By Chad Mills, Pastor at Airline Baptist Church, Bossier City
As I write this my favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, has announced it has released a great defensive player named DeMarcus Ware. The owner of the team said it was in the best interest of both the player and the team.
Sometimes it is in the best interest of teams to part ways with athletes, employees to part ways with employers and even ministers to leave churches. Those are tough decisions that require much prayer.
I have watched from a distance the controversy taking place within the Louisiana Baptist Convention. I now feel compelled by love, and by Christ, to offer what I hope will be viewed as a voice of reason.
I do not have an agenda or a vendetta. I don’t have an axe to grind, or as they say in the country,” I don’t have a dog in this hunt.” I recognize by voicing my opinion I may be dismissed by both “sides” of the current controversy.
However, I do not believe I can remain silent any longer. I want what is best for the cause of Jesus Christ, our Baptist image, and for Louisiana College.
What are lost people reading in the newspapers about Louisiana College these days? Not record enrollments or academic achievements, instead they read about terminations, investigations, alleged misappropriations, whistle-blower reports, secretly obtained audio recordings, and a war of words being waged via social media.
I do greatly appreciate and respect Dr. Joe Aguillard and the job he has done as president of LC. However, both “sides” in the current contention need to realize that damage has been done to our witness as Christians and as Louisiana Baptists during the most recent controversy.
It appears to me credibility has been all but lost. Without credibility it is impossible for leaders to make progress.
I think the time has come that considering the myriad of accusations, investigations, and contentions that a new beginning is needed at Louisiana College.
Rev. Chad H. Mills
Pastor, Airline Baptist
Bossier City