Southern baptist Convention ‍Faces Debate Over Women Pastors, ‍Leadership Roles

Updated⁣ May 28, 2025

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is preparing for its annual⁢ meeting in dallas, where the⁣ role of women in ⁢church leadership will again be a central point of contention. The debate highlights⁤ divisions within the denomination regarding biblical interpretation,evolving gender roles,and concerns about cultural shifts.

Founders Ministries, led by ‌Tom⁢ Ascol, a pastor from Cape Coral,‍ Florida, champions a stricter interpretation of biblical teachings. Ascol argues that compromising on the issue of women⁤ pastors could ​lead to further deviations from customary beliefs. “Violating ‘what the Bible teaches so simply and​ clearly here will embolden churches ⁣to say, ‘Well,‌ we have adjusted on​ this. We can⁣ adjust on other things as well,'” Ascol⁤ said.⁤ “Somebody needs to be ​holding the line.”

In 2023, the ‌SBC voted to remove ​churches that‍ allow women to serve as pastors, ‌including Saddleback,⁢ a California megachurch founded by Rick Warren. Ascol noted the denomination’s declining membership, stating, “It’s ⁢not really smart, when you’re losing a half million members a year, to intentionally kick out people who want to fellowship with you. We continue to be the shrinking Baptist Convention.”

Fern Creek Baptist Church in Louisville, Kentucky, was also ousted‍ in 2023. Pastor Linda Barnes Popham reported that her church has experienced growth since its departure from the SBC. Membership has nearly doubled, attracting young families drawn to Popham’s leadership.

The Southern Baptist Convention may revisit the issue of women pastors this ⁣June. Ascol emphasized ⁣the need for change⁤ within the denomination. “There’s there’s no doubt whatsoever that the convention is declining,” Ascol said. “We need reformation. We need revival. And it needs to start with the household ‍of God.” The upcoming meeting will likely⁢ underscore ⁢the ongoing tensions surrounding women in ministry and the future direction of the Southern Baptist Convention.

What’s next

The Southern Baptist Convention’s upcoming meeting in Dallas promises further discussion ⁤and potential ‍decisions regarding the role of women in ministry, impacting the denomination’s future trajectory.