Author: Brandon Porter

SBC messengers long resolved to overturn Roe v. Wade

NASHVILLE (BP) – A leaked copy of a Supreme Court opinion that would essentially overturn 1973’s Roe V. Wade decision has prompted Southern Baptists to reflect on their pro-life history.

The draft was originally published by Politico and was later confirmed to be authentic by Chief Justice John Roberts in a press release issued by the Supreme Court.

The leaked document suggests the SCOTUS is set to overturn not only the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, but also 1992’s Planned Parenthood v. Casey decision. Overturning these decisions would essentially return the determination of abortion law to state-level governments.

Brent Leatherwood, acting president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), called the leak of the SCOTUS draft “the most consequential leak of our lifetime,” in a first-person piece released this week.

He said if the decisions are in fact overturned, it would be an incredible step in developing “a culture of life.”

“Overturning the Roe-Casey precedents will mark massive progress toward this goal as the jurisprudence stemming from these cases has been the number one factor inhibiting pro-life laws from taking effect,” Leatherwood said.

“It will mark a hopeful and substantial step toward establishing a true culture of life in our nation by giving states the freedom to pursue policies that protect preborn children. Christians should be in earnest prayer for such a moment.”

Leatherwood referenced an SBC Resolution from 2003, ‘On Thirty Years Of Roe V. Wade,’ which called for not only overturning Roe v. Wade, but striving for a society that would consider the act of abortion “unthinkable.”

“RESOLVED, That we pray and work for the repeal of the Roe v. Wade decision and for the day when the act of abortion will be not only illegal, but also unthinkable.”

Leatherwood said the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade will hopefully serve as a step in that direction for society.

“This leaked draft opinion would indicate we are closer than we have ever been to that reality,” Leatherwood said. “When that day is upon us, we will enter a time when the inherent rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are finally extended to our most vulnerable neighbors.”

This 2003 resolution is not the only time Southern Baptists have stood in opposition to Roe. After a somewhat uncertain start in 1971 and 1974, they solidified their stance with resolutions passed in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979.

In 1980, they took on the challenge of legalized abortion on demand for the first time. They were resolved saying, “That we abhor the use of tax money or public, tax-supported medical facilities for selfish, non-therapeutic abortion,” calling “for appropriate legislation or a constitutional amendment prohibiting abortion except to save the life of the mother.”

Resolutions calling for the end of legalized abortion followed in 1981, 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1987.

In 1989, messengers passed a resolution on encouraging laws regulating abortion, and in 1993 messengers passed a resolution regarding The Freedom of Choice Act.

More recently, the convention based a 2015 resolution on the sanctity of human life, and in 2021 passed two resolution on both abolishing abortion and on taxpayer complicity related to The Hyde Amendment.

Bart Barber, chair of 2022 SBC Committee on Resolutions, said the committee had already been working on a resolution calling for the repeal of the Roe v. Wade decision before this week’s news, and will now be reworking that resolution in case the opinion reflected in the leaked draft becomes finalized.

“Southern Baptists have long stood for and been united around the sanctity of every human life, including the preborn,” Barber said in a statement.

“The Committee on Resolutions was already working on a resolution asking the Supreme Court to reverse the disastrous Roe v. Wade decision. The things we have learned in the past 24 hours have given every member of this committee an even greater hope that American jurisprudence will soon make a giant leap forward toward recognizing the right to life of the preborn.

“We are now working to revise the resolution that we had already begun to draft in such a way as to celebrate the final opinion in Dobbs—an opinion that we hope maintains the strength and clarity of the draft we’ve seen—to give thanks to God, and to envision the task before us as the Roe regime fades away into the annals of history. Southern Baptists long for the day when the dignity of every human life is celebrated and we redouble our ongoing efforts to care for vulnerable women and children throughout our communities.”

Southern Baptists meet for the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim on June 14-15.

Chelsea Sobolik, director of public policy for the ERLC, said the potential overturning of Roe will serve as an opportunity to step into people’s lives with the Gospel.

“For decades the SBC has stood for the most vulnerable among us and longed for the day when our laws will also protect the pre-born, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the highest Court in the land could vote to send the issue of abortion back to the states, allowing them to make their own decisions regarding abortions,” Sobolik said.

“I pray that Christians throughout the country will continue to love and serve women and children, and point to the hope of Jesus.”

State of the Bible: 40 percent of Gen Z believe Jesus sinned

PHILADELPHIA (BP) — Nearly 40 percent of Generation Z believe Jesus was a human and sinned like other people when He lived on earth, the American Bible Society reveals in State of the Bible 2022.

The perception among Gen Z, polling at 38 percent, was comparable to other age groups, including Generation X, 37 percent; and millennials and boomers, 35 percent. Only the elderly polled significantly lower in believing Jesus sinned, at 26 percent. The numbers based on age groups do not address whether those polled identify as Christian or non-Christian.

Among the Scripture-engaged of all ages, only 18 percent believe Jesus was a sinner, the ABS said.

The findings are included in Chapter 2 of the 2022 report, in part focusing on how the Bible shapes ideas about spiritual things, specifically their perceptions of God, Jesus and Satan.

ABS expressed hope in finding that Gen Z registers high in curiosity about Jesus and/or the Bible, with 75 percent falling between a little curious (11 percent) and extremely curious (31 percent). One-fifth, 21 percent, said they were very curious and 13 percent said they were somewhat curious.

“Curiosity has been called the most underrated tool of persuasion. If that’s true, then Christians are well-positioned to share God’s message with their neighbors because curiosity is trending higher,” ABS said, gauging curiosity about who Jesus is and what the Bible says. “It cuts across all generations. The Elder generation leads all age groups at 87 percent curiosity.”

The rise in curiosity was found despite a drop in Bible readership.

“It’s crucial for churches, ministries and practicing Christians to understand the questions that non-practicing Christians have and help them find answers in the Bible,” ABS said in its study. “We need to invite them into life-giving relationships centered on biblical faith and vibrant Christian community.”

Overall, those whom ABS described as Scripture-engaged held a more scriptural perception of Jesus, with only 18 percent believing that Jesus was a sinner. Among those in the Movable Middle category, which includes both those who are Bible friendly and Bible neutral, 33 percent perceive Jesus as a sinner. The highest portion of respondents who believed Jesus was a sinner, 43 percent, falls among those categorized as Bible Disengaged.

Nearly all respondents in the Scripture-engaged category, 92 percent, perceive God as an “all-powerful, all-knowing, perfect creator of the universe who rules the world today,” compared to 76 percent of the Movable Middle and 33 percent of the Bible Disengaged who expressed that belief. When studied by age group, irrespective of Bible engagement, 57 percent of Gen Z held the Scripture-based view of God, compared to 48 percent of millennials, 63 percent of Gen X, 67 percent of boomers and 82 percent of the elderly.

Chapter 2 of State of the Bible 2022 is available here, with subsequent chapters slated for release throughout 2022.

ABS researchers collaborated with the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center to survey a nationally representative group of American adults on topics related to the Bible, faith and the church. The study conducted online via telephone produced 2,598 responses from a representative sample of adults 18 and older in all 50 states and Washington D.C.

Apathy in churches looms large for pastors, Lifeway Research study reveals

NASHVILLE—Pastors often deal with churchgoers with strong opinions, but they’re much more concerned about the people in their congregations who don’t seem to care much at all.

In the final release from Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, most pastors say the primary “people dynamics” challenge they face in their churches is apathy or lack of commitment.

“Many people can be a member of a church, but not participate in the work of the church,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “Pastors see the potential of mobilizing everyone in the church to minister to others in the church and in their community.”

