The Columbus Dispatch
The decision by the nation’s largest protestant denomination to ban female pastors has had mixed reactions locally.
Baptist ministries in Greater Columbus were all aware of the 9,437-1,212 vote Wednesday by leadership of the Southern Baptist Convention at its annual meeting in New Orleans to remove California-based Saddleback Church and one other large “mega-church” from its ranks for allowing female pastors.
“The Bible talks about how men should be in leadership − that has nothing to do with the value of women. It doesn’t mean that men and women aren’t equal,” said Pastor Chuck Manous, a veteran pastor of 40 years and head pastor of High Street Baptist Church, at the northwest corner of Interstate 270 and U.S. 23.
“It’s a role and position. And the Bible teaches the wisdom of certain roles,” said Manous, whose church is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention. “Men should be the leaders of their home; men as breadwinners. We do believe in the literal interpretation.”
Prior to the the vote in Louisiana, convention president president Bart Barber asked attendees to show restraint.
“I know sometimes there are churches where people wind up in biblical divorce,” he said. “But we don’t throw divorce parties at church. And whatever these results are, I’m asking you, behave like Christians.”
The ruling Wednesday during Pride Month follows much debate within the Baptist faith and an attempt by conservative members to combat what they feel is the erosion of traditional family values and a swing toward inclusiveness including changing gender and sexuality norms and their affect on children’s education. Ohers say the decision is hypocritical following recent reports of sexual abuse within the church.
But opposition to female pastors hasn’t been as openly strident locally, especially among those not affiliated with the Southern Baptist conference, the nation’s largest.
“I understand why, doctrinally, they are making those decisions,” said Pastor C.J. Deas, of Covenant Baptist Church, 5100 Dierker Road on the Northwest Side. “But in some countries like in China, where the church operates underground, there are no men to lead. What do you do?”
Covenant is affiliated with Converge Worldwide, part of the Baptist General Conference.
Catholicism is the most widely held denomination that doesn’t allow women to be ordained. Others include Orthodox Judaism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Islam, according to a Pew Research study.
Some local pastors maintain that leadership roles such as community outreach managers or publicity directors held by women are examples of church inclusiveness.
“We believe that scripture states that the role of a pastor is male, but that doesn’t mean there can’t be women leaders,” said Eric Flynn, executive pastor of Violet Baptist Church in Pickerington.
Asked if if the crackdown against women pastors at the convention was connected to changes in society, Flynn said, “I’m sure it was. Society is always changing.
“The one thing that doesn’t change is the word of God. And we want to make sure we stay rooted in the scriptures.”
He said he is not worried that some in his congregation of about 750 may not agree. All new members are invited to attend classes that outline church doctrine and practices.
“As culture changes and shifts, we are still rooted in the gospel. Everyone is welcomed here, but they will hear (the gospel) in truth and grace,” he said.
No one with the Columbus-based State Convention of Baptists in Ohio, including its executive director Jeremy Westbrook, returned repeated calls and emails from The Dispatch for comment.
