4 years running, Southern Baptists weigh tightening ban on churches with women pastors
Summary
Southern Baptists are debating for the fourth year whether to officially ban churches from having women in any pastoral role, not just the lead pastor position. Their belief states that only men can be pastors, and the convention can remove churches that do not follow this rule.Key Facts
- The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is the largest Protestant group in the U.S.
- Over 11,000 church representatives preregistered for the 2025 SBC meeting in Orlando, Florida.
- The SBC's belief says only men can serve as pastors, but this rule is not legally binding on churches.
- The SBC tries to remove churches that appoint women in top pastoral roles or preach as pastors.
- A new proposed amendment would ban churches from endorsing women to preach to the congregation in any pastoral or elder role.
- The amendment needs a two-thirds majority to pass and has not met that threshold in previous years.
- Some leaders, including Albert Mohler, support this amendment to create clear rules.
- There is debate and disagreement within and outside the SBC about women’s roles in ministry, including whether women should speak publicly like on church podcasts.
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