SBC Response

Not all Baptists are “Southern” Baptist. Hear from our President and Board Chair on the Southern Baptist Convention's decision.

The Southern Baptist Convention voted to limit the ways women can respond to God's call on their lives within their affiliated churches. As a genuinely ecumenical seminary with Baptist roots, this affects us, too.

We deplore the SBC's continued restrictions on women in the church to serve in all capacities, including pastoring and preaching. We have seen the valuable ministry and proclamation of women, in Scripture and in church history, who have enriched the church and the world. The church and world are poorer when we deprive women of the opportunity to use these gifts.

Jesse C. Fletcher Seminary welcomes all women to discern their call, receive theological education, and hone their ministry skills so they can be equipped and ready to respond to God's call, no matter what the title of that position is. Baptist women: you are valued, you are supported, and you are called. If you're ready, we will support and walk with you as you discern that call.

Not all Baptists are "Southern" Baptists.

"We're Still Waiting"

by Dr. Dan Stiver, President

"In light of Scripture, history, and actual experience, not only in the church but now in every walk of life, how can one seriously maintain that a woman cannot lead or preach the Gospel? Southern Baptists are trying, but their fruit reveals a steadily declining denomination. No wonder their churches are failing when they suppress the gifts and calling of half of their congregations. In contrast, churches where women are set free are flourishing..."

"Here I Stand"

by Rev. Stephanie Nash, Board Chair

"Nevertheless, the spiritual choices made by women of all ages today may directly impact vocational options for generations to come, and so I’d like to offer the following steps to those women and girls who may be discerning a call to ministry..."

Discerning a call? We're ready to help.

Get in touch with us to learn more.

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