Florence Baptist Association

You have probably heard what has gotten much of the press concerning a “ban on women pastors”. I now attempt to share the facts concerning the action of the convention. The Credentials Committee handles any church with deviation from “friendly cooperation”. A church with a woman serving as a lead/preaching pastor, has previously and would be brought before the convention, by the Credentials Committee, after reconciliation is not accomplished. The convention has previously voted to “disfellowship” (consider them not in friendly cooperation) those churches.
The current language that is used for such determination is the Baptist Faith and Message which states in section VI The Church: Its two scriptural offices are that of pastor/elder/overseer and deacon. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
Dr. Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Seminary, made A motion to amend the constitution of the SBC. This amendment would be added under Article III Composition and would be numbered 6. It reads: "Does not act to affirm, appoint, or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer, specifically preaching to the assembled congregation.”
This amendment passed with 74.66%. It needed a 2/3 majority to move forward. Changes to the Constitution must receive a 2/3 majority for two consecutive years. Next year it will need to receive at least a 2/3 majority to see the change to the Constitution.
The process has and will not change per this amendment at first vote or a subsequent passage by a second vote. If passed it will be added to our legal document and specify a woman “preaching to the assembled congregation”. At such point the Credentials Committee will have this specific wording to judge if a church is in friendly cooperation.
What does this mean for the local church with women serving in any role other than a preaching pastor? The short answer is nothing.