Two Southern Baptist churches ousted for having women pastors will be appealing that decision at the Southern Baptist Convention's upcoming annual meeting
And the denomination is aging and experiencing long-term declines in membership and baptisms.
“Something like, ‘Do you believe the Bible?’ is pretty hard to show one way or the other,” said Nancy Ammerman, author of “Baptist Battles," a history of the denomination's late 20th century controversies. “They needed a concrete issue, something they could point to.” Both sides backed their positions with the Bible.
Saddleback's current pastor, Andy Wood, said in a video statement the congregation believes women can be pastors — if male elders are ultimately in charge. His wife, Stacie, is a teaching pastor at Saddleback. The congregation recently appointed a woman as campus pastor of its flagship location in Lake Forest, California.“If they’re called by the Holy Spirit — and you can tell when someone is — who am I to doubt that?” said Fern Creek Deacon Phil Shewmaker.
Fern Creek has had many traditional Southern Baptist hallmarks, including specific women and youth programs. Members value the opportunity to give to Southern Baptist missions funds, some bearing the names of stalwart women missionaries in past generations.Albert Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the primary author of the 2000 revisions to the Baptist Faith and Message, said the issue is not something members can agree to disagree on.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Tacoma Police: Two men arrested for attempting to rape two childrenTwo men from Tacoma were arrested on Thursday for attempting to rape two children. FOX13
Read more »
Houston Grand Opera expands summer camps to Wheeler Avenue Baptist ChurchIn an attempt to help address the issue of 'arts deserts,' the organization is seeking to...
Read more »
Baptist official in Louisiana arrested on sex crime chargesThe man has been charged with felony sex crimes, including indecent behavior with juveniles. Bond has been set at $500,000.
Read more »
Geneva’s St. Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church dedicates Family Life CenterIn 1 Timothy 5:17, Paul encourages us to give “double honor” to those who preach and teach. On Sunday, May 28, 2023, during a dedication service, the members of St.
Read more »
‘We want to support him’: Hundreds gather for fundraiser to support officer shot outside Baptist SouthJacksonville Sheriff’s Officers and people in the community came together Saturday to raise money for the officer who was shot outside Baptist Medical Center South in April.
Read more »