SBC IN FOCUS

The Executive Committee elected a new Chair. The first vote was split 36-35. The second vote was 35-35. Nominee Russ Barksdale withdrew and Philip Robertson, a leader in the Conservative Baptist Network (CBN), won.

With a divided vote in the EC, the future of the SBC Presidency seemed in question. But incumbent Bart Barber won by a 2-1 margin He defeated Mike Stone, who ran in 2021 under the CBN banner.

By raised ballots, messengers voted by more than two-thirds (67%) to amend the constitution to say that pastoring is for men only. A second vote will be required next year in Indianapolis for the constitutional change to take effect.

Approximately 9-in-10 messengers (88%) voted to uphold the dismissal of Saddleback Church by the EC in February, because of its ordination of three women as pastors. By a similar margin, 92% supported dismissal of a Kentucky church. Rick Warren and Linda Barnes Popham spoke for their churches. Southern Seminary’s Al Mohler spoke for the EC, citing “lack of friendly cooperation,” the constitutional reason for dismissal.

Five former SBC Presidents stood together as James Merritt brought a motion to clarify “friendly cooperation.” A study committee will report in Indianapolis next year.

The Abuse Reform Implementation Task Force (ARITF) was renewed for a second year. The panel will populate data for the Ministry Check website that tracks sex abusers in SBC churches. They will seek to clarify the term “credibly accused” and criteria for posting names.

Messengers passed nine resolutions on issues including immigration, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and objection to transgender procedures for minors.

The International Mission Board commissioned 79 missionaries to go to 33 countries. IMB also unveiled Project 3000 targeting 3,072 unreached people groups.