Goodpasture grew largely out of Madison Church of Christ and closely related churches from the 1960's. With Bill Ruhl's retirement, much has changed and changed in ways that are of concern to many. Goodpasture is now less than 50% Church of Christ and apparently has its first non-Church of Christ instructor.

www.goodpastureconfidential.com/forum

Dear Parent,

It is interesting that you seem to be drawing a parallel between a church (at Madison) and a school (Goodpasture High School). If so, I’m inclined to believe that you are accurately stating your case.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the Christian Church was such a strong force—it was gaining momentum and it dominated and acquired many of our large churches and schools; and it took a while for churches of Christ to regain what had been lost. That seems to be recurring.

If our Christian universities (Pepperdine, Abilene Christian, Lipscomb, etc.) have been/are being intruded by outside forces, why should our Christian high schools be an exception to this takeover? As the song goes, “How Shall the Young Secure Their Hearts?” Of course, the change agents would say—there’s no better time than now to indoctrinate the young … and they will not depart from it. Unfortunately, the departure is a move for the wrong reasons.

I wonder, based on the history of the Saddleback Community influences at Madison, if Goodpasture HS had already been being subjected to the same influences and indoctrination while the change agents were busily taking over Madison in the 90’s. My question to you, Parent, is if you concur that this was the case at Goodpasture during that time?

It probably shouldn’t be a surprise that GHS has its first non-church instructor. Lipscomb probably has more. I don’t know what to think of the more than 50% of the student body being affiliated with other churches.

I have a few questions to ask … later

Someone noted some time back that a teacher was fired from a church of Christ school for teaching that baptism was required.
The Baptists complained and the board lost its stiffness and fired the teacher.

Was that posted here?

A school funded by churches of Christ should not bow to internal or external pressure. Firstly, the people decided to send their children to the school based on perceived merit. Once they grow to be a majority the finances will test the ethics of the board of directors.

I served on such a board for 7 years and sad to say, the Bible program is pretty week and there is no plan to make a person competent in Bible knowledge as they are in math or science. Unfortunately, in my own family I regretted sending one for 13 years when the EXAMPLES were extremely damaging.

As teachers come out of the 'once Christian' colleges my impression from their knowledge and attitude is that they are ripe to infiltrate false teaching.

This would not happen in a Baptist school which would teach their views and refuse to have outsiders be on the board and threats would be handled with a firm hand.

It is hard to say when the changes evolved at Goodpasture. Few doubt that it is no longer the school that it was in the 1970's or even the 1980's. Many trace the decline of the school academically and spirtually to a period 10 to 15 years ago. There may be a correlation or it may be a mere coincidence. However, many of the school leadership were among the leadership at Madison throughout that period. J.D. Elliot is on the Goodpasture Board still. Bill Ruhl was on the Goodpasture Board until he resigned last spring. Gilbert Drake who was selected to replace Dr. Ruhl was perhaps a deacon at Madison. Many of the teachers and families are clearly affiliated with Madison even today. Although many may have left Madison over the last 10 years, the question presents whether these who left and moved to other local charges are the very change agents being discussed. I do know that comments are often made in and around Goodpasture about a division in the Church of Christ based families and one segment being the "clappers."

Dear Parent,

Thank you so much for responding.

I have other questions to which you may have answers, I hope.

You mentioned in your initial post that—“With Bill Ruhl's retirement, much has changed and changed in ways that are of concern to many.” Dr. Ruhl’s resignation or retirement occurred only last spring (spring of 2006). Is the implication here that much more has changed in less than a year? Perhaps, that’s not really surprising. My understanding is that he is no longer at Madison. Is he still in the local area and which congregation is he in fellowship with?

According to Madison’s Timeline, J.D. Elliot resigned from the eldership a few years ago—in the midst of the havoc—upon which I’m drawing my personal conclusion that he was in opposition to Madison’s takeover and wanted no part in the leadership that had allowed such to happen. I could be wrong in assuming that, according to the high school’s current situation—its apparent “takeover” and decline, Mr. Elliott is still a board member because he is in the midst of a school situation, rather than that of a church.

Is there some way that you can ascertain if Gilbert Drake was/is a deacon at Madison?

When you attributed the school’s decline to a period 10 to 15 years ago, I am reminded of the subtle and gradual takeover at Madison occurring during that same period—in the 90’s. It appears to be more than just a coincidence!

