This time last week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting had wrapped, and my husband and I were hopping between Epcot and Hollywood Studios. What was just getting started online, though, was the conversation about “the vote”. 

Let me catch you up if you’re not sure what I’m talking about. Dr. Mohler, president of Southern Seminary, proposed a Truth & Unity amendment to the SBC’s constitution. It states that only men as qualified by Scripture can have the title and function of pastor/elder/overseer (it’s all the same in the New Testament). The amendment received a ⅔ majority this year. It will need to receive a 2/3 majority at 2027’s annual meeting to be fully ratified.

I wrote an article about it before the convention, and honestly, that’s all I planned on saying. However, the misinformation and negativity are spreading like wildfire online. I shared a lot of these points on Instagram stories, but as stories do, they disappeared after 24 hours. I’m passionate about getting correct information out there about this because it matters, so here goes…

Why I’m (still) talking about this.  I keep asking the Lord for wisdom. I genuinely don’t want to share “hot takes” or controversial posts for the sake of likes, follows, etc. On the other hand, I don’t want to stay silent out of a fear of man (my comment section has been wild, yall). So, I keep talking about it because what God’s Word has to say about His church matters, and the truth matters. Sound doctrine and mission go hand in hand. I’m also still talking about it because, according to the internet, I’m the woman supposedly being oppressed and silenced by this, and I’ll keep shouting from the rooftops: That’s not true!

This isn’t new information. The number of people absolutely shocked by this vote shocked me! This belief isn’t new. The SBC has always believed only men can be pastors. Essentially, this amendment makes our constitution agree with the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 (our statement of faith). Truly, this should be just as surprising as if we said we believe in baptism!

Nobody is telling women they can’t share the Gospel. People point to passages such as the Resurrection, where women are the first to see the resurrected Christ and to tell people the good news (Matt. 28 & others). Others reference John 4, where Jesus encounters the woman at the well, and she tells others what He did for her. These are beautiful passages! However, telling people what Jesus has done for you isn’t synonymous with being a pastor. EVERY believer, whether they’re a pastor or not, is called to share the Gospel and their testimony. This isn’t the function of pastors only. The keyword is pastors. The amendment doesn’t say only men can be Gospel-sharers or testimony-sharers. The SBC has never said women can’t share the Gospel. Please, share the Gospel.

Nobody is telling women they can’t teach the Bible. The gift of teaching is a requirement for being a pastor, but it’s not the only function of a pastor. Pastors also aren’t the only ones with the gift of teaching. I was equipped to teach God’s Word at an SBC seminary! Is my audience different from my husband’s (he’s a pastor, FYI)? Yes! My calling is to teach women, but when I teach them, I handle God’s Word with the same care my husband does from the pulpit because it’s His Word being taught no matter the setting or audience. Women can use their gift of teaching to disciple younger women, lead women’s Bible studies, teach children, and disciple their own children. So, please, if you feel gifted to teach God’s Word, teach it! Your role isn’t less-than because you’re not behind a pulpit. As a side note, get equipped. Too many people are getting platformed without preparation, but that’s probably another post for another time.

Women were celebrated at the SBC Annual Meeting. There were female missionaries sent out, female seminary students represented in seminary reports, a retiring WMU leader celebrated, and more. Also, each year, the SBC passes resolutions. They essentially make a stance on what we believe, and they’re usually pertinent to the time/culture. We passed one regarding pastors/elders/overseers, but even in that, there was a line valuing the role of women in the church. We’ve been attending the annual meeting since 2023, and the role of women in the church has been celebrated each year.

Different doesn’t mean less-than. I think this was in my previous article, and I’ve said it online a million times. Apparently, it needs to be said again. Just because God calls men and women to different roles doesn’t make either gender less-than. Both women and men are needed in God’s Kingdom. We’re equal in value but different in role, and we’re on the same mission!

Let’s get to work. Really, yall. There are lost people who don’t know Jesus in our neighborhoods, jobs, families, and around the globe. Some know Jesus, but they desperately need to be discipled in our local churches. There’s so much to do for the Kingdom! Do we really have time to read clickbait articles that spread wrong information? Do we really have time to question God’s good design for His church? Share the Gospel. Disciple a younger woman. Ask an older woman to disciple you. Teach your kids about Jesus. Encourage your husband. Welcome a new neighbor. Invite the new person at church over for dinner. Give generously and joyfully of your time, resources, and finances. Serve in your church. Send an encouraging text. Study God’s Word. Memorize it. Pray. I mean, really, there’s so much to do; let’s get to work for the glory of God.

Dear friends, I pray my POV is helpful. Again, I’m a woman, pastor’s wife, seminary grad, and Bible teacher, and I’m telling you: I don’t feel “oppressed” by any of this. My husband is a pastor, and I see the weight he carries. It’s a lot. So, I’ll close with this… pray for your pastors. They carry burdens many don’t see. They work hours many don’t see. I’m grateful for mine. He serves our family and church so selflessly, and he’s a joy to follow as a wife and church member.