Questions for CRBC Meeting: January 29, 2017

I. THE 2000-2001 ARBCA INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE, THEIR

FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Who were the men on the administrative council (AC) at the time that ARBCA was
notified of the incidents at Miller Valley Baptist Church (MVBC) and how were they
notified? What were they initially told about the incident?

2. Who determined which men would be on the investigative team and who were these
men? What was each one’s background which qualified them to be chosen? What was
each one’s relationship to Tom, Walt or Joey at that time? Why was Don Lindblad
involved? Was this ARBCA protocol?

3. Did/Does ARBCA have a written protocol for how investigations are to be conducted?
If so, could we have a copy of it?

4. Who lead the investigation and how was this determined? Explain the overall
investigation including timelines, locations and who was in attendance.

5. What were the findings of the investigation and how was this reported to the ARBCA
AC, Tom and the MVBC and other ARBCA church members? Describe what the
documents did and did not include. Were all of the findings provided to all parties, if not,
why?

6. Can we obtain a copy of the original complete report? Why or why not?

7. Have the original members of the investigating team been contacted since the
investigation began in 2015? Why or why not? Were they asked to be at our meeting to
answer our questions?

8. It was reported on an internet website that once the investigation was concluded,
some of the men who conducted the investigation and/or pastors within ARBCA advised
the AC that the civil authorities should be contacted. The website also stated that this
request to contact civil authorities was overruled. Is this true? If true, who made the
decision to overrule and why?

9. It was reported on an internet website that the ARBCA AC/or member(s) of the AC
overruled recommendations for the report, part of the report or findings to be sent to all
ARBCA churches. Who determined this and why?
10. Was Tom placed under church discipline by the elders of MVBC? Why or why not?

11. Why did Tom not stay in Arizona? Explain the reasons he left and the timeline.

12. Was Tom placed under church discipline by any other ARBCA church? If so, what
were the conditions of the discipline and what was the outcome? What was the
measure of his repentance? Was he reconciled/good standing to MVBC and its people
following the outcome/discipline? It is reported via the internet that Tom did not
complete all of the “steps” assigned. Is this true? If true, what was the reason? Who
“signed-off” on the outcome?

13. What was the official ARBCA policy at that time for restoring an elder? Was this
followed with Tom? Why or why not?

14. Are any past members of the AC, investigative committee or elders of MVBC,
involved in this situation, willing to provide a written statement to CRBC explaining their
biblical rational as to why Tom was allowed to be considered as a pastor following
MVBC incidents?

15. Did MVBC discuss or distribute any of the findings/outcomes with any other ARBCA
churches or its members? Why or why not?

16. It appears and is reported via the internet that the incidents met the criteria for
reporting to the civil authorities. Although it seems that the some of the investigative
committee and AC encouraged this to be done, why was it not done at that time or any
other time since 2000?

17. Current Arizona law requires mandatory reporting of child abuse to civil authorities
when reported to members of the clergy. Was this the law in Arizona at that time?

18. Did any of the ARBCA member churches leave the organization either directly or
indirectly due to the situation at MVBC? If so, what was their specific explanation for
leaving and which ones left?

II. THE FOUNDATION OF THE RECOMMENDATION OF TOM TO BE

OUR PASTOR BY THE ELDERS OF GRBC, ROCKFORD
1. Who were the GRBC pastors/elders that recommended Tom to preach in their church
and later to be referred to our church as a biblically qualified pastor?

2. Did any pastors/elders in GRBC read the complete ARBCA report concerning the
incidents at MVBC prior to allowing him to preach at GRBC?
3. Did any pastors/elders interview Tom regarding the incidents at MVBC prior to
allowing him to preach at GRBC? If so, what facts were learned about why he left
MVBC?

4. Was MVBC, Tom Lyons or Don Lindblad contacted by any of the pastors/elders at
GRBC prior to Tom preaching at GRBC? Why or why not? If so, what determined Tom
was biblically qualified to preach?

5. Why did GRBC pastors/elders believe that Tom met the 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1
qualifications of being “above reproach” and “well thought of by outsiders” as an elder
prior to recommending him to CRBC?