Your last statement about comments of a division in the church is noteworthy. While division resulting from the implementation of unwanted and unnecessary changes goes deeper than outward appearances, it is basically the church being segmented between: (1) those that prefer not to change God’s directives for the church and (2) those “clappers.”

I believe Dr. Ruhl retired as the president of the school 3 years ago but he remained as a member of the school's board of directors on which he had served since the school was formed in the 1960's. He agreed to stay on 2 years to help Gilbert Drake as he took over the duties of president and to work on special projects. If I recall correctly, Drake or those supporting him claimed that Bill Ruhl was involved with the attempt to force him out as president last spring when Drake resigned and then came back after a parent uprising that involved "unsigned" letters etc. Drake came back with demands and conditions. When he came back Doyle Tidwell and Bill Ruhl resigned as board members.

J.D. Elliot was on Madison's eldership when we were there. I don't know when he left or why. Some might conclude he was not in agreement with the takeover. Others might similarly conclude that he and the other elders who resigned during that period were unwilling to fight for what was right. Only he knows for sure.

I am also certain Drake was a deacon at Madison somewhere around 2000. I remember sitting in church when he was presented to the church and comments were requested.

Takeover through differences of philosophy is an interesting question. When a church has grown as Madison did on fundamental conservative Church of Christ doctrine, it could be concluded that a takeover by those with a non-Church of Christ agenda is not much more than an invasion that almost equates to theft of Church of Christ assets. What would be the difference if a group of Church of Christ members decided they needed a bigger church but instead of building it, just moved into another church, let's say Baptists, and displacing that church's membership under false pretense in order to take over the facilities. Honest disagreement should not result in the problems that arose at Madison but impure agendas could be predicted to result in the events that unfolded.

Goodpasture has always had a large population of non CofC students. I don't believe a non CofC instructor is a new thing. However,there have been very few. Now the President's board, created by Dr. Ruhl, has always been decided by MONEY, not church affiliation.

Gilbert Drake is a fine man that is NOT swayed by special interest groups. Dr. Ruhl did not have this intergrity. Sports ruled his school. I'm glad Gilbert has the job!!

The school is declining because of the neighborhood. They would be wise to follow DA to Sumner Co.

I strongly disagree that the decline in Goodpasture is the neighborhood. When I was there, students came from East Nashville to Springfield to Hendersonville to Donelson. If anything, the geographic reach now is the same if not expanded. I have seen students from as far away as southern Kentucky and Wilson County. I see fewer students from East Nashville - well, except for the sports program. I have heard it said that Goodpasture now sees its target areas as those areas to its west, north and east - it is not looking south.

I do however agree that the president's board is a waste of time for those on it. They have no purpose or duty. It is an honorary position with little participation except as a panel of contacts that were selected for reasons ranging from money to influence. If it was so important for the school to be led by Church of Christ believers then explain why that feature does not apply to the president's board. It is likely because leadership is not expected but other support is.

As for Mr. Drake, he is a nice man but he is not a leader. He has been in control of the school for 3 years and there is no material evidence that it is turning around and/or that the academic standings are increasing. The rumor mill has it that one principal and as many as 10 teachers are not renewing their contracts at the end of this school year. That might be fine if these were individuals that needed to be pruned anyhow but I suspect that the ones leaving are the ones who are aware that the school has hit an iceburg with its current administration and board.

God himself (or perhaps other super human beings who influence the decisions of humans) knows why Mr. Drake was really selected or why he returned after resigning last spring. It is not apparent to human evaluation. When he was hired, and even now, he had no experience in education, he had no master's or doctoriate degrees in education, he has never taught, he has never been a principal or administrator, he was never even the chief executive officer of a business. He sold insurance and then sold seats on corporate jets. Neither of those have a lot to do with setting and enforcing academic policy, overseeing teachers and principals, dealing with demanding parents, etc. Now, don't get me wrong, this is not to say that Mr. Drake is not a good man nor that he is not trying. But, seriously, how many white collar insurance salesmen are selected to be surgeons or to lead the military or to do any other thing that requires and needs experience and qualifications to succeed. Its almost comedic. Why would any prudent person select a position of such importance knowing that they had no qualifications unless either qualifications were unimportant or their ego was clouding their judgment? My goodness, the position of president of a K-12 school facility should require some experience and qualifications. But apparently, the Goodpasture Board (which was under the control of Bill Ruhl and Doyle Tidwell at the time) wanted something other than an individual with experience and qualifications in leading an educational institution when they selected Mr. Drake. Perhaps they felt that an individual with experience and qualifications might not agree with the unguided manner in which the board of directors has allowed Goodpasture to operate since the early 1990's that has contributed to its decline as an educational facility.

