My Message to KLOVE
(see the end of this post for an update from KLOVE’s Mike Novak)
This weekend & again this morning on KLOVE (a national Christian radio station) it was announced that after 7 years their morning show hosts, Jon & Sherry Rivers would no longer be on the air.
This was an abrupt announcement and one without explanation other than, “Please pray for the Rivers family as they deal with family issues and please respect their privacy and pray for KLOVE during this time of transition.” And no public statement was made or posted to their website. But any and all reminisce of Jon & Sherry Rivers had been removed.
The vagueness of this news is leaving KLOVE listeners and supporters and not to mention, fans of Jon & Sherry Rivers very concerned, confused and upset. And the rumor mill (on online forums, etc.) is being fueled by accusations and assumptions about a situation no one really knows anything about.
I just wrote KLOVE a simple but honest message. It is likely my note will get lost amongst the rest but I thought I would share it with you. Because really, it is less about KLOVE and more about how all ministries should handle crisis and difficult situations.
“Dear KLOVE Staff,
First, my deepest concerns and prayers are with you during this difficult time of abrupt transition within your staff. But I feel compelled to write you all today even though it is likely my message is typical of many you’ve already received.
I am on staff at a high-profile church in Kansas City and when it came out that our senior pastor of 17 years had been having an on-going (5 year) affair with our church administrator, we were devastated. But instead of covering it up or brushing it under the rug, we came out with it. Straight out.
Sure we lost some people. Sure we lost some financial support. And we even lost some trust. But what we gained as a staff and as a congregation was praise for our authenticity and more importantly, greater trust in our Lord to get us through it. And in doing so are now thriving as a ministry, greater than we were before the whole ordeal happened.
There were many reasons for us coming out with it like we did, but ultimately it comes down to this: 1) it prevents rumors and protects everyone involved, including the rest of your staff 2) it prevents division and 3) it protects those involved from enduring gossip and speculation.
I don’t know what has caused Jon & Sherry’s abrupt removal from the air (I am not suggesting it is an affair or moral failing) but what I do know is, the longer secrets are kept, the more rumors, gossip and speculation occur and further damages the name of KLOVE and your ministry.
You cannot fear what could happen with the truth. God already knows the situation better than any of you and I pray that you will make a public explanation as to what has occurred in the Rivers’ family and staffing of KLOVE.
Your listeners and financial supporters have a right to know and it is Biblical that you are obedient and honest about the situation. I fear that you will lose more support keeping it all under-wraps, than if you just came out with what is going on.
I am praying for you.”
We may never know what happened, but it is my hope that some explanation is given at some point. Not to succumb to the curiosity of man but to protect Jon & Sherry Rivers from gossip, rumors and further pain and as well as protect the ministry KLOVE that impacts the lives of so many millions.
– – – – – –
.::President Mike Novak’s Morning Show Update::.
You’ve probably heard by now and noticed that Jon & Sherry aren’t on K-LOVE anymore. They are dealing with family issues and while we wish we could say more we simply can’t.
Many of you are wondering “Have Jon and Sherry been fired?”. No, that is simply not true. This life situation developed between Jon and Sherry apart from K-LOVE.
Again, Jon and Sherry are dealing with family issues and while we wish we could say more we simply can’t.
I know all of this sounds vague and I wish that it was clearer but right now it’s not. We are respecting the privacy of people who have been part of our radio family for years and that respect is paramount right now.
When we hear an update from Jon and Sherry we’ll pass it along to you and at that point we will both know more.
In the meantime, we will soon provide an opportunity at KLOVE.com to share your feelings, hopes and prayers with both Jon and Sherry.
I’ll keep you posted. Thank you.
Great words….couldn’t agree with you more. Communication should not be feared, but embraced! Seized as opportunities, ya know?!?! Even, and especially if it’s tough.
I just heard this on the radio this morning and was shocked.
I love them and listening to the them. I’ll miss them. But, like you…I hope that they will be protected and their family will be ok.
Blessings,
Fran
your blog is going to get some serious traffic today girl!
I’d be interested to hear if you get anything back from them! Great words!
I agree 100%. I don’t think most of us want anything detailed, but it will do more harm than good to keep it too quiet. You simply can’t expect this many people to take such a non-informative excuse without all kinds of suspicion and accusations to follow. Honest explenations set things to rest, while ambiguous generalities meant to “protect” lead to imaginations running wild (unfortunately).
Besides, if Lexi is sick, or there are other issues, I can pray better for them if I at least know the “issue” as opposed to “family issues.” I’ll pray for them either way, but I would prefer to know what I’m praying for.
As I said, either way I’m praying. God bless you John and Sherry!
I have to say I disagree with you on this one. I understand where you are coming from, but the reality is KLOVE is a radio station, not a church, and Jon and Sherry although dear to us all were DJ’s not pastors. Whatever is going on with the Rivers family, it’s honestly not KLOVE’s right or place to share that publicly, from a spiritual standpoint, or a legal one.
And to be honest, I’m not sure there was any less gossip about the events at Westside because some details were shared. There were still a ton of questions, and speculation about the specifics. I’m glad that Westside was up front and honest, and I think that’s what they needed to do in their situation.
