The Southern Baptist Convention’s (SBC) North American Mission Board (NAMB) released a statement last Thursday, October 14, 2021, clarifying its stance on women in church leadership.
Article VI of the statement says, “[The church’s] scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”
NAMB also requires that endorsed planters align with the practice of the majority of Southern Baptist churches—that only qualified men will hold the office or title of “pastor/elder/bishop/overseer” and, as such, serve as the communicator for teaching and preaching in their main gatherings or worship services. Since culture, practice and methodology in the early years of a church plant set a foundation for future ministry, all endorsed Send Network planters will agree to abide by this guideline for the duration of their endorsement period.
Church planters endorsed by NAMB also must agree to abstain from alcohol in their personal practice as well as in church-sponsored events.
We could learn from their biblical fidelity in this matter, and perhaps they can learn from us regarding the divine value and function of the Sabbath rest.
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