The SBC could lose minority churches over the ban.
As the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) considers the Law Amendment, which aims to permanently restrict women from serving as pastors based on biblical interpretation, former SBC president J.D. Greear has criticized the proposal as unnecessary and potentially harmful. Greear, emphasizing his opposition on the basis of preserving the SBC’s cooperative principles rather than theological disagreement, argues that the current system effectively balances mission and tradition.
The amendment in question underscores the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, which defines the pastoral role as exclusively male. At the SBC’s 2023 meeting, the amendment garnered significant support, reflecting growing concerns within the denomination over the role of women in leadership positions. This followed contentious votes to remove churches like Saddleback Church for appointing female pastors.
Heath Lambert, a vocal supporter of the amendment, asserts its necessity in upholding biblical fidelity within the SBC, citing specific biblical passages that reserve the pastoral office for men. Despite opposition from figures like Greear, who advocate for maintaining church autonomy and foresee potential division among minority churches, proponents like Lambert argue that clarity on this issue is crucial amid evolving interpretations of scripture.
Critics, including leaders from the National African American Fellowship (NAAF) and other minority groups within the SBC, argue that the amendment could disproportionately impact churches that traditionally allow women to serve in pastoral roles under male senior leadership. They fear it could undermine the cooperative spirit and unity within the denomination, potentially excluding churches that interpret scripture differently but align with broader SBC beliefs.
Greear and others warn that the amendment’s enforcement could lead to unintended consequences and division within the SBC, particularly among minority churches where cultural and theological practices may differ. The debate reflects broader tensions within the denomination regarding biblical interpretation, church governance, and the evolving role of women in leadership, highlighting a significant crossroads for the SBC as it seeks to balance tradition with inclusivity and unity.