Renewed Effort to Clarify SBC’s Stance on Pastoral Roles
At their June annual meeting, Austin pastor Juan Sanchez calls on Southern Baptists to reconsider the Law Amendment. The amendment, originally introduced by Virginia pastor Mike Law in 2022, seeks to clarify that churches in friendly cooperation with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) must “only affirm, appoint or employ men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”
Previous Votes and Ongoing Debate
The amendment passed its first required two-thirds vote in 2023 but failed to reach that threshold last year in Indianapolis. Supporters argue that clear guidelines are necessary to maintain alignment with the SBC’s theological stance. The recent decision by the SBC Credentials Committee to allow NewSpring Church in Anderson, S.C., to remain in cooperation despite employing a female teaching pastor has reignited calls for a definitive ruling.
Concerns Over Executive Committee Review Process
Sanchez and other amendment supporters argue that the current review process is too slow. An open letter urges messengers at the Dallas meeting to suspend the SBC’s sixth standing rule, which requires all amendments not presented by the Executive Committee to be reviewed before a final vote. Supporters believe this delay is unnecessary, as the amendment has already been debated at two previous conventions.
Differing Perspectives on Women in Pastoral Roles
Supporters of the amendment insist it upholds biblical teachings on church leadership. They argue that allowing churches to employ female pastors contradicts the SBC’s core beliefs. Opponents, however, see the amendment as unnecessarily restrictive and believe it could alienate churches that interpret pastoral roles differently.
Key Decision Looms at June Meeting
The upcoming vote in Dallas will determine whether the Law Amendment moves forward. If the measure fails again, it could signal a shift in the SBC’s approach to church governance and gender roles in leadership. The debate highlights the denomination’s ongoing struggle to balance doctrinal consistency with its members’ diverse perspectives.
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SBC may revisit amendment about female pastors
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