On The One Hundredth Anniversary Of Women as Messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention
2018 – Dallas, TX
WHEREAS, May 15, 2018, marked the one hundredth anniversary of the invitation for women to serve as messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, women have served in a variety of ways throughout the history of the Southern Baptist Convention, including elected offices, service on committees and boards, missions education, ministry through entities and agencies, positions in higher education as well as within our local churches; and
WHEREAS, the Scriptures (Mark 16:1-8; Luke 2:36-38; 8:2-3, 24:10; John 4:39, 11:20-27, 20:18; Acts 1:14, 16:40, 18:24-26; 2 Timothy 1:5) consistently demonstrate that women played a significant role in gospel proclamation, evangelism and disciple-making; and
WHEREAS, God calls and gifts women for a variety of roles within the biblical framework of complementary gender relationships,
WHEREAS, we desire for women to continue to robustly serve within the Southern Baptist Convention; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Dallas, Texas, June 12–13, 2018, honor the immeasurable contribution of women to our cooperative mission of Great Commission work; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we thank God for women who have contributed in biblically appropriate ways through discipleship, missions, education, evangelism, service, leadership, and working for advocacy and justice: be it further
RESOLVED, That we affirm the gifts of women in their distinctive God-assigned roles, even as we continue to witness to Scripture’s teaching (Gen 2:18, 21-24; Eph 5:21-33; Col 3:18-19; 1 Pet 3:1-7)in a culture increasingly confused in matters of gender and sexuality; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we call upon women to serve in diverse capacities to advance the gospel in their homes, local churches, communities, the marketplace and within our denomination; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we call upon older women to invest in younger women, for the sake of developing them into godly followers of Christ consistent with Paul’s admonition in Titus 2:3-5; and be it finally
RESOLVED, That we call upon all Southern Baptists to celebrate and welcome the diverse gifts, callings, and contributions of women.