No doubt, Goodpasture knows how to recruit atheletes but does it operate its sports program as a first priority or does it operate its academic program as a first priority. I think, at best, Christian principles are 3rd or 4th in priority.

I am very disappointed in and and concerned about the future of the school unless, as with Madison, the parents stand up and demand that they be allowed to remove the existing board and appoint capable, competent men and women to take a good hard look at the school and set it back on a path of educating young men and women in a Christian environment as was originally intended.

Do you know who heads their Bible department and where he was trained?

Goodpasture web site says Charles Baugh who I think is the preacher at Goodletsville.

Goodpasture's requirement that someone employed by the school or sitting on the board of directors (you do not have to be Church of Christ to be on the President's board only the main board) is in current practice humorous. Attending football games and other events on campus it is pretty clear that the environment is marginally church oriented but how is it reinforced or supervised relative to the students. Its not, they act like any other public school and in some instances worst.

I would almost rather see a strong ethics code at the school than to substitute a specific church affiliation as a substitute for ethics. When all the school requires of its employees is some affiliation with some Church of Christ, how do you even know that the individuals being employed are any more Church of Christ than someone who is a lukewarm Baptist or Methodist or Catholic? Showing by example might be more important than carrying around a membership card.

The politics at Goodpasture is just disgusting. The things I have read on the website goodpastureconfidential causes me to think that the school may have people in leadership who are Church of Christ attendees but do those leaders have what it takes to lead a school in these times? If not, perhaps more harm is done than good.

Based on the comment above, let's take that a step further and look at the overall breakdown of the Church of Christ and how this is playing into the hands of the change agents...Let's see the pattern here!

As a person who knew the Oakhills congregation BEFORE Max Lucado and AFTER, this is exactly how people like Max work. As many know on this website, I've stated quite frankly my opinion on Mr. Lucado and his "sales" ability; much less my firm belief that he is NOT a Christian by Biblical standards. (What other standards are there, really?) Yet, there are those who continue to applaud him and his leadership behind the division in the Churches of Christ.

What always amazes me is that so many of you believe he is some wonderful, newly enlightned preacher who has finally found the truth. He was a true member of the Church of Christ who came to a realization that there is another way...Really? Are some of you really that gullable?

Let's look at the facts and not his "sales pitch". As early as the late 70's, he was still behind the Baptist Church. During his long tenure at Oakhills, he NEVER gave up his beliefs in other ways/forms of religion. Even during his so-called "early days" at Oakhills, he never once acted as if he was fully a member of the Churches of Christ. And when confronted with teaching errors, he did admit he had "issues" with some things that were believed. Yet, he was allowed to stay on because he was so charismatic. Hence the reason so many of the original members left in disgust and disbelief. And now we are all shocked that he leads the change?

Has no one realized that he was planted at Oakhills to do exactly what he has done? To sew discord and disbelief? To cause a break in the very religion he admits he was never truly in agreement with? To let his charismatic personality sway people from the truth? Why are we shocked? My parents talked about this in the late 1980's. All the other Churches of Christ in San Antonio talked about how "mesmerized" the Oakhill members were and how far from the actually Word of God they had strayed. He was known for being weak on scriptural understanding, and, in fact, still shows his weakness today. Yet, so many of you buy his "feel good" but erroneous books.

Here is another instance of how the devil starts to tear apart a church and/or Christian school. How else would he do it? Walk up to you and say "Hey, I'm here to ruin yet another congregation and tear it away from God?" I don't think he's quite so honest and upfront.

And so, it starts with the school President and stops....where?

It is a fact that Max is terminally ignorant about the Bible along with too many others.
If not so then terminally evil about lying about too much of the Bible.
Max writes fiction and when I read hs first book being the TEXBOOK for my daughter's
class in Atlanta, I knew that he was not feeding on the Biible. As a reaader
of myths and early gnosticism I would say that many of his ideas are bleed
from documents he knows no one else will understand.

