About that job advertisement

Posted on May 9, 2008 by Mollie

So apparently David Strand realized how bad it looked to be advertising to fill a job that he just claimed had to be cut for financial reasons. Or something happened. The position description has been removed from the LCMS site.

A few people wondered whether Strand, et. al. already had a candidate in mind to replace Rev. Todd Wilken as the host of the afternoon show. I heard that the Board already did have a candidate in mind. We’ll have to wait and see how things turn out, but the candidate I heard they wanted to hire for Todd’s old job is Rev. Steve Siegel. Rev. Siegel served on the same Board for Communications Services as I did for about a year and a half, I think. He left to take a job with Lutheran Hour Ministries. Apparently that didn’t work out so well and so his friends on the BCS would like him to land at KFUO.

I’ve been trying to figure out what Rev. Siegel is up to right now but I’m not sure. Theologically speaking, Rev. Siegel is not going to win any Confessional Lutheran of the Year award.

UPDATE: I just received the following information. Rev. Siegel has already been working as a program host for The Afternoon Show for some time now. His mug is on the program’s incredibly sparse archives (http://www.kfuoam.org/PM_Main.htm) and he’s also listed on the contact page (http://www.kfuoam.org/CP_Main.htm). He even has a KFUO e-mail address.

So I guess that supports what I’d heard that the BCS already had Siegel in mind to replace Todd on the afternoon show. For, um, financial reasons.

UPDATE II: I just sent an email to David Strand and the employee in charge of press relations asking for comment on why they were advertising for a position that had been eliminated as well as why they removed the job posting after it had been posted. I’ll let you know if and when I hear back.

UPDATE III: Vicki Biggs, who is in charge of press relations, said I should direct my questions to Barbara Ryan, the Synod’s HR honcho. I’ll let you know if and when Barbara Ryan responds to my questions.

UPDATE IV: A reader says he received the following note from HR:

Thank you for bringing the posting of the Program Host to our attention.
The position was posted in error. Please accept our apologies for the
error.

Thank you.

Vencine Bush
Department of Human Resources

Update V: I just received a similar note. Also, I asked David Strand/Vicki Biggs/Barbara Ryan about the Rev. Steve Siegel’s employment status with KFUO and will let you know when I hear back from them.

Filed under: Updates

« Incompetence BCS meeting tomorrow? »

35 Responses to “About that job advertisement”

  1. Stan Slonkosky, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Now that the job advertisement page has been removed, you get redirected to the main lcms.org page. One of the articles says ” Kieschnick addresses Synod unity/division
    Synod President Gerald Kieschnick is urging LCMS leaders to continue dialogue about matters on which there is theological unity and division in the Synod.” Didn’t he tell the Wall Street Journal not too long ago that there wasn’t any real division in the synod?

  2. Floyd Peterson, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Yes! And Cornelius Fudge also told everyone that “You Know Who” wasn’t back, too.

  3. Floyd Peterson, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Oh, and did anyone notice that the new article is basically just regurgitating the statement he made 2 weeks ago? Once again, nothing is new. If they repeat the same BS over and over again, sooner or later, our tiny minds will start to believe it.

  4. David Rosenkoetter, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    “And pretty soon we’ll believe it…” I don’t think so! ARemember, “Issues Etc.” was for the thinking Christian. Pastor Wilken taught us quite well how to do that just as Molly et al are carrying on the task in their vocations.

    My prayer concontinues to be that our Lord will “guard the door of my lips” as we pray in the service of evenig prayer. It took several days after the cancellation of “Issues” for me to critique Mr. Strand’s action with an ounce of tactfulness. It’s the blogs along with other things which have helped me structure my thoughts Confessionally.

  5. Bryan Gramenz, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    It is interesting to note that at least half of the articles on the LCMS main page can be seen as being concerned with the canceling of Issues, Etc. and the resulting reaction.

  6. Publius, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    The day that it all went down (heretofore known as Black Tuesday), the fieldwork supervisor of one of my classmates was called up and asked whether he’d like a job hosting a radio show on KFUO. He was wise enough to know not to touch it with a 10′ pole.

  7. Rev. Joel A. Brondos, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    WHEREAS . . .

    Folks, keep a record/outline of every twist and turn Mollie mentions on this blog. And then convert it into an overture to a circuit forum, a district convention, and the synodical convention.

