Let the Shepherd Lead

Jeff Iorg makes several cogent points in his article on the Law Amendment . Four stood out to me:

1. Southern Baptists are extremely diverse.
2. Changing of titles does not adequately address the concerns of those who raise the concern with women in ministry.
3. We are deciding whether women in pastoral ministry is a conviction worth dying for, a commitment worth dividing over, or a preference worth debating.
4. Some would rather disengage with the convention than have their views challenged.

From the standpoint of someone who has served in churches that fall on all sides of the women in ministry debate, I can agree that some might still be undecided. But for many the decision has already been made. From personal experience, I know those who are committed to their position on women in ministry so adamantly that they see cooperation with the SBC as a preference to abandon.

Last year after the SBC annual meeting my understanding of this issue was clarified. My view of allowing women to serve on a pastoral staff in associate roles was held as a preference, but I was committed to cooperating with the SBC. When I reported to the congregation about the annual meeting, I realized the church I previously served considered having women serve on our pastoral staff a commitment and their cooperation with the SBC a preference. There was no room for a debate. Out of love for that congregation, I knew that I could no longer serve as their pastor and be at odds over how we categorized these issues. This realization led me to accept the call from the church I currently serve.

Jesus said a house divided against itself cannot stand in the gospels (Matthew 12:25). In the SBC, and in our churches, we can tolerate different positions on a doctrine if everyone agrees that the doctrine is a preference worth debating. But the clear problem that Iorg, and so many others don’t seem to realize, many on both sides have already decided this is an issue worth dividing over. They also have decided that cooperation with the SBC is a preference they can abandon. With these realities in mind, no matter the results of the vote in Indy, division is coming. This moment is about clarifying our convictions and standing with the clear teachings of Scripture.