I remember some of the Operation 68 people and Max had to hustle through
college and get some PRACTICE before he could join up. Didn't Max return
c 1985 from Brazil. I know that he was used by Shelly in contriving the
Jubilee heresy with the stated intention of restructuring churches of Christ.

My guess is that Max is Spiritist but clearly not Christian. I think now
that he is Opportunist sucking the life blood of people who live on
the effeminant stuff. He confessed that he gets Ideas, buys up all of the
books and then TESTS each word for their effect. That is, he intends
to change people through what, along with music and rhetoric,
always been identified as SORCERY.

What I wonder about is that too many of the bonded buddies
have the same look and style and I wonder if the relationship is
not closer than the blood of Jesus.

What can you tell us about any hints of the Spiritist of Brazil
who converted more preachers than they did Brazilians?

PPB, I certainly question your knowledge of the Oak Hills congregation before Max was the preacher since you can not even print the name of the congregation correctly. If you have any legitimate questions that you would like answered regarding Oak Hills, I would be glad to answer them.

PPB gave some detailed information about Lucado, yet "Anonymous" discredits that on the basis of a typo? Because "Oak Hills" is typed "Oakhills"? If PPB's message had contained reference to a bookmark and it was typed as "book mark," would "Anonymous" have strained to deny the message over that as well? People tend to nitpick when they are unable to counter strong arguments.

Sorry Doctor, the anonymous was me. My specific questions to PPB would be: 1. Who planted Max at Oak Hills? (I was a member at the time that he was hired as minister.) and 2. Which were the congregations in San Antonio ("all other congregations in San Antonio") to which PPB was referring? He/She seems to speak from quite a bit of knowledge, just would like an answer to these questions.

Tom,

Wow, aren't you a nice guy. I'm sorry I was typing so early in the morning that I didn't proofread just so you would be impressed.

I could write pages on this issue, but everyone here has already heard some of it and those that need to read it wouldn't take the time. I'll try to keep this short and to the point.

I grew up in San Antonio as an area preacher's kid. This provided me with more info on the Max scandal than a normal young adult. Add to that, some of my family and friends attended Oak Hills before, during and after Max arrived. And yes, I know a lot of what went on back when he first came, more than most the members since I was privileged to knowledge of the in-fighting over Oak Hill's teachings after Max arrived (though it took some years to become evident). I was also witness to some events.

That Max caused division amongst family and friends is undisputed and a well-known fact. My family was not immune to the fall out. That very few of the original members are still there is also undisputed.

To say that area Churches such as Northside, MacAurthur, Jefferson, etc (must I go on?) were upset is an understatement. Talk about shocked and upset! They all questioned why Oak Hills had hired Max and knew it would take Oak HIlls down the wrong road. It was very upsetting news at the time. An ex-baptist preacher who's beliefs were questionable and who didn't work well with other area preachers was not exactly a welcomed addition. The controversy was strong across all of South Texas and still is.

My best friend still attends Oak Hills, though it is NOT something we discuss. She admits that Oak Hills is teaching mistruth, but she feels she has a better chance of meeting a nice single man there due to their large singles group. What a sad excuse.

I chose not to be a part of a congregation that was leading souls down the wrong path. I had this strange idea that being quiet about something I knew was wrong would make me just as guilty. I couldn't understand why people couldn't see past his charisma to the false Biblical truth underneath.

And who do I think sent Max? I think most of us on this board are very aware of the small group who started this movement in the 70s. Why must I explain such a well known issue?

And thanks but no Tom, I do not have questions I need answered about Oak Hills. I know more than I want to know or care to know. Oak Hills saddens me to my core. Max Lucado will have to answer to God, not me. I'm just glad I will not be standing in his shoes at that time.

PPB, I too am deeply saddened by events at Oak Hills. I know far too many who have left for other congregations, all unnecessary. I do not think that other congregations in town were upset with Oak Hills when Max was hired. In fact, I remember attending a joint series of lessons held between MacArthur and Oak HIlls with Rubel Shelly speaking. Many Northside members attended Oak Hills (visiting) during those early years that Max was speaking. (Jefferson, well they have had 15 members during all of those years, most over the age of 80).

Why do you say that Max was hired as an "ex-Baptist preacher." That is not true. While I will be the first to say what has happened is a tragedy, one not without hope of reversing, by the way, I think that it serves no purpose to misinform.

I apologize for my earlier demeanor.

Thank you Tom, for calling me a liar once more.