People dynamics challenges

For the 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, Lifeway Research interviewed 200 U.S. Protestant pastors who identified 44 issues related to their role and then surveyed 1,000 additional pastors to determine which of these needs was most prominent among pastors. The nearly four dozen needs were divided into seven categories: ministry difficulties, spiritual needs, skill development, self-care, personal life, mental health and people dynamics.

Among these categories, 22 percent of pastors say people dynamics in their congregations are the most challenging or require the most attention today. Skill development (23 percent) is the only category more pastors identify as their area of greatest need.

Six of the 44 total needs are classified as people dynamics, but pastors say apathy is by far the most pressing issue in this category. Three in 4 U.S. Protestant pastors (75 percent) say apathy or lack of commitment is a people dynamic they find challenging in their congregations. Among all 44 issues pastors identified, developing leaders and volunteers and fostering connections with unchurched people are the only issues more pastors say they recognize as a need.

Close to half of pastors say they find it challenging in their ministries to deal with people’s strong opinions about non-essentials (48 percent), resistance to change in the church (46 percent) and people’s political views (44 percent). Around a third point to people’s unrealistic expectations of the pastor (35 percent) and caring too much about people’s approval or criticism (32 percent). Fewer than 1 in 10 (8 percent) say none of these are challenging for them as a pastor.

“Congregations are filled with many opinions,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “It is not easy to bring a congregation’s focus to a few things to do together that matter. People’s obsession with non-essentials, politics and a dislike for change all hamper a pastor’s ability to provide leadership.”

Young pastors, those 18-44, are frequently among the most likely to say they face challenging people dynamics at their church, including people’s strong opinions about non-essentials (60 percent), people’s political views (55 percent), resistance to change (52 percent), people’s unrealistic expectations of the pastor (46 percent) and caring too much about people’s approval or criticism (45 percent).

White pastors are among those most likely to say they deal with strong opinions about non-essentials (50 percent), challenging political views (47 percent) and caring too much about people’s approval or criticism (33 percent).

Pastors in different denominational families are likely to struggle with different people dynamics in their congregations. Baptist (79 percent), non-denominational (78 percent) and Pentecostal pastors (77 percent) are among the most likely to say they find people’s apathy challenging, while Lutheran (40 percent) and Methodist pastors (38 percent) are among the most likely to point to caring too much about people’s approval or criticism as a ministry challenge.

In facing strong opinions about non-essentials, Lutherans (58 percent) and Baptists (50 percent) are among the most likely to say they deal with this. Lutherans (54 percent), Presbyterian/Reformed (51 percent), pastors in the Restorationist movement (51 percent) and Methodists (48 percent) are more likely than Baptists (35 percent) or Pentecostals (34 percent) to say they find people’s political views to be a challenge in their congregations. Methodists (53 percent) and Presbyterian/Reformed (50 percent) are among the most likely to say they see resistance to change in the church as a challenging people dynamic.

Most challenging people dynamic

When asked to narrow down all the people dynamics they identified as an issue, close to half of U.S. Protestant pastors (47 percent) say people’s apathy or lack of commitment is the one they find most challenging.

Around 1 in 9 pastors say the most pressing people dynamic for them is people’s political views (13 percent) or resistance to change in the church (12 percent). Fewer than 1 in 10 pastors point to people’s strong opinions about non-essentials (8 percent), caring too much about approval or criticism (6 percent) or unrealistic expectations of the pastor (6 percent). Another 9 percent say none of these are their most challenging people dynamic or they’re not sure.

“The typical church is not overrun by politics or stuck in the past, but many are,” McConnell said. “A Christ-honoring church keeps its focus on the spiritual mission of bringing people in their community the Good News of what Jesus Christ has done for them. When this focus shifts to personal agendas, pastors are burdened to shift it back to the Gospel.”

Evangelical pastors (51 percent) are more likely than mainline pastors (42 percent) to say their primary people dynamic challenge is people’s apathy. Similarly, pastors 65 and older (51 percent) are more likely than pastors 18-44 years old (42 percent) to say apathy is their greatest issue in this area.

At least half of Pentecostal (55 percent), Baptist (52 percent) and non-denominational (52 percent) pastors identify apathy as their top people dynamic concern.

The more the education, the less likely a pastor is to say their greatest people dynamic challenge is people’s lack of commitment: pastors with no college degree (58 percent), Bachelor’s degree (52 percent), Master’s degree (43 percent) and doctoral degree (39 percent).

African American pastors (22 percent) are the most likely to say their primary challenge with people dynamics is resistance to change in the church. Pastors at churches with fewer than 50 in attendance (15 percent) are more likely than pastors at churches with 250 or more (7 percent) to say resistance to change is their top concern in this area.

Pastors of larger churches (11 percent) are, however, among the most likely to say caring too much about people’s approval or criticism tops their people dynamic issues.

Pastors in the West (20 percent) are more likely than those in the Northeast (12 percent) or South (10 percent) to say people’s political views create their most challenging people dynamic.

“These challenging people dynamics all affect the unity within a local church,” McConnell said. “Unity matters greatly to Christ as seen in his prayer for his followers in John 17. Many things can disrupt that unity and one of the most common is not outright disagreement but silently abstaining from what the church is doing together.”

For more information, view the complete report or visit LifewayResearch.com/GreatestNeeds.

SBC presidential candidates discuss CRT, financial transparency in forum

KELLER, Texas (BP) – Critical Race Theory and financial transparency were among topics addressed by the three known candidates to be nominated at the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim. The candidates participated in a forum hosted by FBC Keller on May 4 and moderated by Joe Wooddell, a member of FBC Keller, and Tony Richmond, FBC Keller associate pastor.

Tom Ascol, senior pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Fla.; Bart Barber, senior pastor of FBC Farmersville, Texas; and Robin Hadaway, senior professor of missions at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, retired IMB missionary and former pastor, comprise the current slate of men to be nominated in Anaheim.

What is Critical Race Theory (CRT)? Is it manifesting in churches and the SBC? What should the SBC president do about it?

“So, all you have to know about CRT to be ready to walk away from it is that it proposes some ideas of what justice is that are at odds with the Judeo-Christian idea of justice that’s been passed down into American jurisprudence.” Barber said, adding that he believes many Southern Baptists struggle to understand what it is.

“I don’t think we have to espouse secular ideologies just to be kind and welcoming to churches that are on the fringe in the Southern Baptist Convention,” he said. “I think we ought to work to try to build our fellowship stronger and stronger and to invite more and more people to come to be a part of this great family of churches. I think that’s the president’s role in helping to show the difference between CRT and just not being a jerk or just not caring about people who on the fringe, but trying to bring people in.”

In a follow up question, Ascol asked Barber if he thinks “that it’s possible that those folks who are saying, ‘No, we don’t believe in CRT,’ really don’t think they are, but could have well imbibed the ideas of CRT just as being a part of this culture where it is so preeminent?”

Barber pointed back to the need for a clear definition of CRT. “I think we ought to talk to each other in such a way that we’re only ready to start debating something when we can say what the other person’s viewpoint is so well that they say, ‘Yes, that’s exactly what I believe.’ Then we’re ready to have those conversations. So it’s best, I think, to talk about the issues, issue by issue, before we’re just tossing labels around.”

Ascol spoke next and offered a definition of CRT.

“CRT is an offshoot of neo-Marxism, postmodernism and a theory that came out of a critical legal theory. And it basically says that all racial relationships should be viewed in terms of power dynamics and that some are inevitably oppressed and others are inevitably the oppressors.”

He said it is in opposition to biblical theology, “And so it takes the idea of sin partiality from the Bible and redefines it in ways that are completely unbiblical.”

