The SBC Credentials Committee will consider whether Saddleback Church, a prominent California congregation led by bestselling author Rick Warren, can continue in fellowship with the SBC. The church recently ordained three women to serve in staff positions but use pastor in the titles — such as children’s pastor.
Shad Tibbs, pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Trout, Louisiana, made the request during the SBC Annual Meeting and it was filed with the Credentials Committee, which assesses concerns with member churches.
Southern Baptists limit the office of pastor to men, but confusion surfaces because some see that as the senior pastor role while others see it as any position with the word pastor in the title.