E-mail from Dave Hebert
From: "DAVID HEBERT" <address@witheldforprivacy.com>
To: <Same@here.org>
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 10:06 PM
Subject: Next steps
As I see it. Jack, there are several steps that are critical to accomplish immediately, and several others to implement in the very near term. Following are some thoughts on each:
The board is currently in a state of chaos. The practical aspects of this situation must be addressed immediately:
- I presume that Pete was the VP [Pete is not the VP-Jack] and, therefore, is now President, and that Thom is Secretary. That makes them the only remaining officers of the corporation.
- You need to either get the resignations of Thom, Dick and Pete or agreement on some sort of unity going forward.
- Someone qualified and available needs to determine what our legal standing is, given the fact we have 5 board members (possibly 2) and only 2 (0) officers; what are our options and in what timeframe must we act to remedy that situation?
- We need to transfer the books and fiduciary management (i.e., account signatory, treasurer title and records, etc.) from Bob to someone trustworthy, capable and willing to do so for the interim period (Terry Kuzmic?)
- Precautions must be taken to insulate the daily operation of TMOC from the re-organization occurring at the board level.
It is also essential that a frank and open discussion be held among all key players (Jack, Mike, remaining board members, and, possibly, key advisors like Marc, Tim, Bob Books (via conference phone), etc.), preferably with a neutral mediator. That discussion needs to be planned and scheduled immediately. Topics to be discussed need to include (1) any issues raised in the present conflict and the range of possible resolutions to each; (2) a working vision for the future of the ministry; (3) key roles in that ministry (positions and duties, not persons), and (4) options to proceed from here toward achievement of that vision.
My suggestion for a mediator would be John Mackett of Meadowbrook; he knows and supports TMOC but is not partial to either side in this conflict, has the respect of all parties, and can be trusted to seek the mind of Christ. I would also strongly recommend that the first order of business for this discussion would be the breaking of bread together.
Not immediately, but very soon, we need to gain a solid understanding of our options regarding creating an interim board, their qualifications and mandate, how they should be selected and governed; and how they select and transition to the new permanent board. I would strongly advise against "personal" choices; great care and due diligence must be taken to select interim members that match well with the goal of their tenure — defining the new structure of TMOC. They must be pragmatic, Christlike individuals; with time and commitment to participate fully in prayer, discussion, research and brainstorming, well-organized and with complementary skill sets designed to accomplish their primary mandate which I presume would be to change the bylaws and create a more suitable structure for future boards. (I have some specific thoughts on that structure and bylaws but will hold them until they are needed.)
You've asked me to speak from my heart, brother. One other step that is absolutely essential is for you and Mike to be reconciled, at least as brothers if not as co-laborers. Such reconciliation has little, if anything, to do with who has what role in the future, but whether the two of you can trust, respect and work with each other in a way that reflects and honors Christ. A bitter root at the heart of TMOC can only infect and corrupt, rather than heal and redeem. If you cannot be reconciled to one another it is better for TMOC that that be determined now so any necessary changes can be made quickly and future planning is not done in vain.
As far as my own role, I'm torn. I'd love to participate in a healing process and to contribute what I could to the new TMOC. My distance and young family are a hindrance and I will have to assess each phase, one step at a time. For now I will remain. Should I decide at some point to bow out, however, it will be immediate and irrevocable. That decision will likely be determined by whether we are making sufficient progress toward unity and goals that I can support in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
Hope that helps you in planning from this point. (I , could be available to come down on Monday, Dec 1, if needed).