Severe Financial Crisis at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary And Paige Patterson

While SWBTS staff and faculty are being laid off and salaries reduced, the Pattersons continue to maintain a large personal staff. Mrs. Patterson has an assistant and a research assistant. Dr. Patterson has an executive assistant, secretary, personal assistant, and four interns. The Pattersons also have a large staff at their house. They have employeed at least one chef, though it is widely believed there are at least two chefs, possibly more, on the payroll. There are a minimum of four hostesses/servers, a director for the Presidential house, two people who are paid to walk their dogs, and other staff paid to clean their cars and do other household chores and errands for the Pattersons, Wade reports.

I'm just not sure what to say about this extravagant lifestyle. This is what happens when too much power is given, and thus (it)corrupts. Where's the Spirit of servanthood in this? Generally, great (Christian) leaders have always known to be servants of the people they serve and lead. (The Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep). Normally they put the need of people first before seeing themselves. Perhaps, I'm not in the position to evaluate the character of those in high powered places or positions in the SBC, however, the SBC as a denominational body needs a thorough cleansing and redirection for a more better biblical vision of leadership and management.