Ascol also blamed the 2019 SBC Resolutions Committee for the discussion in current SBC life. “… [T]his wouldn’t even have been a conversation among us if the Resolutions Committee in 2019 rewritten a resolution that was submitted to renounce critical race theory and intersectionality. They rewrote it to affirm critical race theory and intersectionality and then we were told, ‘No, they’re just good analytical tools.’ And that was a disaster for the SBC and it was tragic that it happened.”

Ascol alluded to three examples of SBC seminary professors who had spoken or written about CRT or LGBTQ issues in ways that he alleged were in violation of biblical doctrine.

“We have boundaries and the Baptist Faith and Message certainly points out our doctoral boundaries, but I do believe just like we saw in the Conservative Resurgence, there are a lot of people were saying, ‘Oh, we believe the Bible. We believe the Bible.’ They’re not thinking as rigorously as they need to be thinking about exactly what does the Bible say? And so that’s part of my concern with this. I’m grieved over what I see happening. I don’t, it’s not a matter of partisanship with me, it’s a matter of deep conviction that we must change the direction right now.”

Barber asked Ascol, “Haven’t all of those people come back and said, ‘Hey, that’s not really accurately representing what I think and what I believe’? “What are we supposed to do when other people ask for that right [to clarify their statements]?”

Ascol responded, “Well, and I would be delighted for that, but the clarifications have not clarified.”

Hadaway said, “Critical Race Theory does view everything by race. … CRT is the cultural problem of the day, but we have to be careful that we aren’t seen as unsympathetic to the problem of racism in the United States and everywhere in the world.”

What should the Credentials Committee actually be doing? Are they working outside the scope of what they should be doing? What is their function if a church is operating outside the BF&M?

Calling the work of the committee a massive task, Ascol said that the responsibilities of the committee need to be investigated so their work can be better accomplished.

Ascol claimed to have submitted several churches to the Credentials Committee and said he never heard back. “I don’t know if they investigated them or what they did or what the disposition is,” he said. “That’s one thing that needs to change because if there’s something that is risen to the level of actually making a report and asking for an investigation, I think that the church that makes that request deserves the courtesy of a reply to let them know the disposition of that request.”

He said he feels sorry for the members of the committee because “they have a task that is unmanageable given our structure.”

He believes repairing the system will require some of the SBC’s top thinkers.

“I think what we’re going to need is some of our best theological minds to come together and to think through, ‘OK, here’s, here’s what we can do, given our polity, that we are fully convinced is biblical and here’s some history examples, from like the Philadelphia Association, how they did things very much like this. How can we now structure in our day a task force or a committee that will be able to do these things and give them the tools to do these things that need to be done in a convention of churches of 47,000-plus,” he said.

In 2019, Messengers voted to amend the SBC’s bylaws to repurpose the SBC’s Credentials Committee into a standing committee to make inquiries and recommendations for action regarding instances of sexual abuse, racism or other issues that call a church’s relationship with the SBC into question. The work handled by the previous Credentials Committee, on which Hadaway served in 2000, is now handled by the Registration Committee.

Barber pointed to a system that worked well in the past because local associations did more of the work: “… local associations were the ones who leaned into screening credentials. Every local association had a Credentials Committee like they should today,” he said, adding that the number of churches and growing “laundry list” of social concerns makes the work unmanageable for a Credentials Committee at a national level.

“It will work so much better if you go to your local association saying, ‘We need our Credentials Committee to be vibrant and active and doing the right thing there,” he said. “Your state convention will rise up and call you blessed if you do that. And the national convention will be so much healthier.”

Barber said associational credentials committees began to wane during the Conservative Resurgence. “The backbone of the local association needs to be restored so that we’re not trying to do this at the national level.”

Is there work to do related to the financial disclosures of SBC entities?

Ascol was the first to answer saying he believes there is much to do in this area. He called for forensic audits to be performed by the entities because trust has been broken and alleged crimes may have been committed.

“This would be an audit that is designed to look at the laws, the SEC, the state laws, local laws, federal laws, making sure those practices financially have been in accordance with the laws,” he said. “If there’s any discrepancies and what’s reported or what’s on the books and what is discovered, those discrepancies are investigated. And so, a forensic audit could well discover that crimes have been committed. And if so, they can be rectified. I mean, that doesn’t mean that somebody has to go to jail. Maybe there just needs to be some money paid back or something, but it is an audit that is done with very serious potential consequences if there’s been shady things going on.”

Barber said he said he does not believe trust is broken to the degree Ascol says.

“I want to affirm the idea that our trustees need to be trained better than they are,” Barber said, adding that while trustees receive an orientation by the entity they serve, “I think there needs to be independent instruction about baseline standards of what’s best to do as a trustee in order to hold these institutions to account.”

Pointing to increased giving to the Cooperative Program, the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, and Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, he said, “I really don’t know how much trust has been broken.”

Barber said the ultimate power to call for accountability is in the hands of the messengers.

“I think the trustees are the first place to be holding the institutions accountable for all of those things.,” he said, “But I think it’s the messenger body’s right, just as they did with sex abuse. It’s the messenger body’s right to call for any kind of financial transparency that they want for any of the entities and if the messenger body asks for a forensic audit, it’ll happen.”

Hadaway agreed that an entity’s trustees are the primary source of accountability, saying “you can trust what they do.”

“Most, if not all of the entities” have an annual audit of their finances, he said.

Based on his work at Midwestern Seminary, Hadaway said the most expensive audit an organization can have is a forensic audit. He doesn’t believe they are needed by any of the entities.

“I will respectfully disagree with Bro. Tom,” Hadaway said. “I don’t think we need that [a forensic audit]. When there is an egregious case that comes out … I think that can be handled by letters to the trustees.”

Candidates were given time to make opening and closing statements. They were asked about work of the Sexual Abuse Task Force and how churches can cooperate together.

The candidates were not asked about their views of women in leadership positions in the local church or in the SBC.

Greenway encourages SWBTS graduates to have ‘Romans 12 ministry’ in ‘Romans 1 world’

FORT WORTH—America’s cultural situation that is well summarized in Romans 1 should be answered by ministers with a Romans 12 ministry, President Adam W. Greenway said in his address to graduates of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Texas Baptist College during their May 6 commencement ceremony.

“You are being sent out into what many have regarded, and rightfully I think, as a Romans 1 world,” Greenway said to the spring 2022 graduates. “Where everything that is wrong is being declared to be right and what is right is declared to be wrong. …You look at what’s happening in terms of our broader socio, cultural, political agenda – it is a Romans 1 agenda.”

“May I submit to you, the only answer to meet a Romans 1 agenda is a Romans 12 ministry,” Greenway continued, noting a Romans 12 ministry includes living faithfully and fruitfully as followers of Christ and stewards of what He has entrusted.

The spring 2022 certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral graduates included men and women from Southwestern’s four graduate schools and TBC who represent 26 states and 19 countries, including the U.S. Of the 245 graduates, 158 attended the ceremony to receive their diplomas.

Before addressing the graduates, Greenway presented Mark E. Taylor, associate dean of the School of Theology and professor of New Testament, with the inaugural David S. and Lanese Dockery Faculty Award for Teaching Excellence. The award, established by Distinguished Professor of Theology David S. Dockery and his wife, honors the faculty member who exhibits faithful and effective teaching in the classroom and shows genuine demonstration of personal care and concern for the spiritual development of students in and out of the classroom.

“Dr. Taylor so well embodies in scholarship and in service the heartbeat of the faculty of Southwestern Seminary,” Greenway said of Taylor, who was elected to the seminary’s faculty in the fall of 1999.

In a “pastoral exhortation” from Romans 12, Greenway noted theological education has been made accessible and affordable for many due to online availability, but he warned graduates to guard against the “natural temptations that come from the pursuit of higher education.”

