A Letter to the Bishop in the Wake of Tragedy

January 10, 2008

Dear Bishop Whitfield,

I am writing to inform you of recent events and brag on our connectional ministry.

In the early morning of Sunday, December 23 our former youth director Michael Beckworth shot and killed his wife’s boyfriend, then turned the gun on himself, killing himself as well. This news was a severe blow to many in our church who knew, loved, and were blessed by Michael. They were reeling, cast into a swelter of emotions—sad, angry, despaired, exhausted, confused, frustrated—and needed care. The media quickly sprang on the tragedy, conveying Michael as current youth pastor of Westover Fellowship because our website had not been updated. Then the Associated Press wrongly promulgated his earlier termination as a ‘firing.’ It was quickly piling up to be a huge mess!

In the immediate wake of this tragedy, Doris Stevens called to ask permission to arrange for a professional counselor to visit with our youth and church. Dr. Shara Atkinson of Lubbock facilitated one session with a large number of our youth on Wednesday then another open session for the church as a whole on Sunday. As a result of Doris Stevens’ welcomed intervention, we offered our people opportunities to heal and learn from this tragedy through forums for mutual expression, critical paradigms for better understanding, and practical handles for more healthy living. Though these were not meant to provide the totality of healing we may all need, they ensured our taking first steps toward healing in positive, constructive directions.

In addition, upon hearing Westover’s link to Michael published by the Associated Press, Eddie Allsup offered the services of Shane Skeens of IndigoSpin in Lubbock. By the time our Christmas Eve service began at 6 pm—the same day the story ran over the AP—Shane constructed an official statement for press release and amended our cantankerous website to convey apologies and explanation of our errors. He also coached me on speaking to the press and preparing our leaders should occasion arise. Because of Eddie Allsup’s initiative, we avoided a major public spectacle.

There are others who took an active role, including Rosemary Prumer and Todd Dyess.

Though I had ministered in the midst of tragic circumstances previously, this sort of heinous event was unique and the ramifications in our congregation and community much larger than I was prepared to handle on my own (and this amidst Christmas church events and a looming out-of-country family vacation). In the end, our congregation and its pastor were protected and cared for as a result of the immediate response of our conference leaders and the resources available by virtue of our connectional ministry. It is a proud moment for us as a conference and one that can never be overstated.

Many Blessings in Christ,
Rev. Jonathan Sims