Comments on: Thoughts About Richard Roberts Appearance on Larry King

By: Benevolent Guru

Benevolent Guru — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

This story has legs, and it’s not going to rest anytime soon. I think last night did little to quench the fire. Too much denial without specific evidence.

I thought it could have been a lot stronger if they could have produced some documents (cancelled checks, expense reports, etc.) to disprove even a few of the charges. But, essentially all they did was to deny any wrongdoing and talk about how hurt they were by all this. These are not folks who seem to know how to be authentic and transparent, and in the end, especially in today’s culture, that could be their undoing.

By: Bonebrake

Bonebrake — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

From the standpoint of crisis managment I believe everything you said is directly to the point and correct. Particularly if the manager is tasked with protecting Richard Roberts’ position at the University. Clearly there are a variety of audiences here, though the most important audience would have to be students and potential students (and their parents) and financial donors. Richard needed to address the charges made against his family and him in a more open forum than one of his shows or a clearly religious program to reassure students and donors that he didn’t knowingly do anything wrong. The Larry King show was a better choice than most. I would disagree with your take on Oral Roberts’ phone comments, however. As as a small but frequent donor to the University, hearing the old patriarch was reassuring. I wanted to know that there was someone involved who had the University as their primary concern. I wanted to know that if things began to unravel someone could take control. My concern has always been, if wrongdoing is found will the Board of Regents have the strength to separate what is good for Richard Roberts from what is good for ORU. Listening to Oral Roberts say “if there is anything out-of-line we will bring it into order like we have always done,” eased my fears. Did it make Richard look weak, yes. Did it make the University look strong, absolutely. Overall I thought what few questions Larry King asked were handled well, although that silly little exchange about remodeling the house 11 times in 14 years was because the black mold is bad in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was ridiculous.

By: Jeff Reid

Jeff Reid — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi, Phil. here's my gut reaction: even though i don't even have an affinity for Richard (he's just not my style), I wonder how the presidents of Yale, Harvard, and other major Universities would fare if their lifestyles were put under the microscope. heck, the president of Chicago Symphony Orchestra – a fully non-profit organization – makes nearly $400,000 and nobody questions her…But, don't the Roberts' have a lot of book-money and other sources of income, that could be a factor, here? These allegations may all be true – and if so, then they should change and be held accountable (I don't think prison, just give back all of the excess). But, like you said, they may have been caught-up in the amazing feeling (and temptation) that accompanies having access to seemingly endless amounts of cash. Anyone of us, or the critics, could go the same direction. That's why it's so important for everyone of us to develop integrity before the money rolls in. Perhaps, Joseph couldn't have handled all of the riches of the kindgdom of Egypt at his disposal, when he first arrived there. But he could, and did with amazing quality, once he had developed the character. however, in the Roberts' situation, a salary-cap wouldn't hurt.

By: KRM

KRM — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I had the privilege to hear Floyd Flake speak at the Willow Creek Leadership Conference this past August. In his presentation he made a powerful statement. He said (not a direct quote) that all you do as a leader should be above reproach so that if accusations come (which they did in his case) you have nothing to worry about. This doesn't even necessarily have to relate to the charges, but "all else". i.e. if they look into your computer to find how you balance your books what else will they find on it? If a leader operates above reproach in all areas of life they can hold there head high and say bring it on when accusations like this come.

In the case of Floyd Flake his life was so above reproach, and his testimony so strong that some of the jury in his case joined his church (after charges were dismissed, and deemed ridiculous)

As the body of Christ this can be an incredible testimony of stewardship, and provide a model of leadership that can really impact people for eternity.

By: gilliebean

gilliebean — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In order to conduct our lives and business so these types of situations rarely or never happen, we must be transparent. Leadership that is not open and honest with its team (profs, students, or staff) engenders distrust. I'd more willingly trust a fallible leader who was honest with me about his faults than a seemingly infallible leader who was aloof and always had a saccharine smile.

Ministries (specifically) and non-profits (generally), must be transparent. That is why in Canada, non-profits' financials are all available on the Canadian Revenue Agency's website. As people have previously mentioned, transparency is key.

By: Lee Miller

Lee Miller — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In Texas, we have watched for the past two weeks the trial of a college president over her use of funds. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5202729.html -and it’s not pretty! Although ORU is a private university and TSU is a public university; both situations came from leaders that made poor choices – whether they were right choices or not. You’re on target Phil with your comments but it is ashamed that it had to get to the point of a lawsuit. Once the lawyers become involved, PR is difficult since what you say and do will end up in the courtroom. As we say in Texas, it’s hard to get the poop back in the cow! Making amends, settling the suit and being honest and transparent, in that order, are the choices at this time in the game if damage is to be minimized. Whining in the media is not going help the cause.

By: Truett Hancock

Truett Hancock — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Regardless of right and wrong, perception is what’s really on trial here".

Truer words were never spoken.

By: Alan Smithee

Alan Smithee — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

"Out of touch" is one of the most dangerous conditions any Christian leader can be in. In general – and I'm not being specific to Richard & Lindsay Roberts – when you're riding on the jet, living in the ministry's paid-for house, having your clothes tailor made or purchased at a high end store, having assistants fetch and do what you ask, don't worry about your next paycheck, when your life is filled with busy-ness at high levels, and the board rubberstamps most of your wishes…well, you just might start forgetting what drives and motivates the regular person. What starts creeping in is a dangerous dynamic: Entitlement. You begin to believe your luxuries and perks are deserved. One can easily start drifting off into The Emperor Has No Clothes territory.

Without getting too preachy, Jesus was always aware of people's lives, no matter their status in society or life. He ate with the rich, touched lepers, treated women with respect and dignity, dealt with rulers, swindlers and the outcast. Talk about being relational at all levels. If you come across in the media as entitled and out of touch, you're in trouble. Best to take a few steps back and take stock of your life, ministry and leadership. The glare of the spotlights is pretty intense these days. It can either illuminate…or burn.

By: Freethinker

Freethinker — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

It is funny to read how lots of alumni and former employees of ORU and OREA write that they are not surprised by the allegations brought to RR and LR.

By: BoycottTBN

BoycottTBN — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In the Bible, having mold was a curse. Hagee had mold in his house too and they had to move out for 18 months. The walls are coming down people, and God is exposing these pimps!