Recognizing obtaining higher education can lead to success by the world’s standards, Greenway noted in Romans 12 Paul gave “more attention to matters related to character than matters related to competency, capability or any other kind of human achievement.”

Greenway drew the attention of the audience to verse 3, where Paul told the believers in Rome not to think more highly of themselves than they ought.

“That’s a dangerous word to say at a commencement exercise, where we have people who are wearing all kinds of academic regalia, who have achieved undergraduate, graduate and professional and research doctoral degrees,” Greenway said. “If you think about the state of the global church, we are in a very privileged position in terms of what we have been able to deliver to you and what you have been able to receive. And if you are not careful, it can lead you to think of yourselves more highly than you ought.”

Greenway observed the “imagery” of the body used in Romans 12, recognizing Paul challenged against thinking some gifts were better than others.

“God in His economy gives each of us gifts, talents and what He expects from us,” Greenway said. “How dare I put the standard that God has placed upon my life in terms of the calling and the way He wants me to use my gifts and to say, ‘If you don’t do it exactly the way I do, then there’s something deficient or wrong in you.’”

Greenway reminded the graduates that as stewards of what God has “entrusted” to them, one day they will stand before God and give an account of themselves for what they did based upon God’s standards.

Noting Paul reminded the believers that love should be without hypocrisy, Greenway challenged the graduates to love fellow believers deeply and show honor to one another.

“Outdo one another in showing honor, not in having honor shown to you,” Greenway said, noting the example of Jesus washing the feet of His disciples the night before His crucifixion. “If it wasn’t too much for our Lord to do, then how could you or I ever think that is somehow beneath us?”

“You are those to whom much has been given,” he told the graduates. “You are those of whom much is required.

“For most of our watching world today, the only evidence or testimony as to what difference a Southwestern Seminary theological education makes is you. On behalf of all of us who are Southwesterners, may the Lord use you as an instrument in His hand through whom the love of Christ will show through, whom the life of Christ will be displayed through, whom the legacy of Christ will be magnified until Jesus comes again.”

The full ceremony can be viewed here.

Ongoing prayers for the end of Roe

CARY, N.C. (BP) – Nearly 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court legalized abortion nationwide through its decision in a case known as Roe v. Wade. Since that time, millions of Christians have been praying for the reversal of that decision, and now there are strong indications the high court is closer than ever.

Monday evening a national news outlet released what it claimed was a draft opinion signaling that the court intends to make a decision in the current Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case that would overturn Roe v. Wade. The high court later confirmed that the draft opinion, while not final, was authentic.

If the court comes to that final decision, it would remove federal protection for elective abortions and represent a pivotal moment for our nation. The sanctity of life is a profound moral issue.

Pre-born children, like all humans, are made in the image of God and worthy of our care. That conviction has roots deep in Christian theology, and it extends far beyond the latest political or judicial moment. What will it take to make abortion unnecessary and unthinkable?

The end of Roe v. Wade would not signal the end of our prayers and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and voiceless children, but rather a new beginning. While we should celebrate any progress made toward stronger protections for unborn lives, there is still much work to do.

As we strive toward a day when every image bearer receives the honor and dignity they deserve, we must remember that prayer is not our last resort. It’s our primary strategy.

Here are four ways you can pray in the days ahead.

Pray for members of the U.S. Supreme Court

The nine justices that make up our nation’s highest court will receive an immense amount of political and social pressure as we await their final decision on Dobbs v. Jackson. Chief Justice John Roberts has expressed a strong desire for the court to stand against undue pressure. Pray for them to have wisdom and courage from above so they can render a judgment in accordance with godliness.

Pray for state lawmakers

Overturning Roe v. Wade would not ban abortions nationwide, but rather leave the issue up to each state legislature. For years, many state representatives have been doing the necessary legislative work to shore up protections for the unborn. Pray for these local leaders to continue working diligently.

Pray for churches to extend compassion and care

There is a common misconception that Christian pro-life advocates only care about children up until birth. A 2013 report by Barna Research indicates that practicing Christians adopt children at more than double the rate of the general population. In my state, I’m thankful for the Baptist Children’s Homes of North Carolina, which has been leading in this effort for many years. We are working together on an ambitious goal to end childhood homelessness in our state through the “Every Child” initiative. Many other conventions and associations have similar compassion ministries for orphans and mothers in crisis. As you pray for these efforts, also ask how you might get involved. While you may not feel called to foster or adopt, there are a number of ways you can support those who do.

Pray for your family, friends and neighbors

Abortion is a highly controversial issue about which people have sharply contradictory views. Like other topics, it has the ability to stir disagreement and division. The issue may also feel deeply personal and difficult for women who have undergone abortion procedures. Pray for opportunities to speak with conviction and grace about how the Gospel of Jesus Christ offers hope and redemption for all people.

May God continue to use us as a movement of churches on mission together. On mission together to protect the innocent, care for the hurting and vulnerable, and stand for every man, woman and child made in the image of God.

Leaked SCOTUS draft gives hope for reversing Roe

WASHINGTON (BP) – Pro-life advocates reacted hopefully to the report of a leaked draft opinion within the U.S. Supreme Court that would overturn its 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide.

In a stunning development Monday evening (May 2), Politico – a politics- and policy-focused news organization – published a copy of a draft of an opinion by Associate Justice Samuel Alito that would strike down the Roe ruling if it becomes final. A source familiar with the court’s work said four other associate justices – Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett – sided with Alito in a conference vote after oral arguments in December, Politico reported in an article that include a link to the draft. They remain united on the opinion as of its report, Politico said.

The opinion leaked apparently from within a court that is highly secretive about its proceedings regarding a Mississippi ban on abortion after 15 weeks’ gestation. The state, as well as the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) and other pro-life organizations, had urged the high court not only to uphold the 15-week prohibition contested in the case – Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization – but to overturn Roe and the 1992 Planned Parenthood v. Casey opinion that affirmed that decision.

Roe was an “abuse of judicial authority,” Alito wrote in the leaked draft, which included a note that it was circulated Feb. 10 to the other justices. “Roe was egregiously wrong from the start. Its reasoning was exceptionally weak, and the decision has had damaging consequences. And far from bringing about a national settlement of the abortion issue, Roe and Casey have enflamed debate and deepened division.”

If the high court overturns Roe and Casey in its final opinion, the ruling would return abortion policy to the states.

In a news release Tuesday morning (May 3), the Supreme Court confirmed the draft opinion is “authentic,” but “it does not represent a decision by the Court or the final position of any member on the issues in the case.”

In the release, Chief Justice John Roberts described the leak as a “serious and egregious breach” of the trust of the high court. He has ordered the marshal of the Supreme Court to begin an investigation into the source of the leak, Roberts said.

Justices may change their votes before a final opinion is published. Such a reversal reportedly occurred after an initial draft reversing Roe was circulated among the justices in the Planned Parenthood case.

Five justices voted in conference after oral arguments in Planned Parenthood to strike down Roe, and Chief Justice William Rehnquist sent the court’s members a draft opinion in late May 1992 that would have done so, the late Associate Justice John Paul Stevens said in a 2019 memoir, according to The Washington Post. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy reversed course, however, and joined in a late June ruling that upheld Roe while permitting some state restrictions.

Southern Baptist and other pro-life supporters expressed prayerful hope the justices in the majority will stand firm in their decision to overturn Roe. They also encouraged followers of Jesus to prepare to aid vulnerable women if the opinion holds.

Ed Litton, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said in a written statement provided to BP, “Christians have sought the end of Roe for nearly 50 years. We must pray now for the resolve of the Court to cement its reversal.