I just think that comparing the two is comparing apples to oranges.
Instead of speculating, and looking at what other people should or shouldn’t be doing in the situation, I think we should focus on what we as individuals should or shouldn’t be doing.
We shouldn’t gossip, speculate or judge. We genuinely don’t need to know the details, it doesn’t make our prayers more effective, as the God we are praying to does know the details.
We should definitely pray, grieve (if it’s affecting you that much), and respect those involved. We should also trust the God in those who are close to the situation, that they are handling it under His leadership and guidance to the best of their ability, and submit to their authority as it applies to the situation.
@Krissie // thanks for your input on this. i do agree with you on some levels here.
yes, they are a radio station not a church, but at the same time run and refer to themselves as a ministry and one that is financially funded by its listeners (similarly to a church). which differs them from a regular radio station.
when you are dealing with a situation like that, honesty is the best. the longer no one says anything, the more speculation occurs and right or not, trust in the ministry is taken into question. so while they may try to protect those involved, etc. they in turn can cause more harm to them and the ministry.
i’m not out for answers. i think we need to be praying for the Rivers family and KLOVE’s ministry. just concerns me when things like this occur, especially if it turns out to be completely innocent but rumors are spread for no reason.
I called a friend of mine that works for KLove and she received no further word from the GM as the listeners have.
You literally just took the words out of my mouth with this post. I just twittered it.
–Terrace Crawford
http://www.terracecrawford.com
http://www.twitter.com/terracecrawford
What an outstanding letter! You pegged it perfectly. It’s not about what happened, it’s about how K-LOVE is handling it…ALONE, without us. It’s just wrong.
Crystal, you make some excellent points here. But you need to remember the audience: The K-LOVE radio network. My perception is that they appeal, in large part, to a section of Christianity that doesn’t value things like transparency and honesty. Whenever I listen to them, I get a sense of a brand of Christianity that values things looking good on the surface. And when things don’t look good, they do their best to cover it up and make it go away. I’ve been to a couple of churches that approach Christianity this way, and I see K-LOVE fitting in to the same mold. So, it’s not surprising that when they have their own internal difficulties, they would be less than forthcoming about the circumstances. K-LOVE is the only Christian music radio station option in my area, so I choose to not listen the majority of the time.
I may be broad-brushing here, but that’s just how I’ve come to view K-LOVE. I really, really miss the Christian radio station that it replaced here about 5 years ago.
First time on your blog, very nice. Caught my eye because I know some staff at Westside. In Westside’s situation it was definitely the right thing to do, being open and honest with your people.
K-LOVE is not a local body of believers. It is not a Church. It’s a para-ministry. It could also be argued that the majority of K-LOVE’s listeners are probably not believers (as described in 1 John 2:3-6 and 1 John 3:10), which is in stark contrast to a Church; which is (or should be) filled with God’s Elect. K-LOVE is a ministry focused on outreach and uplifting God’s people; “Positive and Encouraging.”
What your letter said sounds good… but in reality, respectfully, a little ignorant on Public Relations. Consider that K-LOVE has a team of very godly, successful, highly motivated, well paid, and wise P.R. firm reps. helping them through this. It is important for a 24 year old young Christian to weigh her advice carefully. It would have been more appropriate for you to have asked these, much, older and wiser people for an explanation for your own edification Rather than sending a letter giving them your advice; even borderline rebuke. It is also curious how you said something was biblical without any scripture reference. Be sure to reference God’s inspired word when using it as your authority.
Now hear my heart:
Even if it was something sinful… read Proverbs 17:9. K-LOVE is seeking love and privacy. They should not respond to the poorly motivated curiosity of their listeners wanting more information. They have chosen the appropriate, godly, way to handle whatever the situation is. They are not being dishonest or disobedient… and the listeners definitely do not have “a right to know.” That makes no sense. Please give me one biblical reason to share the Rivers (or K-LOVE’s for that matter) private situation with K-LOVE’s listening audience… Also, let’s assume K-LOVE is being honest when they say Jon and Sherry have requested the privacy. Would it be appropriate for K-LOVE to go against their wishes, for any reason?
Great post for creating dialogue and I am sure what you said is what a lot of listeners are thinking and feeling. God’s way of escape here, in my humble opinion, (1 Corinthians 10:13) is simple: pray for K-LOVE and the Rivers family while being intentional about protecting both of their privacy (1 Timothy 5:12-13; Proverbs 11:12-13; 16:28; 18:7-8; 20:19; 21:23).
Your brother in Christ,
Andrew
P.S. If you read all of that and did not stop to take the time and consider the scripture references… 2 Corinthians 13:5.
I agree with Krissie. I don’t feel that they “owe” us an explanation, at least not right now. It very clearly sounds like this was Jon and Sherry’s decision and they don’t want everyone knowing about what is going on, at least not right now. If you read Mike Novak’s message on their website, that is how it sounds. If he is withholding details, it is out of respect for Jon and Sherry. What is there to be angry at that?
