SBC18 is over and there has been a lot of talk about women and the future of our convention. My fear is that it would remain just talking points, but my hope is that all that we have discussed, read, and heard will be put into action. That pastors, staff, and members of local churches all across our nation would begin to ask the question of who and how they will utilize the God-given gifts of women within their ministry contexts whether it be from the platform of next years SBC or the halls of local churches.
After SBC18 I am left hopeful. Women in the SBC are connecting and spurring one another on like never before, and so I wanted to give you the voices of some of the women that are leading the way as they take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. I highly encourage both my brothers and sisters to follow, listen, and learn from their efforts. I’m privileged that these women are in my tribe and I’m challenged by their hearts for the local church and the Great Commission. Lets not just talk the talk, let’s begin to walk the walk.
“My hope for women in SBC is that we would be truly valued as indispensable to Great Commission work. When we are regarded as necessary in advancing the gospel globally and shaping the SBC we be welcomed as impactful leaders and thinkers.”– Kathy Litton
“My hope for women in the SBC is that they will be encouraged and empowered to use their gifts in ways that contribute to the advancement of the Gospel and to the life of the church. My hope is that everyone—but especially each individual woman herself—will recognize the ways in which women and their gifts are equal in significance and worth to the body of Christ. I hope they begin to envision and embrace an abundant array of possibilities for what it means to be a godly, faithful woman.I believe this is a new chapter in the SBC for women, and I am filled with hope!” – Karen Swallow Prior
“Throughout the whole of Scripture, we see robust, godly womanhood on display. Each biblical woman we encounter was intentionally created by God and intentionally chosen by Him to accomplish His good purposes using her unique gifts, personality, and position in life. Leading lady and supporting role. Young and old. Poor and powerful. Broken and strong. In the home and out of the home. Among the church and among the community. Mother, judge, prophetess, teacher, servant, businesswoman, missionary, and beyond. Every woman can find a hero and a role model in the Bible who “looks” like her. My hope for SBC women is that we can also find these heroes in our churches and communities. Together, in partnership with our brothers, may we live out our robust, godly womanhood on mission with the Lord as one body of different but necessary parts for the good of the church, the advancement of the Kingdom, and the glory of God.” – Bekah Stoneking
“My hope for women in the SBC . . . May we see women believing what the Bible tells us about our worth and value as co-heirs to Christ. Kingdom work is meant to be done by both men and women and I want to see women embrace their gifts so that they can lead and serve with confidence.” – Julie Masson
“My hope for women in the SBC is that they would be seen and valued on a broad scale. I hope women will feel safe, have the freedom to grow and develop, and bring their unique individual gifts to the table. I am looking forward to the day when the world looks at us and says, that’s a place where the women are contributing.” – Amy Whitfield
“In our SBC churches, I hope we see more women roll up their sleeves and join in great commission work alongside the women who are already there. I hope we see those women equipped and encouraged, and working with both men and women to serve Christ’s Church. In our convention, I hope we see more women step into leadership roles and join important conversations, as God has not restricted us from these spaces.” – Ashlyn Portero
“My hope for SBC women is that conversations and proclamations regarding their value, ministry, and leadership made at the annual meeting would translate to action. We need both our male and female leaders to push the conversation forward regarding the practical outworking of a healthy complementarian theology, because some of our practices of a right and good theology have not been right and good. Moving forward, SBC women need more opportunities to connect, network with both men and women, and be more proficiently trained for the ministry they are already doing at the local level. We need women in the mix, in the conversation, and in visible leadership positions. My fear is that, in response to #metoo and the call to “empower” women, some are immediately jumping to an extreme, assuming women want the pulpit and do not hold scriptural integrity dear. This is not the case. SBC women do not need to be feared nor simply tolerated or tokenized. Fear-mongering is not needed but rather a serious effort among pastors and leaders to discuss and implement changes that will help both men and women thrive.” – Christine Hoover
“My hope for the women of the SBC is that emphasis and conviction on a complementarian interpretation of Scripture would be accompanied by discussion on what women CAN do—not simply what they cannot do—regarding their roles in the church and the broader denomination. I’m encouraged by the many women I know who are humbly challenging the status quo and leading other women to love the Bible and serve the church well. I’m encouraged by the many men I know who are lifting up and supporting women leaders in our denomination.” – Meredith Cook
Let’s keep the conversation going……what is your hope for women in SBC?
Jacki King is a Jesus follower, Bible teacher, and Coffee Addict. She has a passion for seeing women fall in love with Jesus and His Word while challenging them to be on mission in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Jacki lives in Sachse, TX with her Husband Josh, who is the Lead Pastor/Elder of Sachse’s Church, along with their 3 boys Haddon (9) Leland (7) and their youngest Amos (4) who was adopted from Ethiopia. To connect with Jacki follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @JackiCKing
