Church With Lady Teaching Pastor That The Credential Committee Deemed ‘In Cooperation’ Leaves SBC
A Southern Baptist megachurch recently deemed by the SBC’s Credentials Committee to be considered in friendly cooperation with the convention because they “closely identify” with the Baptist Faith and Message, despite having a female teaching pastor, has left the denomination on its own accord.
The fact that they left on their own, rather than be judged appropriately and adjudicated by denominational entities, highlights the systemic failures and incompetence of the Credentials Committee and its president, Jeff Iorg, to properly represent Southern Baptists and the mission set forth.
A few weeks ago we highlighted a Southern Baptist Church with five women pastors, another with eight women pastors, and even one with NINE. So far all of these remain in the convention.
Issues with the Credentials Committee ramped up last month after multiple churches with women pastors were given the green light of fellowship, one of which was NewSpring Church.
The free pass was so egregious that the current and former denomination presidents both lamented the decision.
Since then, however, Newspring decided to act on its own, sharing in an announcement yesterday that they have formally left the SBC to avoid drama and disunity among a divided denomination. They explain:
From the beginning, Baptist distinctives have been central to our theology and practices, and while we haven’t been actively involved in SBC events, we’ve maintained our affiliation for this reason.
Recently, our involvement with the SBC has been questioned, particularly regarding our stance on women in ministry. It’s become clear that our ongoing affiliation has caused tension and division within the convention.
In September 2024, the SBC Credentialing Committee reached out regarding concerns that we didn’t “closely identify” with the SBC’s statement of faith, particularly on the role of women in ministry. We addressed their questions and clarified our position, affirming our alignment with Scripture and the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Last month, they responded, stating that after reviewing the information, they concluded NewSpring should be considered in friendly cooperation with the SBC and closed their inquiry.
However:
This decision has created division among some pastors and leaders in the convention. While we remain confident that we are operating under the authority of Scripture — and while we do not agree with the differing views — we are aware that perspectives vary, particularly concerning the role of women in ministry. After prayerful consideration, we’ve decided to withdraw from national SBC participation. This decision is not about disagreement with the SBC’s core commitments but about preserving unity in the body of Christ. We don’t want our affiliation to distract from the Great Commission or cause division in churches preaching the Gospel.
The church notes that while they believe the role of the senior pastor is reserved only for qualified men, they think that women can be pastors and have teaching roles under the authority of the male leadership.
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