Some Essential Resources in Light of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Insanity
The SBC - the largest Protestant denomination in the US, which came into existence in part to defend and justify slavery - just formally approved a plan to ban any church that allows women to preach or teach scripture or to function as pastors.
This is insane.
Much has been written about the ignorance - both scriptural and social - that grounds this decision. Much has also been written about the 2022 Guidepost Solutions Report that identified 700 clergy or church-affiliated workers accused of abuse between 2000-2019. Church officials have covered up these cases for years.
It is far, far easier for an accused male abuser to be a pastor, preacher or teacher within the SBC than it is for a woman to be in those roles.
Again, insane.
I want to highlight a few essential resources we have helped to create through the Boundless Network that equip and empower us in the face of this insanity to do better; to honour, listen to and learn from women; to protect abuse victims; to be the Church that Jesus wants us to be.
Need to Know draws on the perspectives of twenty-one authors—a diverse company of predominantly female voices who impart personal experience, theological analysis, and historical study. They challenge the prevailing structures, examine the benefits of empowering leadership, and envision a future where women and men lead together. This book is an essential resource for every church leader to create a more equitable and thriving church.
Game Changer: Need to Know, is the first step towards radically changing your team and culture for the better. It is a course designed by Danielle Strickland and Alan Hirsch to help "change your mind" as you prepare to walk through a challenging, transformative journey towards gender equity with your team, your church, your board, your denomination, or any group you choose. Curated and facilitated by expert leaders in this field, Game Changer is a can't miss course to help your team become what the world needs right now.
Key women in the exodus story are our guides as we explore the liberating movement of God toward life, justice, and freedom for all people. Join us over four weeks as we reach between Bible times and now, the exodus story and the gospels, and explore how ordinary people have always been the ones to set great liberating movements of God in motion.
This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to respond to disclosures of sexual abuse and assault with care, respect, and sensitivity. While no two situations are identical, there are key principles that can guide your actions and decisions.
These are just a few of the many, many incredible resources out there that reveal not just the insanity of the SBC’s position, but always ways to resist it and overcome.
Remember, change requires us.
