Reflections from the Southern Baptist Convention

As I sit in Orlando reflecting on the past couple of days at the Southern Baptist Convention, my heart is full. There is something deeply encouraging about gathering with thousands of brothers and sisters to worship our Savior, to hear what God is doing across the globe, and to be reminded that we are part of something far larger than any single congregation.

I want to share a few highlights, along with some honest reflection on a matter that has stirred much conversation.

63 missionaries commissioned. One of the most moving moments was watching sixty-three missionaries prayed over and sent out to carry the Gospel to the nations. In an age of so much noise, it is worth pausing over this: men and women leaving the familiar behind for the sake of the Name. This is what we are about.

New leaders introduced. We were introduced to several new leaders who will shape our cooperative work in the years ahead. Ryan Blackwell, formerly executive and teaching pastor at Cross Church in Springdale, Arkansas, was introduced as the new president of Lifeway, bringing a clear passion for equipping churches with biblically faithful resources. Evan Lenow was introduced as the new president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, who will lead our engagement on questions of religious liberty in the public square. And Carolyn Fountain was introduced as the new president of the Woman's Missionary Union, continuing a long and rich legacy of cultivating a heart for missions in our churches. I look forward to seeing how the Lord uses each of them.

A vote on Biblical Clarity. The messengers voted to suspend Standing Rule 6, allowing a simple majority rather than a two-thirds majority on a procedural matter. This clears the way for us to vote next year on the Truth and Unity Amendment, which seeks to clarify the office of Pastor/Overseer/Shepherd.

What the SBC Is Not Saying

This is where I want to slow down, because much of what is being said online simply isn't accurate.

The SBC is not saying that a woman cannot teach or lead in a ministry position. That is a distortion, and it has spread quickly because outrage spreads faster than nuance. Women teach, disciple, lead ministries, and serve in countless ways that are essential to the health and witness of the local church. Nothing in this amendment changes that.

What is being clarified is the specific office of Pastor/Overseer/Shepherd—and our conviction on this is not cultural, but textual.

When the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy, he writes that he does not permit a woman "to teach or to exercise authority over a man" in the gathered worship of the church (1 Timothy 2:12). Importantly, Paul does not anchor this in the customs of first-century Ephesus, which would make it temporary. He anchors it in creation itself: "For Adam was formed first, then Eve" (1 Timothy 2:13). When he goes on to list the qualifications for the office, the overseer is "the husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2)—language that assumes the office is held by a man. Paul says the same thing again to Titus, describing elders as "the husband of one wife" (Titus 1:6).

This is simply the historic reading that the Baptist Faith & Message reflects. It is not a novelty, and it is not a reaction to the moment. It is what we believe Scripture has always taught about who is called to shepherd Christ's flock through the pastoral office.

On Cooperation and Confession

I have noticed a number of well-known voices speaking out against the SBC as if they were members of the denomination. I want to address this gently but clearly.

The beauty of the SBC is that cooperation is voluntary. If you want to partner with us, you are warmly welcome. But we are a confessional people—we hold to the Baptist Faith & Message because we believe it faithfully reflects Scripture. If someone disagrees with that confession, they are under no obligation to be part of the denomination. Disagreement is not persecution, and declining to affirm a confession is not exile.

A Closing Word on Unity

Let me be honest about something. Every church family has difficulties—denominational and non-denominational alike. Anyone who tells you their fellowship is free of conflict is either new or not paying attention. We are all sinners saved by grace, and grace does not erase our rough edges overnight.

But our unity was never meant to rest on the absence of disagreement. It rests on the Gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, His resurrection, His commission to make disciples of all nations. That Gospel is bigger than our debates, and it is the only thing strong enough to keep us close and on mission.

That is what I am carrying home from Orlando. I hope it encourages you as it has encouraged me.

In Christ's Love,

Pastor James