“At the same time, the church must stand ready to love, serve and support women and families in need,” said Litton, senior pastor of Redemption Church in Saraland, Ala. “Let us thank God for the possibility of seeing the specter of this unjust ruling removed from our nation forever. And let us prepare for the next phase of pro-life ministry.”

Brent Leatherwood, the ERLC’s acting president, described it as “a breathtaking development in every sense of the phrase.”

“Assuming it truly remains a majority opinion – which could still change – it means we are one step closer to ending the Roe-Casey abortion framework that has taken more than 60 million innocent lives, fractured families, marginalized mothers and harmed this nation for nearly 50 years,” he said in written remarks for BP. If this majority holds, witnessing a day where that regime is ended cannot come soon enough.

“By overturning the Roe-Casey precedents and eliminating the number one factor inhibiting pro-life laws from taking effect, our nation can begin to establish a true culture of life by giving states the freedom to pursue policies that protect preborn children. Christians should be in earnest prayer for such a moment to be reality.

“At the same time, we must avoid losing sight of mothers who are in a cycle of fear or maybe even in crisis at this moment,” Leatherwood said. “[O]ur words in this moment should not be ones of mere celebration, but also of care. Our care must alleviate their fears and show that the welfare of mother and child do not have to be pitted against one another.”

Leatherwood urged the Supreme Court “to move with all deliberate speed to finalize and publish this decision as soon as possible. [I]t would show, despite their differences, these justices will not be bullied by those seeking to operate outside of its established processes. So I will be praying for each justice and their safety, for this majority to hold firm for life and for them collectively to have the fortitude to withstand the torrent of criticism that is likely coming their way.”

Elizabeth Graham, the ERLC’s vice president of operations and life initiatives, said she is hopeful about the potential ruling and “optimistic because I think there is a shift happening in our culture that is moving to a holistic view of life – where every human life is protected because they are created in God’s image and have inherent dignity and worth.

“It is not enough to make abortion illegal; we must work to make abortion unnecessary and unthinkable,” she said in written comments for BP. “This means we must address the underlying reasons why a woman believes she has no other option but to choose abortion. So regardless of what the Court decides, I am hopeful the church will continue serving abortion vulnerable women, as it’s done for many years.”

Chelsea Sobolik, the ERLC’s director of public policy, told BP in writing, “If the disastrous precedents set in Roe and Casey are indeed overturned, and they should be, there will be growing numbers of vulnerable women and children in need of care and support. The church must continue to stand on the frontlines of caring for women and children.”

Steven Aden, chief legal officer of Americans United for Life, said “this draft opinion language is to be applauded” and described it as “outrageous” that the draft was leaked.

“It is a cynical and naked attempt to pressure justices to alter course in Dobbs and to perpetuate abortion violence,” he said. “The Court should maintain the moral high ground, stick to the clear and courageous language of this draft opinion, and not allow itself to be ruled by the expectations of pro-abortion activists or proxy media allies.”

President Biden called for legislative action to support abortion rights if the Alito opinion becomes the Supreme Court’s decision in the case.

If the justices reverse Roe, “it will fall on our nation’s elected officials at all levels of government to protect a woman’s right to choose,” Biden said in a statement Tuesday. “At the federal level, we will need more pro-choice Senators and a pro-choice majority in the House [of Representatives] to adopt legislation that codifies Roe, which I will work to pass and sign into law.”

Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, called the draft opinion “horrifying and unprecedented” and said her organization “will continue to fight” to protect abortion access.

In the leaked draft, Alito said Roe and Casey “must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely,” the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

“On many other occasions, this Court has overruled important constitutional decisions,” he wrote. “Without these decisions, American constitutional law as we know it would be unrecognizable, and this would be a different country.”

As an example, Alito cited the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson decision that upheld racial segregation through what became known as the “separate but equal” doctrine. The high court basically and finally overturned the ruling in 1954.

“Roe was on a collision course with the Constitution from the day it was decided, and Casey perpetuated its errors, and the errors do not concern some arcane corner of the law of little importance to the American people,” Alito wrote. “Rather, wielding nothing but ‘raw judicial power’” – quoting from Associate Justice Byron White’s dissent to Roe – “the Court usurped the power to address a question of profound moral and social importance that the Constitution unequivocally leaves for the people.”

If the Supreme Court overturns Roe, 26 states are certain or likely to prohibit abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization affiliated with the abortion-rights movement.

Nine states have enacted a total of 33 pro-life laws so far this year, Guttmacher reported April 15. Among those are a near-total prohibition on abortion and bans at different stages of pregnancy. In addition, seven states have enacted 11 abortion-supporting laws in 2022, according to Guttmacher’s April 15 report.

The United States has one of the most permissive abortion policies in the world. A 2021 study by the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute showed 47 of 50 European countries prohibit elective abortions or restrict them to 15 weeks or earlier. The United States reportedly is one of only six countries, including China and North Korea, that permit elective abortions after 20 weeks’ gestation.

Committee on Nominations report released

ANAHEIM (BP) — The SBC Committee on Nominations has released its 2022 report in advance of the 2022 SBC Annual Meeting to be held June 14-15. Per SBC bylaws, the report is to be released through Baptist Press no later than 45 days prior to the gathering.

The 2022 committee was chaired by Leah Finn, a member of Mountain Creek Baptist Church in Greenville, S.C. Finn told Baptist Press that “throughout the process, the Committee on Nominations prayed for nominees who exemplify humility, willingness to serve and a fervent commitment to the church and the SBC. In addition to those biblical traits, this slate brings a vast range of experience, skill and diversity that will benefit the SBC and build the kingdom of God.”

Ninety-four new nominees were named in the initial report with a handful of vacancies yet to be filled by the committee. The final report will be printed in the 2022 Annual Meeting Tuesday Bulletin and brought as a slate for convention approval on Tuesday (June 14) afternoon.

The 94 nominees include 29 women (31 percent) and 65 men (69 percent). The ethnic breakdown of the nominees includes 84 percent Anglo, 9 percent Black, 4 percent Asian, 2 percent Hispanic, and 1 percent Native American.

SBC Executive Committee

Term expires in 2023

Alabama: Craig Carlisle, First, Gadsden; replacing Paul S. Hicks, Good Shepherd Community, Hayden.
Arizona: Mark Martin, CalvaryPHX, Phoenix; replacing Chad Garrison, Calvary, Lake Havasu City.
Florida: *David Twiddy, Mission Hill, Temple Terrace; replacing *Rod D. Martin, Rocky Bayou, Niceville.
Georgia: *Travis Walker, Gospel Hope, Avondale Estates; replacing *Ricardo Avila, Amistad Cristiana International, Gainesville.
Pennsylvania-South Jersey: Fred J. Neal Jr., Harvest, Kittanning, Pa.; replacing Kim Grueser, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Tennessee: *Erin D. Bryson, First, Dickson; replacing Robyn A. Hari, ClearView, Franklin.
Texas: Russ Barksdale, Rush Creek, Arlington; replacing Barbara Norris, First, Waskom.

Term expires in 2024

Alabama: *Dana H. McCain, First, Dothan; replacing L. Melissa Carlisle Golden, First, Prattville.
North Carolina: *Jana J. White, Freedom, Lincolnton; replacing Modena Henderson, Mercy, Charlotte.
Virginia: *Joshua A. (Josh) Hetzler, Colonial Heights, South Chesterfield; replacing *H. Robert (Rob) Showers, Gateway Community, South Riding

Term expires in 2025

Kansas-Nebraska: *Sanford W. Peterson, Emmanuel, Overland Park, Kan.; replacing Mark R. Elliott, LifeSpring, Bellevue, Neb.
Tennessee: Vacant; replacing Chuck T. Williams, First, Covington.

