A Time To Reflect: Why I’m Writing About the SBC

A Pastor’s Burden: Reflections on the State of the SBC

The Southern Baptist Convention will gather for its annual meeting next week in Dallas. As a pastor who has served within this fellowship of churches for many years, I have repeatedly received this question: “What do you think is happening to the SBC?” Where is the SBC headed?”

I don’t offer these reflections as a critic looking in, but as a fellow laborer who grieves over what I see. For the next five days, I will share my thoughts on several of the most pressing issues confronting our Convention, issues that I believe have weakened our witness and obscured our mission.

My goal is not to stir controversy, but to seek clarity. I want to provide a pastoral perspective rooted in Scripture, seasoned by experience, and burdened by love for the Body of Christ. These articles are not official statements: they are personal reflections. But I hope they help you draw your own conclusions and, more importantly, deepen your prayers for our Convention and for the local church.

Now is the time for honesty. Now is the time for humility. And above all, now is the time for the people of God to return to their first love.

The Southern Baptist Convention

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) is preparing for its 2025 Annual Meeting in Dallas, Texas, from June 8–11, under the theme “Hold Fast: Confession and Cooperation.” This gathering will address several pressing issues shaping the denomination’s future. Here are ten major concerns likely to dominate the discussions:

Role of Women in Ministry:

The SBC continues to grapple with the role of women in pastoral positions. A proposed constitutional amendment, known as the “Law Amendment,” seeks to limit pastoral roles to men. The SBC has failed to pass this amendment in previous years, but they expect to revisit it, especially after the SBC Credentials Committee refused to act against a church employing a female teaching pastor.

Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response

Following a 2022 report revealing mishandling of sexual abuse cases within the SBC, the denomination is under federal investigation. Efforts to implement reforms, including creating a database of offenders and allocating funds for legal expenses, are ongoing and will be a significant focus at the meeting.

Financial Challenges

The SBC faces financial strains due to legal costs and declining membership. Proposals include a $190 million Cooperative Program budget with a $3 million allocation for legal expenses and considerations for selling the SBC Building in Nashville to address operational costs.

Resolutions on Cultural Issues

The sponsors proposed eight resolutions addressing topics such as banning pornography, opposing sports betting, and advocating against the legalization of gay marriage. These resolutions reflect the SBC’s stance on contemporary moral and social issues.

Future of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC)

Discussions are anticipated regarding the direction and role of the ERLC, the SBC’s public policy arm, especially in light of debates over its effectiveness and alignment with the denomination’s values.

Governance and Transparency Reforms

Proposals include amendments to the SBC Constitution and Bylaws to enhance transparency, such as requiring nominees for trustee positions to affirm the Convention’s statement of faith and modifying the resolutions process for timely access to submitted resolutions .

Membership Decline

The SBC has experienced a significant decline in membership, losing over 3 million members since 2006. This trend raises concerns about the denomination’s future and strategies for growth and retention.

Debate Over Critical Race Theory (CRT)

The SBC has declared CRT as incompatible with its statement of faith, leading to departures of some Black pastors and churches. This stance continues to spark discussions on race relations within the denomination.

Autonomy vs. Accountability

The SBC’s structure emphasizes local church autonomy, yet there is ongoing debate about how to enforce doctrinal standards and address issues like sexual abuse and pastoral qualifications without infringing on this autonomy.

Future Meeting Sites and Organizational Planning

Decisions regarding future annual meeting locations, including proposals for St. Louis and San Antonio, as well as considerations for operational budgets and strategic planning, will be addressed to ensure the SBC’s ongoing functionality and outreach.

These issues reflect the SBC’s ongoing efforts to navigate theological convictions, cultural challenges, and organizational dynamics as it seeks to maintain unity and faithfulness to its mission.