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The Peer Assessment Committee, led by Dr. David Dockery, chancellor of Trinity International University, has completed its review of ±«Óătv's integration of faith, learning and doctrine.
In particular, the committee evaluated the key elements of Baptist distinctiveness that inform ±«Óătv’s identity as a Missouri Baptist institution.
The key finding of the committee is the University’s Statement of Faith has not been implemented effectively across the fabric of the University. The Statement of Faith was adopted in 1921 and recently reaffirmed by Missouri Baptist Convention messengers in 2012. For the long-term health and faithfulness of ±«Óătv, the institution must clarify its Statement of Faith to be a clear and compelling theological framework.
In addition, the committee determined, due to the lack of a clearly implemented Statement of Faith, the doctrinal position of ±«Óătv has been perceived as ambiguous. This lack of clarity has led to an erosion of trust between the University and Missouri Baptists. ±«Óătv and the Missouri Baptist Convention must work together to restore that trust.
“We appreciate the work of Dr. Dockery and the Peer Assessment Committee,” said Mark Rains, chair of the ±«Óătv Board of Trustees. “We will now continue their work by digesting this assessment and working with ±«Óătv Administration to respond in a deliberate fashion.”
The Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees will publicly release an executive summary of the review after it has been shared internally. With many employees not on campus during the summer, it will take a few weeks to accomplish internal communication.
±«Óătv President Dr. Eric Turner also praised the work of the committee and is committed to lead the efforts needed to ensure the spiritual vitality of ±«Óătv.
“Dr. Dockery and the committee have accurately and effectively surmised the situation in which ±«Óătv has found herself. Over the coming weeks and months, you will see evidence of ±«Óătv’s thoughtful response to this assessment,” Dr. Turner said.
“We are currently working to clarify, boldly articulate and implement our Statement of Faith that will further align and strengthen our Baptist identity and Christian faith. Since my arrival at ±«Óătv, I have recognized the need for ±«Óătv to strengthen our relationship with the Missouri Baptist Convention and its churches. This assessment affirms that position. We must collectively work together to rebuild trust between ±«Óătv and Missouri Baptists.”
Dr. John Yeats, Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention, is encouraged by ±«Óătv’s response to the committee’s assessment.
“In the life of every institution with denominational roots, there are those moments in history to reinvigorate the core Biblical beliefs within the context of the educational environment. Dr. Dockery and his team, at the invitation of Dr. Turner, have assessed and provided a recommended framework to bring doctrinal and missional revival to ±«Óătv,” Dr. Yeats said.
“I am deeply encouraged that decisive and strategic implementation is characteristic of Dr. Turner’s leadership. This peer assessment is a welcomed tool for him and the ±«Óătv Board of Trustees to use as a guide in the days ahead. Pray for ±«Óătv as they work diligently to establish bold initiatives that demonstrate their alignment with Missouri Baptist churches.”
±«Óătv and MBC leadership are actively working to strengthen their shared relationship.
“I am grateful to Dr. Yeats and the Missouri Baptist leadership in our collaborative conversations regarding these issues,” Dr. Turner said. “Our collective efforts are intended to ensure ±«Óătv will be the exemplar Christian University providing a transformative and holistic educational experience for years to come.”
Over the course of its assessment, the committee met with ±«Óătv administration, faculty and staff, ±«Óătv trustees, and Missouri Baptist Convention leadership. The committee’s conversations and research led to findings that were presented to the ±«Óătv Administration and the Executive Committee of ±«Óătv’s Board of Trustees.
“The Peer Assessment Committee wishes to thank the ±«Óătv Board, administration, faculty and staff for their kindness to the committee members during this process,” Dr. Dockery said. “We are particularly grateful to the leaders of ±«Óătv and the Missouri Baptist Convention for their openness with the committee and their shared desire to strengthen the work of the ±«Óătv community in the days ahead. I am thankful for the dedicated work of the other committee members, who join with me in offering prayers for God's help, guidance and blessing for ±«Óătv for the months and years to come.”
*Published: 7-15-19