This is a major shake-up.
Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas, has formally decided to disaffiliate from the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) following several months of deliberation. The church explained in a recent statement that, while multiple factors influenced this decision, preserving local church autonomy was a primary concern. Despite this departure, Park Cities remains committed to traditional Baptist principles, describing itself as a theologically conservative, Bible-centered church whose beliefs and doctrine have not changed.
Although the church has withdrawn from the SBC, it plans to continue supporting specific SBC-affiliated programs, including those through the International Mission Board and North American Mission Board. Park Cities’ leadership emphasized that their focus moving forward will be to unify the body of Christ, spread the Gospel, and honor God in their mission. This statement highlights the church’s intention to strengthen ties within the broader Christian community even after its departure from the SBC.
Founded in 1939, Park Cities Baptist Church had already minimized its formal involvement with the SBC over the past two decades, as reported by the Baptist Standard. A significant factor in its separation appears to be the church’s support for women serving as pastors, which contrasts with the SBC’s traditional stance against female pastors. Pastor Jeff Warren has openly advocated for the inclusion of women in pastoral roles, underscoring that spiritual gifts are not determined by gender and that all believers should be encouraged to fulfill their calling.
The question of women in church leadership remains a divisive topic within the SBC. At the SBC’s Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, a proposed amendment to permanently ban women from pastoral roles did not pass, despite receiving 61% support. In recent years, several churches have faced disfellowship from the SBC due to similar issues related to female pastors, including the well-known Saddleback Church in California.
Park Cities’ departure reflects broader tensions within the SBC over issues of governance, gender roles, and church autonomy. This move illustrates the complex dynamics as churches navigate theological convictions, denominational alliances, and evolving views on ministry leadership.