Really, the area churches were not upset about Max? Wow, and to think, all those meetings didn't really happen...All those sermons I heard were never spoken. All those class discussions never occured. Amazing!

Do you really know Max Lucado? His background? Are you not aware of where he started and where he is heading?

What is sad is that the members had to leave their Church building to be able to attend a Church that preached the truth and not according to Max's theories. No wonder other Churches have been calling it the "The Church according to Max Lucado".

Tom,

I forgot to add that the reason we all called him an ex-baptist preacher was because of the story he used to tell everyone from the pulpit of finding grace through a baptist preacher on a radio station. He also didn't agree with the teachings at ACU (ACC at that time). He has always stated that he thanked the Baptist for their teachings. This was way before he arrived at Oak Hills.

He also stated quite clearly, after arriving at Oak Hills, that he didn't believe in baptism as the Church of Christ did (he agreed more with the Baptist). In fact, Dr. Holly wrote numerous letters chastising Lucado for being a fake Church of Christ preacher. Dr. Holly disliked the CofC and was upset with MAx for not being brave enough to admit his true beliefs. He personally spoke with him in the early 1990's and was promised that Max was not one of the old line Church of Christ type. He was just a Christian...

And you wonder why the other Churches became upset with him? Most Church of Christ preachers did not associate him with the Church of Christ and began asking him to remove "Church of Christ" from the name of Oakhills back in 1990. My father was one of them.

By the way, since Max has stepped down due to his minor heart problems, I wonder who will take his place?

You are correct that Gil Drake has never worked in education but the school is getting better since he took over. I am a graduate of Goodpasture, my kids attend there, and I have had family members teach under both men and there is no comparison. Mr. Ruhl was always for the student/parent when there was as question of who was at fault. Mr. Drake has surrounded himself with people who know education and the school is on the way back. Mr. Drake's job is not to educate the kids, his job is to ensure the the teachers and leaders have the tools to teach. How many CEO's look over the CPA's paperwork? I do not think any do, they have hired people who know what to look for and how to direct them in the way to go. Mr. Drake has had to spend a lot of money to improve the school because it has been neglected for so long. There are so many improvements that have taken place in the last 3 years since Gil Drake took over that they are too numerous to mention. We now have Devo's in the elementary where we did not in the past, the kids are learing spanish in the younger classes, the teachers actually want to come to class and teach. That should be enough. Yes you are correct that several teachers were wanting to leave, but that was last year. When Mr. Drake was asked to leave by Mr. Ruhl it was behind the boards knowledge. Once teachers found out that Mr Ruhl might come back over 200 calls were made to Davidson Acad. alone for application and 14 teachers were planning on leaving. Does that tell you how bad it was? Yes my facts are correct because I have family that was going to leave Goodpasture and friends at Davidson that can verify it.

I do want to keep putting down Mr. Ruhl, but the school was in bad shape. It will take several years for the school to get back to where it needs to be....educating kids and letting the teachers do the job they were hired to do.

The PTO is a wonderful tool and we need to get involved with it. We finally have a leader who will stand up for the teachers and not fold under the parents who want their way with money.

Pray for Mr. Drake and his family.

PPB, my only reason in posting on this thread was to try to eliminate some of the hysteria (inaccuracies) that were mentioned. (Please do not accuse me of calling you a liar again, I am not.) But I do beleive your posts were certainly inaccurate in spots and right on in others. It is those inacuracies that need to be corrected so that the emphasis of your post is not lost on those who recognize your errors.

For example, I asked you why you called Max an "ex-Baptist preacher." You corrected your statement to show that he emphasized that he learned about grace from listening to a Baptist minister, a far cry from him being an ex-Baptist preacher at the time he was hired at Oak Hills.

You next say that Max was "allowed to stay on because he was so charismatic. Really, where do you learn this? As one who was at Oak Hills from before Max was hired, and in somewhat of a leadership position, I can tell you that there was never a movement, argument, or issue raised over having him leave so that he might be "allowed to stay on." In fact, just the opposite was true. The fear was that he would accept one of the many job offers that came from several "mega-churches" in the US.

Next, you say that "he was planted at Oak Hills to do exactly what he has done." Really, where did you learn this? Who planted Max at Oak Hills? Which of the Elders at Oak Hills in 1987 were duped into accepting him as the minister? Was it Paul Slatton, other than my father, the most Godly man I have ever known? Was it Jim Stonestreet, a hard worker and student of the Bible? Was it Paul Bruner, a finer husband with a shining Christian wife you will never meet this side of heaven? Tell me, which one was it.