III. THE HANDLING OF INFORMATION BEFORE AND AFTER TOM WAS

ARRESTED IN JULY 2016
1. On July 21, 2015, Chris Marley, the pastor at MVBC, gave the Prescott Police
Department (PPD) additional evidence. A binder kept at MVBC concerning the
investigation in 2000 was impounded by the PPD. In addition, Chris Marley gave the
PPD John Giarrizzo’s name and contact information as a representative of the AC of
ARBCA. Was John Giarrizzo contacted at that time by PPD, by Chris Marley or both? If
so, did John disseminate that information to Tom, to any other individual within ARBCA
or to the Chantry’s? Why or why not?

2. On October 28, 2015, Chris Marley talked to the PPD. He was asked to try a
confrontational call to Tom but was certain Tom would not answer any questions
because he had tried to contact him in reference to other matters but he (Tom) refused
to answer and Tom ultimately sent an email to Chris Marley stating he (Tom) would not
speak with him. When did ARBCA find out about this meeting between Chris Marley and
the PPD? Was this information disseminated to Tom, to any other individual within
ARBCA or to the Chantry’s? Why or why not?

3. On January 21, 2016, Richard Howe provided police with contact information for the
others on the church council that investigated the allegations and behavior of Tom.
Where they ever contacted by the PPD? If so, when were they contacted?

4. On February 11, 2016, Detective Justin Landry, Hales Corners Police Department
(HCPD), contacted Tom at home. Tom asked, “Can you tell me what my obligation is
here? Do I have to speak with you?” Tom stated he did not want to speak to the
detective about these incidents. Tom also asked what else would be happening in the
case.
When did Tom first contact an attorney in Milwaukee?

Did any of you help him to find an attorney?

Did any of you know that Tom was contacted by police in Wisconsin and that they came
to his house in February 2016? If told, when and what was disclosed to you by Tom?

Did any of you pay for Tom’s attorney fees? If so, was this out of personal funds or
church funds?

Did any of you post the $100,000 bail? If so, was this out of personal funds or church
funds?

5. What information and counsel has ARBCA offered to CRBC regarding Tom’s past
and current situation? If any information or counsel was provided, was it given by
impartial parties?

6. Tom repeatedly indicated that he did not know what he was arrested for and who the
alleged victims were. However, a copy of the police report was found in Tom’s desk
drawer at the church by Bill 2 weeks ago. Can you identify the date that Tom received
this report from his attorney?

IV. THE OFFICIAL RESPONSE OF CRBC AND ARBCA AFTER TOM’S

ARREST
1. Why hasn’t ARBCA and CRBC made official statements to the local media, the
greater Christian community, and ARBCA churches concerning the accusations and
arrest of Tom?

2. Why hasn’t CRBC made an official Biblical statement on its website and to the local
media condemning sexual misconduct and physical abuse as heinous sins?

3. Why did ARBCA remove Tom’s name from their website?

4. Why is Tom’s name still connected to the CRBC website?

5. Why has CRBC or ARBCA not investigated to determine if children at GRBC or

CRBC have been abused or assaulted by Tom?

V. TOM’S REMOVAL FROM OFFICE AS ELDER

From the Baptist Confession of Faith 1689

Chapter 1-The Holy Scriptures, paragraph 4 section: Of the New Testament

The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed (which commands
our obedience), depends not on the testimony of any man or church, but wholly upon
God its Author (Who is Truth itself). Therefore it is to be received (obeyed) because it is
the Word of God. 2 Peter 1:19-21; 2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 John 5:9

1. Do each of you believe as elders of confessional reformed Baptist churches whole-

heartedly believe that Scripture came first, was given by God, is self-authenticating, and
rules the church?