    This accomplishes several things: (1) It puts the details of the controversy in the official records of synod. (2) It documents the shenanigans for all — especially the delegates — to see. (3) It will have an effect on the outcome of resolutions and elections.

    It is important, however, that the “whereases” of the overture cite word-for-word official synodical statements and verifiable accounts. Dr. Kieschnick (and the District Presidents) have the ability to strike overtures from the workbook if they can claim that the overture contains factual errors.

    Still, this must be done — and not merely for political reasons. It is important also to quote the Scriptures and let the Spirit testify to works that are meet, right, and salutary.

  8. St. Charles the Illuminous, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Molly,

    Rev. Siegel has been Diane Summers’ co-host during The Afternoon Show for the past few weeks.

    See this link: http://www.kfuoam.org/CP_Main.htm

  9. Revfisk, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Well, with the extreme success LHM has had over the last few years at reaching the upcoming generation, converting the lost, and bringing active, vibrant men’s groups into the Church, it’s no wonder if the LCMS wants to tag and bag a man from the inside for their own personal uses.

    Sheesh…

  10. Millie, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Mollie after reading all these tiopics as the days go by and digesting what everone is doing , thinking and writing and whatever else they are saying the issues are surmouting. You are to be commended for what you are doing and have done . I haven’t volunteered for anything so far, but are sure keeping people in-formed by e-mail, pony express and the telephone. Also keep some of our elders uo to date.
    Just who didn’t let who know who was or who is supposed to be the host. Somebody jump the gun too soon. Something like the recent fast removal of the issues etc program .

  11. Jack Netzeband, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    The question of violating a Divine Call is even more obvious with the posting of a show host. Pastor Wilken was fired without cause, and now they are trying to replace him. By the way, I called the Bible Study the morning of the firings, and asked if the Divine Call was violated. I was told it would not be answered on air, and to call the KFUO office. I only called so the listening audience would know about it, because they weren’t going to hear it on KFUO.

  12. Orianna Laun, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Please remember when you write your resolutions as Rev. Brondos advises, to follow the rules for printing names (I can’t remember where those are posted) lest any overtures and resolutions get tossed out, as others have in the past.

  13. Edith Piaf, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    St Charles the Illuminous, thanks for stating that about Diane Summers’ co-host. Funny thing is, the name sounded familiar but I didn’t ever remember hearing him called “Rev.” or “Pastor” Steve Siegel.

    I’m sure they didn’t think we’d notice.

    Oops, there’s that word again: Think. Keep doing it, folks!!! Grandpa’s synod loved thinking Christians. Today’s synod fires ‘em.

    I keep with Grandpa’s ways, myself..

  14. St. Charles the Illuminous, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Edith Piaf,

    You’re right–I don’t remember Rev. Siegel claiming or receiving any ecclesiastical honorifics on the show, either. I do remember that he referenced his past experiences as a pastor a few times, so I was aware he was in the ministry in the past.

  15. Mollie, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Here is the text of the job opening announcement:

    Program Host, KFUO Radio
    POSITION TITLE: Program Host

    DEPARTMENT: KFUO Radio

    LOCATION: St. Louis, Missouri

    PRINCIPAL FUNCTIONS

    Serve as Program Host for KFUO AM. Position includes program planning, production and hosting. Other duties many include development, public relations, and strategic planning.

    PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS

    Reports to the Program Director.

    PRIMARY DUTIES

    Assume responsibility for on-air announcing. Responsibility may include interviewing, reporting of news, sports, weather, religious and other features as may be required within the broadcast music or talk formats of KFUO.

    At the discretion of the Director of Programming Operations, assist with the programming of KFUO. Responsibilities may include: traffic, public service, public affairs, news, features, religious programming etc.

    Assist with production, copy-writing and voice work associated with KFUO.

    Assist the Development Director by personally visiting major donors and prospects.

    Comply with revisions made from time to time, after mutual consultation, in this position description.

    SHARED DUTIES

    Assist in the evaluation of KFUO efforts and in the development of long-range plans for the station.
    Participate in program planning and shaping meetings.
    Participate in regular reviews of audition tapes with the Program Director and the Program Producer.
    Publicly represent KFUO (including preaching for KFUO Sundays) for the purposes of promotion, placement and development.
    Assist with the development, production and distribution of newsletters, journals and other printed material as requested.
    Assist with the formulation of reports, proposals and budgets as requested.

    POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

    Essential:

    Active member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
    Formal theological education with a minimum of a Masters Degree.
    A minimum of 10 years experience in ministries related to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
    A minimum of five years of credible experience in mass media related ministries.
    Demonstrated personal presentation and on-air announcing skills.
    Demonstrated writing skills.
    Demonstrated ability to function as part of a team.
    Willingness to travel.

    Other Desirable

    Experience with development efforts and distribution of direct mail materials such as newsletters.
    Computer skills.

    Interested? Please forward resume with cover letter and salary history to The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Department of Human Resources, 1333 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63122. E-mail to lcmsjobs@lcms.org. Fax to 314.996.1121.

  16. Didymus20X6, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Just got this reply:

    Thank you for bringing the posting of the Program Host to our attention.
    The position was posted in error. Please accept our apologies for the
    error.

    Thank you.

    Vencine Bush
    Department of Human Resources
    The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
    (314) 996-1374
    Fax - 996-1121

  17. Eric, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Any reason to doubt the truthfulness of the claim that it was just an error?

  18. Mollie, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Well, no matter WHAT happened, it was an error. So no, there is no reason to doubt the truthfulness of the claim.

    What that error was is an altogether different matter. Error of judgment? Error of not following proper protocol? Error of not running the decision to post the announcement through the BCS? Error of not actually needing that position to be filled? Who knows?

  19. Floyd Peterson, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    They don’t even bother to answer my emails anymore. I think my email must be on Synod-wide auto-filter or something.

  20. Revfisk, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Spending some time the last few days on web design, I really have to wonder how one posts a wanted add accidentally - especially one that has been edited from the previous version. Making things show up on the internet isn’t as easy as blogging makes it look to the newbie. Actual web design is a real timepiece. Things don’t “accidentally” get posted. Rather, things get posted when someone makes the devision to post it.

    Now, that might be a mistake. And it could be a miscommunication in human resources. This would only confirm our running best construction: the current administration of synod is fairly incompetent to the task, and terrible as communication, even behind the bunkers.

    Oh, and you can check out that web design I’ve purposefully posted. It’s a work in progress, so be kind. :D

    http://www.ecrevolution.com

  21. Eric, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Revfisk,

    You don’t accidentally post it. Every webmaster, who doesn’t want to get fired, will always get or have approval from someone before putting something new on a website. A webmaster will certainly not be generating job posting on their own and the people generating job postings are not likely to be the same people to go anywhere near the website.

    Now, whether the approval should have been given…is another question. The answer to date is that the granting of the approval was an error.

    As Mollie pointed out, just what kind of error is actually was is still an open question….yet another one we will not likely get an answer.

  22. Eric, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Revfisk,

    Just a couple of comments on your website….this one is just a personal preference, but I hate website which use a splash page…a page which just presents a logo or something and you have to click on another link to get to the primary content.

    Also,

    http://www.ecrevolution.com/page1.html

    took a _really_ long time to load - well over 10 seconds, and I’ve got a fairly good connection. Anyone with dialup would likely not bother waiting. It looks like the primary problem was with the image banner2.bmp…at 1.1mb, it is way to big. I would suggest converting it to a jpg or png image which offers good compression. Converting it to a jpg image myself, I got it down to ~500k and could probably do better by playing with the compression settings a bit.

    In any case, dump the splash page and make sure your images aren’t any bigger then they absolutely need to be.

    Oh, one more note, any page with plays a sound file automatically when loaded will not likely be visited by people at work…many offices these days frown upon their employees visiting sites which serve up a lot of data.

  23. here we go again, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    lots of work went into what is called an “error” but in truth it was - an error in judgment. Typical of practically the entire Purple K administration.

  24. Helen, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    At my place of employment, many people listen while they work. Everyone has a head set or ear plug for the purpose.
    So, that part is not going to bother me.

    I liked having the audio topics up front; I would consider that the “front page”.

    I did have dial up and large graphics were a problem, six years ago. There are towns 20 miles from the “Dell capital of the nation” (Austin, Tx, that is) which do not have DSL, or it is premium priced. So dial-up is still a consideration.