Term expires in 2026

Alabama: *Ann Stafford, Southside, Dothan; replacing Phyllis S. Ingram, First, Montgomery.
Arkansas: *Donald J. Wells Sr., Second, Conway; replacing *Paul E. (Gene) McPherson, First, Benton.
California: Anthony L. Dockery, St. Stephen Missionary, La Puente; replacing Rolland E. Slade, Meridian, El Cajon.
Georgia: *Clyde A. Chester, Tabernacle, Cartersville; replacing *Cheryl S. Samples, Picketts Mill, Dallas.
Georgia: Landon Dowden, Hebron, Dacula; replacing Michael R. (Mike) Stone, Emmanuel, Blackshear.
Louisiana: John S. (Jack) Hunter, First, New Orleans; replacing Mike Holloway, Ouachita, West Monroe.
Missouri: *Curtis R. Ballard, Genesis, Eureka; replacing *James E. Freeman, County Meadows, Independence.
South Carolina: *Sarah H. Rogers, Christ Fellowship, Greenville; replacing Robert W. (Bob) Neeley, First, Spartanburg.
Tennessee: Corey A. Cain, First, Seymour; replacing Ron F. Hale, West Jackson, Jackson.
Texas: Byron V. McWilliams, First, Odessa; replacing Stephen Swofford, First, Rockwall.
Utah-Idaho: Michael E. Pless, Redeeming Life, Bountiful, Utah; replacing James Gregory, First Southern, Mountain Home, Idaho.
Virginia: Drew Landry, Spotswood, Fredericksburg; replacing Timothy Hight, GraceLife, Christiansburg.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Alabama: Neal Hughes, Heritage, Montgomery.
Alaska: Todd O. Burgess, First, Eagle River.
Arkansas: Mollie Duddleston, Cross, Springdale.
Florida: *Archalena B. Coats, Kingdom Covenant, Miami.
Iowa: Todd Stiles, First Family, Ankeny.
Kentucky: John A. Lucas, First, Pikeville.
Mississippi: Daniel L. (Dan) Lanier, Northcrest, Meridian.
Montana: Caleb T. Groteluschen, Capstone, Helena.
North Carolina: Christopher N. Dickerson, Arran Lake, Fayetteville.
Texas: *James D. (Jim) Green, Sagemont, Houston.

GuideStone Financial Resources

Term expires in 2026

Alabama: *James E. (Eric) Morgan, First, Prattville; replacing *David S. Puckett, Shades Mountain, Birmingham.
New York: Vacant; replacing *Rene A. Trewick, Bronx, Bronx.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Arkansas: *David M. Rainwater, Immanuel, Little Rock.
Georgia: *Deana F. Hames, First, Woodstock.
Missouri: Timothy R. (Tim) Huddleston, Osage Hills, Osage Beach.
Nevada: Damian Cirincione, Shadow Hills, Las Vegas.
Oklahoma: *James R. (Jim) Scrivner, First, Ada.
South Carolina: *Gary L. Stooksbury, Millbrook, Aiken.
Tennessee: *Christopher L. (Chris) Kelly, Third, Murfreesboro

International Mission Board

Term expires in 2024

Arizona: Stephen P. Hayes, North Phoenix, Phoenix; replacing Bret D. Burnett, Mountain View, Tucson.

Term expires in 2025

North Carolina: *Shannon Wallace, Christ Community, Huntersville; replacing Will Gatling, Bay Leaf, Raleigh.

Term expires in 2026

Alabama: Tracie M. Griggs, Southside, Southside; replacing Cecil M. Sanders Jr., First, Headland.
Georgia: *Kristen Nichols, Mercy Hill, Marietta; replacing William H. (Bill) Ricketts, Prince Avenue, Bogart.
Mississippi: *Justin Ryan Lohmeier, Hillcrest, New Albany; replacing *William H. (Opie) Hurst, Harrisburg, Tupelo.
New England: *Allison Karr Blessen, City on a Hill, Brookline, Mass.; replacing Sam Taylor, Nashua, Nashua, N.H.
North Carolina: Vacant; replacing Michael Cloer, Englewood, Rocky Mount.
Ohio: *Marci C. Hare, First, Heath; replacing Lawrence (Larry) Lambes, Hillcrest, Carlisle.
Tennessee: *Timothy S. Sheehy, Cornerstone, Germantown; replacing Phillip D. Mitchell, First, Adamsville.
Texas: *Mary Jane Schwarz, First, McAllen; replacing *Thom Polvogt, First, Katy.
Texas: Gregory H. Pickering, Brazos Pointe, Lake Jackson; replacing Robert M. (Mike) Simmons, Hillcrest, Cedar Hill.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Florida: Alan M. Brumback, Central, Sanford.
Georgia: *Joyce A. Chambers, Grace, Monroe.
Hawaii: Christopher Martin, Makakilo, Kapolei.
Nevada: Thomas R. McCormick Jr., Hope, Las Vegas.
New Mexico: John E. Hinze, First, Tucumcari.
Oklahoma: Chris B. Wall, First, Owasso.
South Carolina: R. Marshall Blalock, First, Charleston.
Texas: John B. McCullough, Berea, Big Springs.
Texas: James C. (Cliff) Mayton, Memorial, Spring.
Texas: William T. (Tommy) Turner, First, Paris.
Utah-Idaho: David A. Edmunds, Hope, Salt Lake City, Utah.
Wyoming: Daniel R. Brubeck, North Cheyenne, Cheyenne.

Lifeway Christian Resources

Term expires in 2023

Arizona: *Janet W. Shrader, Casas Adobes, Tucson; replacing Cheri Dempsay, First Sahuaro Ranch, Glendale.

Term expires in 2024

New York: Vacant; replacing *Judith Sonich, Bellewood, North Syracuse.
North Carolina: *Joshua Benfield, Fairview, Apex; replacing Yana J. Conner, Oaks, Raleigh.
Virginia: *Elaine D. Hanger, Parkway, Moseley; replacing Gary Comeforo, The Heights, Colonial Heights.

Term expires in 2025

Georgia: *Princess S. Moon, Image, Marietta; replacing Randall P. (Randy) Smith, Johnson Ferry, Marietta.

Term expires in 2026

Florida: Scott E. Yirka, Hibernia, Fleming Island; replacing James H. (Jimmy) Scroggins, Family, West Palm Beach.
Louisiana: *Seane S. Rice, Connect, New Orleans; replacing *J.D. Perry, Florida Boulevard, Baton Rouge.
New Mexico: *Kristin L. Overman, First, Albuquerque; replacing *Linda K. Dean, Emmanuel, Farmington.
Oklahoma: *Lana E. Gragert, First, Choctaw; replacing *Christopher (Todd) Fannin, Life Fellowship, Pryor.
Tennessee: *Beth Greene, First Concord, Knoxville; replacing *Burt Landers, First, Shelbyville.
Texas: Tony Wolfe, Lakeland, Lewisville; replacing Brad H. McLean, First, New Braunfels.
Texas: Wes T. Terry, Broadview, Abilene; replacing Brice D. Mandaville, First, Seguin.
Texas: Ryan J. Gilbert, Lamar, Arlington; replacing Roger A. Yancey, West Conroe, Conroe.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Alabama: Benjamin D. Posey, First, Leroy.
Florida: Curtis D. Clark, Thomasville Road, Tallahassee.
Mississippi: Derrick Burt, First, Natchez.
Ohio: Chad Keck, First Kettering.
Pennsylvania-South Jersey: *Madeline Harris, Ezekiel, Philadelphia, Pa.
South Carolina: *Cynthia M. Cook, South Main Street, Greenwood.
Texas: Jacob M. Fitzgerald, Denman Avenue, Lufkin.

