The Law Amendment: What You Need to Know

The Law Amendment is expected to return to the floor of the SBC 2025 annual meeting in Dallas. Here's what it is, why it matters, and how you can better understand the discussion.

The Law Amendment: What You Need to Know

The Law Amendment is expected to return to the floor of the Southern Baptist Convention’s 2025 annual meeting in Dallas. Here’s what it is, why it matters, and how you can better understand the discussion.

Covered in this article:

  • What is the Law Amendment?
  • What was the timeline for the Law Amendment?
  • How Enforcement Works: The Role of the Credentials Committee
  • Viewpoints
  • Historical Background
  • Terms to Understand
  • Additional Resources

 

What Is the Law Amendment?

The Law Amendment proposed the addition of a sentence to Article III, Section 1 of the SBC Constitution to specify that a cooperating church must “affirm, appoint, or employ only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”

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The Southern Baptist Convention’s constitutional amendment process requires that any proposed change requires a two-thirds majority vote at two consecutive annual meetings in order to be adopted.

To learn more about the SBC’s process for making and voting on motions, click here.

 

What was the timeline for the Law Amendment?

June 2022 — Anaheim, CA

  • During the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim, California, pastor Mike Law of Arlington Baptist Church in Virginia introduced a motion to amend Section III of the Southern Baptist Convention’s constitution to state that a church is in friendly cooperation with the SBC only if it “does not affirm, appoint, or employ a woman as a pastor of any kind.”
  • The motion was referred to the SBC Executive Committee.

June 2023 — New Orleans, LA

  • The Executive Committee brought the motion to messengers at the SBC annual meeting in New Orleans, affirming agreement with its theological foundations but suggesting it would be better placed in the Baptist Faith and Message rather than the constitution.
  • Texas pastor Juan Sanchez proposed a more positively phrased amendment to the motion: Cooperating churches must “affirm, appoint, or employ only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”
  • The revised amendment passed with the required two-thirds majority by raised ballot vote.

June 2024 – Indianapolis, IN

  • In accordance with the SBC’s constitutional amendment process, the Law Amendment returned for a second vote during the 2024 SBC Annual Meeting in Indianapolis.
  • It failed to reach a two-thirds majority in a paper ballot vote [61.45% in favor (5,099 votes) and 38.38% against (3,185 votes)], so the amendment was not adopted.

 

How Enforcement Works: The Role of the Credentials Committee

What Is the Credentials Committee?

  • The Credentials Committee is appointed to examine concerns or reports related to whether a church is in alignment with the SBC’s doctrinal and cooperative standards, as outlined in Article III of the SBC Constitution.
  • The committee may:
    • Receive reports about a church’s practices.
    • Open an inquiry and request clarification from the church.
    • Recommend that the SBC Executive Committee declare a church not in friendly cooperation.
    • Give the church an opportunity to respond before a final recommendation is made.

Why This Matters for the Law Amendment

  • If a proposed Law Amendment passes, it would give the Credentials Committee a new standard to evaluate whether a church “affirms, appoints, or employs only men as any kind of pastor or elder as qualified by Scripture.”

 

Viewpoints

Proponents:

  • The Law Amendment is viewed by some as a way to more clearly define the SBC’s stance on complementarian theology and its expectations for cooperating churches.
  • Supporters say it aims to clarify the SBC’s stance on women in pastoral roles and unify the convention around a traditional, complementarian understanding of gender roles in the church. They believe putting the language in the constitution would provide a clear, enforceable standard.
  • Some supporters argue the amendment is needed to protect the next generations of Southern Baptists from cultural confusion about gender roles and the influence of feminism.

Opponents:

  • Some in Southern Baptist life express concern that the Law Amendment goes beyond the Baptist Faith and Message 2000 and imposes a narrower interpretation of complementarianism than the convention’s historical requirements for cooperation.
  • Opponents argue the amendment could lead to the unnecessary exclusion of churches that differ in practice or terminology while still affirming male pastoral leadership. Some also say it shifts the convention’s focus from a shared mission to policing internal boundaries, potentially fostering division rather than unity.
  • Critics also caution against enshrining theological positions in the constitution that are better addressed through confessional statements.

 

Historical Background

1980s–1990s: The Conservative Resurgence

  • The SBC underwent a theological shift known as the conservative resurgence, which sought to reaffirm and emphasize a high view of biblical authority.
  • This movement led to more widespread affirmation of complementarian views, including opposition to women serving as pastors.

2000: Baptist Faith and Message Updated

  • The Baptist Faith and Message was revised to reflect complementarian theology.
  • It included the statement: “While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.”
  • The BF&M is not binding and has been used more as a theological guideline than a rule for cooperation.

2010s–2020s: Renewed Tensions

  • Concerns have resurfaced about inconsistencies in how churches interpret or apply the BF&M’s stance on women in pastoral roles.
  • Some SBC churches have begun using the title “pastor” for women in roles not traditionally viewed as pastoral, creating confusion and debate.

 

Terms to Understand

Complementarianism: Belief that men and women are equal in value but have distinct God-ordained roles in the home and church.

Egalitarianism: Belief that opportunities for all leadership roles in the church should be open to both men and women.

Pastor: In SBC tradition, the title “pastor” typically signifies a biblical office with spiritual authority to teach, lead and shepherd congregations.

Minister or Director: Some churches employ women in roles titled minister, director or coordinator that denote leadership or ministry responsibilities without the label “pastor.” The ambiguity around the title “pastor” has contributed to the proposal of the Law Amendment because some SBC churches use the term for women in ministry roles that may or may not carry pastoral authority. The ambiguity in the title has created confusion over whether those churches are truly aligned with the SBC’s complementarian convictions and prompting calls for a clearer, enforceable standard.

 

Additional Resources

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