  25. SHG, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    I don’t think it was an accident, poor judgment, etc. It sounds to me they’ve got a temp they want to make permanent. The LCMS HR rules probably require that an open position be publicly posted before an an offer is made. They posted it, they interviewed a candidate, he’s agreed to take the position if offered, so there is no need to keep the announcement posted any longer. The ‘Was the position publicly announced before interviewing candidates?’ box has now been checked “Yes” on the hiring procedure protocol. That’s standard hiring practice in any large organization, primarily to ward off discrimination lawsuits and cronyism (whether it works is a different question but that’s the usual intent). In my organizational experience, more than a couple days’ notice of an open position was required before interviewing anyone,but there may be allowable short cuts if the hiring is to fill a mission-critical position. Anyway, it’s not that unusual to have the person you want to hire identified before you go through the formalities of making the job offer official. I’ll eat this electronic words if a hire is not made by next week (though who knows when it may be actually announced).

    The only question I have, is if the BCS has to approve the hiring of a KFUO host, why didn’t they have to approve the firing? A moot point in any case since they clearly have a 4-3 majority in favor of GK’s preferences. Maybe this time they’re at least going to let the board have a say before making it official.

  26. Karl Hess, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    Hey, Rev. Fisk–is there any chance you can email me mp3s of those clips from Wilken so that I can use them with the youth at my church?

  27. SHG, on May 9th, 2008 at Said:

    OK, this is the one thing that keeps me off balance on all of this: I start thinking thinking this is all just incompetence, there is no conscious plan to drive Synod away from its theological heritage. Then I start thinking, no, this all makes perfect sense, this is all rationally planned to advance an agenda (see my post above). But as soon as I post something saying, no, it’s not incompetence, it’s all rational, then I read updates IV and V - and no, it’s incompetence after all.

    Honestly, I can forgive incompetence. So I really do hope incompetence id the explanation, because if not….

  28. LutheranLucciola, on May 10th, 2008 at Said:

    I would just like to let everyone know, I think I am going to write a screenplay based on the Purple Palace.
    It will be a combination of Waiting for Guffman, and Office Space.

  29. Rev. Shane R. Cota, on May 10th, 2008 at Said:

    There’s already a show about the Purple Palace called “The Office.” Incompetent management and all.

  30. revfisk, on May 10th, 2008 at Said:

    Karl - you’ll have to email Wilken himself. They’re from his home page at the wittenberg trail. :D I’m still trying to figure out how to get to the source mp3’s for similar reasons! :D

    Eric and Helen - thanks for the advice. I’m definitely a rookie. I LOVE my splash page. It’s like my baby. But I’ll kill it, cause you say so. :..-(

    I’ve been working on the banner too. I knew about that problem, but I didn’t know jpg’s have a better compression, so I’ll try that next. Thanks.

  31. revfisk@gmail.com, on May 10th, 2008 at Said:

    Eric, will you email me at revfisk@gmail.com

  32. paula, on May 11th, 2008 at Said:

    SHG,
    If there is nothing wrong with the posting, and you think that it was just to honestly comply with fair and standard hiring practices, then why have they SAID that it was posted in error?

    You cannot get around the fact that “there’s a stink in Denmark”…er, St. Louis. They certainly did do this to comply with policy. The question is, in light of the reasons claimed for the firing of Todd and Jeff, why is there a job opening at all?

  33. SHG, on May 11th, 2008 at Said:

    Paula, I saw the updates that the job opening was posted in error *after * I submitted the post you referred to; at that point I was following up on the posts that stated it was hard to make such a mistake. So I followed up my own post with a new one stating essentially that I have now given up on trying to understand what’s going on in St. Louis, or at least trying to distinguish between strategically planned moves and incompetent ones, and the relative percentage of each.

  34. Paula, on May 11th, 2008 at Said:

    Well, I was reading on my hubby’s phone this morning when I posted that so I did not see your update. I apologize. I guess I was at the ‘given up on trying to understand what’s going on in St Louis’ stage too long ago to find much ‘good construction’ to put on the stunts they keep pulling. :-)

  35. Steve Siegel « Augsburg1530, on May 16th, 2008 at Said:

    [...] Posted on May 16, 2008 by Mollie Six days ago I asked David Strand, Vicki Biggs and Barbara Ryan to tell me whether or not Steve Siegel is [...]

Leave a Reply