Michael Meyers, these people are not afraid to speak up and speak out and would make a difference in that office and might I add also Truman Bryant and maybe also James Roberts, these are people this conference knows very little about and some of the above are very scholarly. They have been in this field, they know the problems and I feel they would be very fair and not let people run over them.
I urge anyone lucky enough to get on the nominating committee to caucus with your group and ask at least the ones I named for their resumes and invite them to come to the committee and interview them according to what they would do to straighten out this mess and then nominate someone from that group, then you can be assured you did the job and not some arm twisting minister that is going to call each of you probably to ask you to vote their choice. There are other capable ministers but these guys won’t forget about the least of you, the small churches that keep this conference going to have a voice. Outsiders have to spend too much time learning this field whereas the above know the hurt this administration has caused to people who have given their life’s blood to this field to be dropped with no reward. Not even the dignity to be in on requesting if they would be willing to take a wage cut. Even a wage cut by all is better than a job cut. For those workers spared, I just would like you to put yourself in their position, “you get a call telling you next month will be your last check, no notice, nothing – try adjusting your life to that. THAT is what happened. Does anyone in that office deserve to go back and cause more pain.
I’m calling myself constituent because I’m the same as you. Please do not let us down. Don’t just read this, but act on it. Call all your friends and tell them to read this blog. There are conference workers I know who read this and have validated everything that has been printed. This blogger has offered to retract any and everything printed and no one so far has answered. If you don’t call and get people involved then we will have the same thing we always have, people going to the microphone trying to ask questions about what we already know. When we get to constituency that is not the time to parade yourself to show off your knowledge, it’s the time for action and let’s go home. If people get up rehashing all the information that is readily available on this blog, it will sicken me. DELEGATES please do your job. No one elected you to do the bidding of these arm-twisting Ministers. They have been doing the same thing for years and that is why we cannot get any change. We need someone who will do the job and not serve their own interest and the interest of others. God is in control no matter what happens. And what happens may not be God’s will. He allows things to happen. He did not promise us a rose garden, the way will be tough, but the job starts with the nominating committee and you set the standard. Please base your decisions on your own research. All I know is that if you come up with a lot of outside names, people you don’t even know. I WILL KNOW what happened.
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Thank you CONSTITUENT FOR YOUR RESPONSE keep reading
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I love you.
Left Behind
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Welcome back left behind
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If I am reading the recent responses correctly, a couple of questions were directed to me. To state my delay, I have been out of the country touring China, Hong Kong, and Thailand for the past four weeks and currently recovering from jetlag. However, I enjoyed my tour immensely, but I need to state; I appreciate and love my country the more I visit outside the United States. China is a very progressive, clean, secure, and safe country, but I discovered in “Socialist China, ” you are denied access to select websites unless you are technologically computer savvy and can maneuver around the firewalls. Your freedoms are certainly denied, which makes you appreciate Freedom of Speech. This blog has certainly allowed you to exercise that freedom of expression to speak your mind. To a degree, without that expression, I felt choked and very intimidated. So, when I returned to these shores(lol), and heard that thump on the tarmac in Houston-George Bush Airport, there was certainly a sigh of relief– “God Bless America, land that I love.” lol!
Nevertheless, I do not need to become an apologist for Ted and Vicki. There is a one-liner my Black Parents use(d)to clarify or give a synopsis of someone when questioned about them; simply put…, “he handles his business well.” No one can deny that about Ted Brown from his tenure here in SWRGC, LRGC, and Oakwood University. “He certainly handle his business well.”
From my perspective, I have come to view Ted as an administrator who will be Fair, Firm, Principled, and Spiritual; need I add Professional and very Transparent. I put those in caps, because they are qualities that we can use here in Southwest Region at this time. By the way, he will definitely push Ellen White and my first love–Adventist Christian Education. When Brown left the Southwest, he was not voted, pushed, nor compelled to leave; he departed on his own good merits and did not shut the door behind, nor burn his bridges nor leave work undone. He was loved because he ran that office well and left this Conference on excellent financial footing, which is definitely a felt need now.
Was Ted perfect …no! He and I had disagreements, but the disagreements were targeted at the issues on the table and not at the individuals sitting around the table, such that when we greeted each other the next time there was no animosity. This is the Ted Brown I know.
