Can the Southern Baptist Convention Survive Without Women Pastors?
Briefly

The upcoming Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas highlights internal divisions, especially regarding women's roles in church leadership. Despite reaffirming their opposition to women pastors, some within the denomination push for stricter rules against them. This debate intertwines theological interpretation with contemporary gender discussions and reflects a conservative reaction to perceived cultural threats. In 2023, prominent leaders like Tom Ascol urged for adherence to Biblical teachings, arguing that relaxing these standards leads to further doctrinal compromises. The removal of churches like Saddleback underscores these tensions and the denomination's struggles with declining membership.
Violating "what the Bible teaches so simply and clearly here will embolden churches to say, 'Well, we have adjusted on this. We can adjust on other things as well.'"
In 2023, Southern Baptist leaders voted to remove several churches from the denomination for allowing women in pastor roles, including Saddleback.
Read at The New Yorker
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