To my knowledge, Max has not really changed his position. It is still the one that you can find on the Oak Hills website. That is an in-depth study that gives a good basis for understanding baptism. Is it perfect? No, but it comes closer than most studies I have read.

Now, before you think that this is a defense of Max or the changes that have occurred at Oak Hills, it is not. It is a defense of TRUTH. Not truth in biblical terms, but truth of facts of what happened in San Antonio starting in 1987. I pray that things reverse at Oak Hills. I am working toward that goal. I talk with Elders, I talk with members, praying that something said will cause an attitude of reflection.

Oak Hills always has been a "progressive congregation." That is why I joined it in 1982. It was probably the only growing congregation in San Antonio until many members started leaving due to the size of the congregation and worship issues. There are many, many good people still at Oak Hills. I pray that the recent contribution for a new auditorium will cause some reflection among the Eldership, especially while this decision of a replacement minister is contemplated.

Max has had various things to say about baptism at various times: I have reviewed many of them. I knew a "founding" associate of Jubilee and it was clear that it was an "infiltrate and divert" effort. I warned my old Murfreesboro elders but they ahh-shawed it off as only elders can do. When Max came to Jubilee in 1997 they knew what he intended to do and it was not what I believe you would accept. The elders wrote their letter of repudiation which brought them some threats but only one family left.

My Hohenwald church got Maxed and Axed with the same problem. When they declared themselves "'a family of God, a purpose driven church" and errected Rubels four Asherah poles in the foyer I knew trouble was afoot. I mentioned the false teaching and got the same but more brutal rebuff. They did listen to Max' efforts in 1997 to wash the water out of baptism and the preacher cautiously told me after listening to the tape: 'Well, that's what he said." I have several times quoted Rubel's sermons word for word and a member has written to call me a liar. That is what happens when they give your rational (spiritual) brain an injection directly through emotions so that people BELIEVE that they reached a conclusion on their own: why doubt untruth in advertising? Nevertheless, the locals proceeded to hire a preacher to fit their Jubilee patternism of "music, a broader role for women and discontinued to preach on baptism."

I have looked at all of Max's explanation of passages such as Romans 6 and his quite-aggressive spitting at our views because the thief on the cross was the EXCEPTION which DISPROVED the rule. Of course, you know me, so I had to tell the world that the thief on the cross did not ask to be saved and Jesus gave him a different answer. Furthermore, as I remember it, the thief on the cross was crucified for his own sins. His views on most of the passages he has addressed are quite identical or even more radical than the Baptist view. Like his buddy, Rick, with his 12 year hidden agenda, I believe that the views of many of the "converts" reflect Max's views which are both wrong and prove that he writes fiction and does not rely on the "facts as recorded" and almost universally viewed.

He did tell people that if they just call God "Father" they are saved: I remarked that I might try that on Bill Gates who used to attend our board meetings and i COULD have.......

I believe that he has some unresolved issues with his "father" and those who have claimed visions and accepted the worship of others and got wealthy always seemed to have met a bad end. Agrippa built a Seeker Center with the people's money and the mega churches could just move right in. However, he didn't come out too well.

I am positive that you can find the footprints of Max and Rubel with Ricky and others leaving trails away from all of the church division in the last two decades. Being a nice guy I believe is a studied role as in the same way he defines his writing style as an exercise in psychological impact. If he did not have this charisma we would not know his name. I know about friendships but I have none which trumps the Word of God. His will not be a positive memorial for future generations.

Tom,

AGain, you have white-washed Max. He was called an Ex-baptist" preacher by the area preachers because of how he taught BEFORE he even arrived at Oak Hills. You think missionaries are immune from review? Are you not aware how small a group the area preachers are and how aware they are of each other?

I know what I heard and I know what the rest of the Church said about Max. Obviously you did not listen or care. How is it that I know more of the true story than you do? Either you didn't really take notice of what was going on around you in the Church or you didn't care.

Your comments chill me to the bone. When I told some friends of mine (involved in past discussions about Max) what you said above, they were upset. Truth can be an enigma for some people and we shouldn't expect others to be as honest as we are. Why do I continue to expect truth, when people refuse to be honest with their own self?

