Why I'm Paying Attention to the SBC Vote
- Christy Boulware
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
If you have followed my work for any length of time, you know that I am passionate about a few things:
• Mental health advocacy • Healthy churches • Setting captives free
Lately, I have been losing sleep, crying many tears, and talking to my husband constantly about my emotions surrounding a vote coming up on June 9-10 at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
Let me shoot it to you straight.
The Southern Baptist Convention is preparing to vote on a constitutional amendment that would state that cooperating churches may not "affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, such as preaching to the assembled congregation."
Recently, Southern Baptist leader R. Albert Mohler Jr. argued that a woman participating on an official church podcast to expound on a sermon and provide biblical application is functioning as a pastor and that he views that as a problem. (Citation link here)
Let me start by saying this email is not intended to be a theological debate. I don't find those to be very fruitful. However, what I do find fruitful is awareness that leads to action.
If you are reading this, you can do something.
The Southern Baptist Convention, one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world, is expected to vote June 9-10 on an amendment that would prohibit cooperating churches from affirming women in the "office or function" of pastor, including preaching to the assembled congregation.
At the very least, you will better understand where your church stands on this topic.
Do not believe the lie that because you don't fully understand the debate, you shouldn't ask questions. Healthy churches should welcome sincere questions from people who are trying to learn and grow.
Then, I want to equip you.
For more than five years, I have been compiling resources from BOTH sides of this conversation. My goal has never been to tell people what to think. My goal has been to help people learn how to think and study for themselves.
If you are a video person, there are videos.
If you are a reader, there are articles and books.
If you like detailed church position papers, there are examples from both perspectives.
Here is the resource document I have compiled over the years:
Please dig in.
And remember, you have a friend in me. If you have questions, want to process what you are learning, or simply need help finding a resource, please reach out.
Why does this matter?
One of the reasons I care so deeply about this topic is because I was blindsided by it. I did not realize how differently churches understood the role of women in ministry until those beliefs directly affected me.
Looking back, I wish I had known this conversation was happening. I wish I had understood the different viewpoints and asked more questions about where my church stood. My hope is simply that others have the opportunity to be informed before they find themselves surprised by a decision or belief they never knew existed.
Whether you agree or disagree with this amendment, it will influence who is allowed to preach, teach, lead, disciple, and serve within many churches and ministry organizations.
It will shape opportunities for future generations of women and men.
It will affect churches, seminaries, mission organizations, and families.
Most importantly, it is a reminder that what we believe about Scripture, leadership, discipleship, and the Church is not just a theoretical discussion. These decisions eventually affect how people experience church, discover their calling, and use the gifts God has given them.
You do not need to panic.
You do not need to pick a side today.
But I do believe you should be informed.
Ask questions.
Study.
Pray.
And then follow your convictions as the Holy Spirit leads.
Love,
I recommend Men and Women in the Church by Sarah Sumner. She was a professor at Asuza University.