Commentary by Peter Masters

(In other words, when God speaks, His commands and teachings should not be
questioned. We do not believe because a minister proves to us that the teaching is
reasonable or rewarding, but because it is God’s Word. The Church of Rome claims that
the church discerned, gave and guaranteed the Scripture, and that the church alone has
the power to interpret. But Scripture came first, was given by God, is self-authenticating,
and rules the church)

THE GOD ORDAINED BIBLICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS

1 Timothy 3:1-7

The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble
task. 2Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of wife, sober-
minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3not a drunkard, not
violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4He must manage his own
household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5for if someone does
not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6He
must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the
condemnation of the devil. 7Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsides, so that
he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Titus 1:5-9

This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and
appoint elders in every town as I directed you- 6if anyone is above reproach, the
husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of
debauchery or insubordination. 7For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above
reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy
for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give

instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.
2. Do you all believe these are Biblical, God-ordained qualifications of an elder?

3. Do you believe that by using the Greek particle translated “must” Paul is stressing
emphatically that living a blameless life is absolutely necessary for elders? Why or why
not?

4. Do you believe the Greek word translated “blameless” (literally: “not able to be held”
in a criminal sense) means that no valid accusation of wrongdoing can be made against
an elder who is blameless? Why or why not?

5. Do you believe that no overt or flagrant sin can mar the life of an elder who must be
an example for his people to follow? Why or why not?

6. Do you believe Paul lists “blameless” or “above reproach” in both 1 Timothy and Titus
as the first qualification of elders, that this is the overarching requirement for elders and
that the rest of the qualifications elaborate on what it means to be blameless? Why or
why not?

7. Based on Scripture, then, is Tom no longer blameless or above reproach and should
he be removed as our elder? Why or why not?

In 1 Timothy 5:19-21, Paul gives three helpful cautions for disciplining an elder:

1. CAUTION #1-Be sure of the facts. (v. 19)

2. CAUTION #2-Do everything openly and above board (v. 20)

More problems are created when facts are hidden or not disclosed to the
congregation.

3. CAUTION #3-Obey the Word no matter whatever your personal feelings might
be. Act without prejudice against or partiality for the accused leader (v. 21)

1. Can you honestly say ARBCA conducted its investigation openly, above board, and
no facts were hidden from other member churches including our church? Why or why
not?

2. Can you honestly say that you have not been influenced by your friendship with and
respect for Walt, Tom’s father; Al, Tom’s father in-law, or Karen, Tom’s wife; and by your
own personal relationship with Tom and have acted “without partiality”? Why or why
not?

3. Based on the CRBC constitution, could you please explain how Tom can continue to
fulfil his duties of elder when he is in jail and physically unable to be with us?
VI. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

1. Do GRBC, ARBCA and CRBC leaders believe Tom is capable of being restored to his
position of elder?

2. How will leadership at CRBC restore the destroyed reputation of CRBC?

3. How will we ensure that no child abuse happens at CRBC? What protections have
been put in place since Tom was arrested in July? Are teachers and leaders being
trained on these protections? (as an example, recently 2 deacons violated nursery
policy by working in the nursey together)

4. What is ARBCA’s official policy (if changed from 2000) for restoring a pastor who has
fallen into sin and is under discipline? What circumstances constitute his restoration
back into the ministry?

5. We have been without a pastor for six months. Is Tom expected to receive his full
salary with benefits ($8000.00/month) until the end of the criminal trial? What about if
the verdict is appealed? At what point does the leadership believe he is no longer
fulfilling his role as pastor per the CRBC Constitution?

6. Bill is already overworked and in poor health. Has the leadership considered revising
our current meeting schedule in the short-term, in order to address the current crisis?
i.e. changing Wednesday evenings to a prayer service, canceling Sunday evenings, etc.
Has the leadership considered what individuals and families experiencing crisis are
supposed to do for counseling?

7. Is the office of elder in our church being fulfilled by Dabney and Al?

9. Has the leadership of CRBC thought about how we will move forward as a church?
How will you prevent a church split now and in the future? How are you working towards
unity in the church? How have you addressed those members in the church who are
very upset over this situation?

10. Has there been a discussion concerning a voluntary benevolent fund in order to help
Karen in the future?

8. What plans have been discussed in order to provide pulpit support for the immediate
and long-term future?