If there are serious family problems, then Jon and Sherry have done the right thing by putting their family above their job. Yes, it was a very abrupt announcement, but I don’t believe it was KLOVE’s decision, unless they are lying/deceiving us. I find it hard to believe that is the case. If it is the case, I’m sure it’ll eventually come out and then, unfortunately really do harm to the name of Christ and to the station’s ministry.
KLOVE very well might be telling us the truth- as clearly as they can. From what it sounds like, they have shared what little they can without stating what has happened, and it sounds to me like Jon and/or Sherry don’t want everyone to know, and KLOVE is respecting that. It’s not necessarily their fault that all these rumors and speculation are happening. Even if they told the “whole story,” there would still be rumors and speculation!
But the bottom line is that if Sherry and Jon don’t want everyone knowing why they’ve left, then KLOVE is being loyal and respectful to them, and instead of being angry, we ought to admire that decision on their part. If Jon and Sherry don’t want people knowing, then KLOVE has done nothing wrong. And they are telling the truth; they are just leaving out the details that Jon and Sherry don’t want people knowing right now.
This, to me, is about Jon and Sherry wanting some privacy and not wanting to share details right now. It is obviously something very serious and/or urgent, and possibly involves sin that could possibly harm the name of Christ. Perhaps that’s the reason for the “secrecy.” We don’t know, but I actually think KLOVE said alot by saying they had to take care of “family” problems. I was surprised they even said that much because that’s pretty revealing.
Thanks for sharing the letter. I know the letter entailed so much of what we all are thinking. Anyway, I’m really down about Jon and Sherry being gone from KLOVE. It’s like, poof, gone. No explanations, no goodbyes, nada. I hope they’re going to recover and that everything works out for them. Again thanks for your blog. Good Job.
President Mike Novak’s Morning Show Update
Listen to the Audio
You’ve probably heard by now and noticed that Jon & Sherry aren’t on K-LOVE anymore. They are dealing with family issues and while we wish we could say more we simply can’t.
Many of you are wondering “Have Jon and Sherry been fired?”. No, that is simply not true. This life situation developed between Jon and Sherry apart from K-LOVE.
Again, Jon and Sherry are dealing with family issues and while we wish we could say more we simply can’t.
I know all of this sounds vague and I wish that it was clearer but right now it’s not. We are respecting the privacy of people who have been part of our radio family for years and that respect is paramount right now.
When we hear an update from Jon and Sherry we’ll pass it along to you and at that point we will both know more.
In the meantime, we will soon provide an opportunity at KLOVE.com to share your feelings, hopes and prayers with both Jon and Sherry.
I’ll keep you posted. Thank you.
p.s.
If KLOVE is telling the truth and people are angry at the lack of details, then their anger should be at Jon and Sherry, not KLOVE/Mike Novak, who clearly has said they are saying very little out of respect for Jon and Sherry. If they are being truthful, it is Jon and Sherry’s decision, and they are the ones not wanting people to have information. Thus, if people are angry, they should be angry at Jon and Sherry, not KLOVE.
Secondly, IF it was not Jon and Sherry’s decision, then KLOVE/Mike Novak are lying and deceiving us. This is a very serious speculation/accusation, one that I am not willing to make without further proof. Right now there is no proof that they are lying and no reason to believe they are. People are speculating that they are lying and that Jon and Sherry were actually let go (unwillingly) and that KLOVE is saying little to cover their own hide, but there is no proof whatsoever of this, and such speculation is based purely on emotion and lack of information, as well as a lack of patience in waiting to find out more information.
Until more information is known, people will continue to speculate, assume, and jump to conclusions. But I personally think that it is a situation that everyone involved is trying to handle with delicacy, sensitivity, and wisdom.
If Jon and Sherry have asked Mike Novak/KLOVE to not share all the details, then why has KLOVE handled it poorly? KLOVE is probably taking the “high road” by saying very little even though they are receiving all sorts of criticsm for doing so. But they obviously value their relationship with Jon and Sherry and they are showing them respect.
I personally think that people are directing their anger at KLOVE because it is KLOVE who delivered the news. But it is obviously Jon and Sherry’s decision, and something is going on in their lives/family, and they don’t want everyone knowing! Because people feel close to Jon and Sherry, they don’t want to be angry with them, so instead they are angry with KLOVE for not telling them more, even though KLOVE is doing so out of respect and concern for Jon and Sherry.
I personally would be disgusted/angry with KLOVE if they did blab and give us all the “juicy” details and disregarded Jon and Sherry. I respect them for saying what they have and for protecting the privacy of Jon and Sherry, although it also sounds as if they, too, do not know everything. It’s obviously Jon and Sherry’s decision, and because of the nature of whatever is going on, they are handling this as they feel best, with privacy and without telling everyone what is going on (including KLOVE).
@Ashleigh // I appreciate your input, but I hope you have not misinterpreted my post as searching or desiring the juicy details. My heart is for Jon & Sherry and for the prevention of gossip that vaguity can cause.
@ALL // I have updated my post to reflect the update from KLOVE. And will now be closing my comments on this post.