North American Mission Board

Term expires in 2023

West Virginia: Mason A. Ballard, Resurrection, Charleston; replacing Brandon Carter, Cross Lanes, Cross Lanes.

Term expires in 2025

South Carolina: Wallace H. Harris, First, Simpsonville; replacing Randy Bradley, Locust Hill, Travelers Rest.
Texas: Stephen B. Trammel, First, Houston; replacing Kenneth W. Priest, Prestonwood, Plano.

Term expires in 2026

Alabama: Vacant; replacing Charles M. (Danny) Wood, Shades Mountain, Birmingham.
New England: *Heather L. Kirk, Renewal, Boston, Mass.; replacing David Saylor, First, Manchester, Conn.
North Carolina: *David E. Amiss, Poplar Spring, Bunn; replacing *Cynthia E. (Cindy) Bush, Bay Leaf, Raleigh.
Northwest: *Daniel B. Kim, Well Community, Bellevue, Wash.; replacing Robert J. (Bob) Lowe, First, Yelm, Wash.
Texas: Jeff Young, Champion Forest, Houston; replacing Denny J. Gorena, First, Leopard.
Texas: *Amy N. Thompson, Redeemer, Lubbock; replacing *Zoila Lopez, First, Forney.
Texas: Caleb M. Turner, Mesquite Friendship, Mesquite; replacing Jarrett L. Stephens, Champion Forest, Houston.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Florida: Brian E. Nall, Olive, Pensacola.
Florida: William E. (Willy) Rice, Calvary, Clearwater.
Louisiana: Gevan L. Spivey, First, Haughton.
Mississippi: Tommy Mitchell, Agricola, Lucedale.
Mississippi: Bill H. Wright, First, Purvis.
Texas: Bill L. Coffey, Pinecrest, Silsbee.

Gateway Seminary

Term expires in 2024

West Virginia: Vacant; replacing Donald R. Yeager, Southside, Parkersburg.

Term expires in 2025

Virginia: Don L. Paxton, Rosedale, Abingdon; replacing *Raul Lozoya, Remnant, Richmond.

Term expires in 2026

Maryland-Delaware-DC: Keith Myer, Harvest, Salisbury, Md.; replacing *Mark Trammell, Mt. Airy, Mt. Airy, Md.
At-Large: Vacant; replacing Matt Carter, Sagemont, Houston.

Term expires in 2027

Arkansas: Kelly D. Womack, Grand Avenue, Fort Smith; replacing Ronnie H. Deal, First, Greenwood.
Michigan: Jerome Taylor, Eastgate, Burton; replacing Roberto R. Santos, Philippine International, Taylor.
Oklahoma: Heath Tucker, Waterloo Road, Edmond; replacing M. Dale Griffin, Immanuel, Shawnee.
At-Large: Young S. McCann, Journey, San Luis Obispo, Calif.; replacing *Robert Evans, First, San Francisco, Calif.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Illinois: Kevin Carrothers, First, Rochester.
Pennsylvania-South Jersey: *Thomas M. (Tom) Toone, East Shore, Harrisburg, Pa.
South Carolina: *Charles H. (Chuck) Morton, First, Taylors.
At-Large: Walter A. Price, Fellowship in the Pass, Beaumont, Calif.

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Term expires in 2024

Mississippi: Vacant; replacing *Douglas C. Rule, First, Jackson.

Term expires in 2025

Local: Vacant.; replacing Nathan G. Rose, Liberty, Liberty, Mo.

Term expires in 2027

Alabama: *Kris D. Cornutt, Twelfth Street, Rainbow City, replacing *Ben O. Character, Meadowbrook, Oxford.
Louisiana: Jason P. Kees, East Leesville, Leesville; replacing Randall H. Tompkins, Calvary, Alexandria.
Oklahoma: *Kelli Northcutt, First, Ponca City; replacing *Larry W. Sheppard, Clearview, Broken Arrow.
Local: *Wade R. Pruitt, First, Clinton, Okla.; replacing Bryan C. Pain, First, Duncan, Okla.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Indiana: Larry T. Lewis, Vann Avenue, Evansville.
Texas: *David C. Shanks, Travis Avenue, Fort Worth.
Local: Jacob A. McMillian, Journey, St. Joseph, Mo.

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Term expires in 2023

Nevada: Vacant; replacing Samuel J. (Sam) Crouch, Calvary, Elko.
Local: Vacant; replacing *Gary W. Fordham, First, Petal.

Term expires in 2026

Kentucky: Brian C. Hinton, Highview, Louisville; replacing Tim L. Searcy, Allen, Allen.

Term expires in 2027

Maryland-Delaware-DC: Rhonda B. Caldwell, Kettering, Upper Marlboro, Md.; replacing *Daniel Shieh, Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
New Mexico: Michael Kirby, Central, Clovis; replacing David G. Brittain, Celebration, Rio Rancho.
Local: Reggie L. Bridges, Temple, Ruston, La.; replacing Michael E. (Mike) Shaw, First, Pelham.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Arkansas: Larry D. White, Central, Conway.
Florida: Mark W. Warnock, Family, West Palm Beach.
Mississippi: *William P. (Phil) Hanberry, Temple, Hattiesburg.
Ohio: Timothy E. Binns, First, Fairborn.

Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

Term expires in 2027

Local: *Ronnie W. Campbell, Swift Creek, Midlothian, Va.; replacing *Charles H. Cranford, Carmel, Charlotte, N.C.
Local: *Joe Maltempi, The Heights, South Chesterfield, Va.; replacing *James R. Marston Jr., Hyland Heights, Lynchburg, Va.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Alabama: Ed Litton, Redemption, Saraland.
Arkansas: Ryan A. Martin, University, Fayetteville.
Florida: Aaron, D. Burgner, Lakes, Lakeland.
New York: Charles E. (Chuck) Jennings, Ridgewood, Lockport.

Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Term expires in 2025

Local: *Mark A. Jordan, Third Avenue, Louisville, Ky.; replacing *Howard A. Pope, Hurstbourne, Louisville, Ky.

Term expires in 2027

Arkansas: *Tamara J. Buck, Second, Conway; replacing Jeff D. Breeding, Midtown, Little Rock.
Arkansas: Courtney Reissig, Immanuel, Little Rock; replacing Nick G. Floyd, Cross, Springdale.
California: Stephen A. Jones, Immanuel, Highland; Alfred M. (Merril) Smoak Jr., Trinity, Livermore.
Kentucky: *Glen W. (Wayne) Braswell, Porter Memorial, Lexington; replacing Elizabeth H. (Ellie) Coursey, First, Henderson.
Local: *Margaret G. Beachy, Ballardsville, Crestwood, Ky.; replacing *Patricia A. Skelton, Salem, Shelbyville, Ky.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Florida: H.B. Charles Jr., Shiloh, Jacksonville.
Oklahoma: *Harold D. Mathena, Quail Springs, Oklahoma City.
Tennessee: *Bobby T. Hancock, Bellevue, Cordova.
Texas: *Sally M. Ramsay, Champion Forest, Houston.
Local: *Thomas N. (Nat) Millican, Highview, Louisville.
At-Large: Bryan T. Myers, Faith, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Term expires in 2023

Florida: Bob Bumgarner, Chets Creek, Jacksonville; replacing Herb M. Reavis Jr., North Jacksonville, Jacksonville.
At-Large: *George E. West II, North Garland, Garland, Texas; replacing *Jeanine D. Sanchez, High Point, Austin.