When I spoke with Ted and Vicki last, at our camp-meeting, over a year ago, I greeted them with a warmth, love, and respect that I had for them when they departed many years ago. But do understand this, my respect, love and warmth for this couple is for how they conducted and served the SWRGC many years ago–in a very unselfish manner– of which they will do the same, if given the opportunity to return. I am told, by a colleague who has contact with them, they will come and serve if the opportunity is offered. The deceased Maya Angelou stated, “when people show you who they are, believe them.” Granted we have witnessed a lot these past few years, but of Ted and Vicki, they have shown their true colors by their past labors in SWRGC. None can really speak ill of their work.
In closing, I have served on SWAU’s Board of Trustees going into my eighth year. What I certainly admire and respect about my fellow Trustees and Alumnus is that, they will not jeopardize the standing of that Adventist University. I believe Ted and Vicki Brown if given the opportunity to serve this Conference again will raise the bar and not jeopardize the name and respect of Seventh-day Adventist.
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Not all elected leaders are stooping low to get elected. Some are genuinely God-fearing individuals. Unfortunately the bad deeds of a few infect the rest.
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This is true but who would they be?
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If you agree that it’s a true statement then surely you would known who they are?
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Anonymous….
Communications: You are very correct! I give Ken Dixon two thumbs up for GREAT leadership as Communication leader. He may be aspiring for something else but good leadership and getting things done is noteworthy.
Administrative Assistants: Naomi, Bowers, Ricks, Soupet, are outstanding and could do their boss’ jobs. TWO THUMBS UP! Why? They do their work and relate to members and pastors well.
Treasury: Moore and Palmer do their work and have managed to stay away from the politics. Two Thumbs up! I think they could improve on people skills, but they get things done. With good leadership at the top they could make a difference.
The rest: Administration, two thumbs down;
Departments; two thumbs down including AY! The Ministerial Secy did not stand for the preachers when it was really needed. I would not vote for him to be our President and neither should you. This includes the infamous Under Treasurer who was the architect of the dumb Incentive Exit or But out.
Exception: Mota….seems to be a good man who will stand up when it counts in closed meetings. Don’t really know the politics with our Hispanic brothers even though I have heard some things.
Hey….this is my personal report card polled from number of individuals who have direct contact with the office.
What we need from a President is common sense in leadership and management.
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Wow thank you for that I had no idea! How come these people are not getting recognized more frequently ?
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Forgotten Shepherdess….
Those I listed as 2 thumbs up are not in the political arena. Few people know what they really do because members don’t see them weekly and have access to them. No one is perfect! But I believe they do care about people including Moore. And good leadership might bring out their real potential with adjustments when responding to pastors and members. My dealings with some of them has been less than perfect; but observance by many speaks that they work hard, are at the office and get thing’s done.
Ramsaran probably is the only departmental leader who has clerical ability of all the men. This is why it is being reported that most of the adminisrators are tithe eaters because they depend on their Administrative Assistant to do their work while the boss gets all the credit.
I hope this answers your Question.
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It seems ashamed that we can only receive information about what is going on from the this blog. This is why I read it consistently so that I can get the truth. I believe that our elected leaders will stoop low to get reelected. The union should show evidence that no foul play has taken place.
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Thanks for your comment I’ve been having technical difficulties with responding to comments but am back on guys…thanks to the LOYALS Winston Stanley, Left Behind, Dolemite9, Johnnie Cochran, and all the others your emails and encouragement keep me motivated not to press the deactivate button….thank you for seeing the nobility in this blog!
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Anonymous, respectively, do you have a name for President? Along with the above, I have the highest respect for all the Administrative Assistants. I do speak with some of them extensively when given the opportunity while on the campground or other conference venus.
As far as the A.Y. Department, I have seen Lullethier Massiah (sp) run that show over the years. She can work it! I have seen Massiah work her fingers to dead tired on that campground since the departure of Elder Black.
As far as Elder T. Douglas, this man worked with Elder Moody behind the scene like none other. He was there when other pastors were not. How do I know? I have manned the waterfront for close to twenty years. Elder Douglas gave Elder Moody unselfish support. He did not put his name up for the position, I, along with a few others gave him support because he is a man of integrity, and needless to say very credible.
As far as I am concern, who should be next in-line for a position when the opportunity presents itself? Rightfully, the individual who has assisted willingly and unselfishly. Furthermore, why would you give a negative rating to someone when you have not given them a full term to serve. I don’t understand that.
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Excellent point Doc and welcome back to the USA!
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