I hope your studies of the Bible (with an open/accepting heart and a good Greek translation) will one day shed light of Truth on you so that you will see into the true Max. It will be an eye opener that will break your heart. It did mine. Wouldn't it be great if he used that charisma for Truth?

PPB, I have tried my best to present FACTS in my comments. You have presented conclusory statements without facts. That should chill you to the bone. I would be happy for you to present any facts which show that I am wrong.

PPB, I think you posted some differences between the Church of Christ and the Christian church?

Would you repeat that?

Freed Hardeman--as usual--in their 2006 lectureship invited a Christian church person to explain why God COMMANDED instrumental music. Faust debated Gillmore and Victor Knowles has as usual capitalized by posting Faust but not Gillmore and I cannot find a copy of the defense which I grasp from other forums was the "law of silence" and probably the gopher wood one. I have takeen a copy of Faust's "uncopyable" post and am reviewe it: the same old lies or a total ignorance of the Bible. Too bad for the president of a college.

There is plenty of history to prove that The Church of Christ was never part of the Disciples and the Christian church sected out of the Disciples a decade after churches of Christ refused to be counted with them. Nevertheless, they have made some progress at the 'unity' meetings using PRO-instrumental dups like Max and Rick. Their ploy is that we are erring brothers and they want us BACK or at least confess to causing division and AFFIRMING that the musicators were correct to deliberately sow discord.

That would help. thanks, Ken

Ken, did you ever get a copy of the lecture that Max gave at Tulsa? I have been unable to get a copy.

I just cannot disagree more. The school may be getting a whitewash from external appearances and there may be some optimism about the potential for improvement in the quality of teaching but I think you confuse causation with coincidence.

Furthermore, at least one board member recently commented that he thought the "dust had settled" enough to bring Dr. Ruhl back on the board. When that happens, Drake will likely be "dust in the wind" after what he did to Dr. Ruhl's daughter when he got rid of her.

Goodpasture needs real change. It is suffering from the same inbreeding that causes genetic defects in mammals. It needs new and active leadership on the board and it needs a new administration that knows how to run a school.

Some of you have an interest in Goodpasture School are aware of what has been transpiring there based upon this thread and other sources. I have been reading the discussions taking place on Goodpasture Confidential (www.goodpastureconfidential.com/forum) and I am just amazed at what parents and even some faculty are starting to open up with concerning the failure of the board of directors and the administration to properly steward the school forward. I still wonder to what extent this original question about change agents impacting Goodpasture is part of the problem which have existed long before Gil Drake became president but have accelerated under his lack of real leadership.

I pray for all of you!

Gilbert Drake was the best thing that ever happened to Goodpasture and we will miss him. Hopefully, they can find someone with his views and persona to replace him. My son went to Goodpasture for 13 years. Until Drake took over, the parents were never informed of what direction the school was going. It was Ruhl's way or no way.

As for the environment of the school, I believe it is causing a decline in enrollment. The campus security is not up to par. With the amount of tuition collected by the school, all areas of the campus should be patroled at all times. Madison and the area the school is located in has gone drastically downhill. Last year several vehicles were broken into during school hours and special events and gas was stolen from vehicles during school. Maybe they do need to move to a different location.

My prayers are with the Drake family during this difficult time and with the people looking for a new president.

Sincerely,

Goodpasture Parent

Some of you guys that post on this website are shameful.. I never heard a bad word about Gilbert Drake and now Goodpasture has lost a great man and leader!

When are you guys going to wake up and realize that Christianity is not defined by whether or not ones church of choice has insturmental music, praise team, clapping.. ect??!!

Nick Reynolds wrote: "Christianity is not defined by whether or not ones [sic] church of choice has insturmental [sic] music, praise team, clapping.. ect [sic]."

No church should operate by implementing worldly practices aimed at pleasing men, not God. Since the history of the first-century Church includes neither instrumental (not "insturmental") music nor "praise teams," then churches today have no real biblical justification to have them, other than the erroneous "justification" to satisfy the lust for entertainment in an ungodly society.

We always hear that we should use the church of the first century as an example and not stray from that example. I seriously doubt that the first century church used a leather bound printed copy of the King James Bible. To be safe should we not use scrolls and parchment? Also since the first century was before the third century when the cannon was determined, which gospels, letters and apocalyptic books should we really be reading?