Term expires in 2027

Georgia: *Andrew Bunnell, Prince Avenue, Bogart; replacing Jeff W. Crook, Blackshear Place, Flowery Branch.
Ohio: *Joshua W. Grega, Lifepoint, Lewis Center; replacing Cornelious C. (Connie) Hancock, Springboro, Springboro.
Texas: *Timothy A. Rothberg, Sagemont, Houston; replacing J. Kie Bowman, Hyde Park, Austin.
At-Large: Joshua W. Allen, Parkway Hills, Plano, Texas; replacing *Don Whorton, First, Dallas, Texas.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2027:

Indiana: John C. Horn, City View, Avon.
Louisiana: *Leon A. Stamm, Temple, Ruston.
North Carolina: N. Todd Houston, Beach Road, Southport.
At-Large: *Louie L. Lu, Birchman, Fort Worth, Texas.

Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission

Term expires in 2023

New England: Mitchell W. Kimbrell, Christ Memorial, Williston, Vt.; replacing *Robert L. Orleck, Baptist Fellowship, Randolph, Vt.

Term expires in 2026

Kansas-Nebraska: *Greg G. Greer, River Community, Wichita, Kan.; replacing Dan R. Anderson, Prairie Hills Southern, Augusta, Kan.
Kentucky: Jaime F. Masso, Primera, Mayfield; replacing Lynn O. Traylor, Calvary, Glasgow.
Mississippi: Matthew T. Morgan, Grace Community, Indianola; replacing Mike Aultman, Military, Sumrall.
New York: *Paul Yoo, Fordham Community, Bronx; replacing Robert Dean, Tonawanda Indian, Basom.

Eligible to serve another term expiring in 2026:

Illinois: D. Scott Foshie, Steeleville, Steeleville.
Virginia: *Christine Hoover, Charlottesville Community, Charlottesville.
At-Large: David E. Prince, Ashland Avenue, Lexington.
At-Large: Kevin L. Smith, Family Church Village, West Palm Beach.

Committee on Order of Business

Term expires in 2025

*Ashley S. Davis, Dublin, Dublin, Ohio; replacing *Steven F. Bates, First, Winnfield, La.*Beth Holmes, Yellow Creek, Owensboro, Ky.; replacing *C. Joyce Hall, Broadmoor, Madison, Miss.

Credential Committee

Term expires in 2024

*Jonathan Sams, Image, Marietta, Ga.; replacing Roger Spradlin, Valley, Bakersfield, Calif.

Term expires in 2025

*Jill R. Rayburn, Edwards Road, Greenville, S.C.; replacing Greg Fields, Nellis, Las Vegas, Nev.Meagan N. Stedman, First, Westwego, La.; replacing *Sara K. Mills, Friendship, Conway, Ark.Vacant; replacing *Stacy Bramlett, First, Collierville, Tenn. (position to be filled by SBC Executive Committee)

An asterisk (*) indicates the person holds a non-church or denominational role.

Stress tops mental challenges pastors face

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—In the current fast-paced, high-pressure American culture, pastors are stressed, and they know that needs to change.

According to the latest release in Lifeway Research’s 2022 Greatest Needs of Pastors study, of all the mental challenges U.S. Protestant pastors face, stress stands out above the rest. Distractions and discouragement are also significant factors for pastors when it comes to mental challenges in ministry.

Top mental challenges

In this study, Lifeway Research interviewed 200 U.S. Protestant pastors who identified 44 issues they face in their roles and then surveyed 1,000 additional pastors to determine the greatest needs U.S. Protestant pastors face today. The nearly four dozen needs were divided into seven categories: ministry difficulties, spiritual needs, mental challenges, personal life, self-care, people dynamics and areas of skill development.

Of these seven categories, 6 percent of pastors say mental challenges are currently the most challenging area for them or the area that requires the most attention. This study identified six specific mental challenges in ministry: depression, discouragement, distraction, loneliness or lack of friendship, lack of contentment and stress.

Most pastors point to stress as a mental challenge they are facing in ministry (63 percent). Nearly half of pastors say discouragement (48 percent) and distraction (48 percent) are ministry mental challenges, while less than one-third of pastors point to loneliness or lack of friendship (28 percent), depression (18 percent) or lack of contentment (17 percent). Another 14 percent aren’t sure or say none of these are mental challenges for them.

The youngest pastors (ages 18-44) are most likely to say they deal with stress in ministry (78 percent), while the oldest pastors (ages 65 and older) are the least likely (47 percent). Furthermore, pastors of the smallest churches (with worship service attendance of fewer than 50), are less likely than pastors of churches of any other size to say they face stress in their pastoral ministry (52 percent).

Age similarly affects a pastor’s likelihood of saying they face discouragement in ministry, with pastors over the age of 65 being least likely to say they struggle with this issue (35 percent). Pastors with doctoral degrees (30 percent) are also less likely than pastors with any other educational background to say they face discouragement.

Younger pastors are also more likely to say they face distractions and loneliness in ministry. Pastors ages 18 to 44 (54 percent) and 45 to 54 (51 percent) are more likely to say distractions are challenging for them compared to pastors over 65 (39 percent). Furthermore, pastors ages 18 to 44 (37 percent) and 45 to 54 (30 percent) are more likely than pastors over 65 (20 percent) to say loneliness and lack of friendships are a challenge for them.

“Americans have become much more aware of mental wellbeing, and young pastors have grown up in a culture with much greater transparency around these challenges than previous generations,” said Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research. “The high number of young pastors wanting to address these mental challenges means although awareness is higher among them, many have not yet successfully embraced the boundaries, habits and preventative measures they need.”

In half of the categories of mental challenges explored in this study, white pastors were more likely than African American pastors to say they face that challenge in ministry. Whereas half of white pastors (50 percent) say they face discouragement in ministry, 35 percent of African American pastors say the same. Similarly, nearly half of white pastors (49 percent) say distractions are a challenge for them, while 37 percent of African American pastors agree. When it comes to stress, the most cited mental challenge in this study, white pastors (64 percent) are once again more likely than African American pastors (52 percent) to say this is a ministry challenge they face.

Greatest mental challenge

When asked to narrow it down to the area of mental challenges they most need to address today, stress, distractions and discouragement top pastors’ list. More pastors identify stress (31 percent) as their greatest mental challenge in ministry than any other challenge. Nearly 1 in 4 pastors (23 percent) say distraction is their greatest mental challenge in ministry, and 18 percent say discouragement.

Fewer identify loneliness or lack of friendship (9 percent), depression (2 percent) or lack of contentment (2 percent) as the mental challenge they most need to address today. And 15 percent of pastors say they’re not sure or none of these are their primary mental challenge in ministry.

“Being a pastor is stressful,” McConnell said. “It’s important for pastors to learn healthy ways of maintaining their mental health amidst the variety of pressures that continue to come their way. Ignoring stress is not the answer. Resilience requires investment.”

Once again, younger pastors are more likely than the oldest pastors to say stress is the primary mental challenge they face in ministry. Whereas 37 percent of pastors ages 18 to 44 and 33 percent of pastors ages 45 to 54 say stress is their greatest mental challenge, 23 percent of pastors over the age of 65 say the same.

Pastors of large churches are also more likely to identify stress as their greatest mental challenge than pastors of smaller churches. While 41 percent of pastors of churches with attendance greater than 250 say stress is their primary challenge, pastors of churches with attendance of 0-49 (22 percent) and 100-249 (31 percent) are less likely to agree.

“While the Word certainly calls us to lean on the Lord in times of trouble, Scripture also reminds us we are not an island,” said Ben Mandrell, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources. “When the weight of feeling overwhelmed seems too much to bear, I encourage pastors to seek the help of trained professionals to help navigate mental challenges.”