In a move that elicited as many raised eyebrows as it did fervent amens, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has proposed an amendment to its constitution that would ban women from serving as pastors within its congregations. This proposed amendment will be up for a vote at the SBC's annual meeting, scheduled to take place in Indianapolis on June 11-12.

The measure isn't exactly a surprise, given that it received overwhelming approval in a preliminary vote last year. Officially, the SBC seems to be doubling down on its commitment to a doctrinal statement that restricts the office of pastor to men, guided by a rather selective reading of Scripture, while the rest of the world scratches its collective head at such antique convictions in 2023.

Leaders at the First Baptist Church of Alexandria in Virginia are bracing for possible expulsion from the convention. Their egregious offense? Having a female pastor. The church might end up as collateral damage in what is shaping up to be a modern ecclesiastical witch hunt. The proposed ban could impact hundreds of congregations, particularly hitting predominantly Black churches, which have been diversifying leadership roles with the unassuming bravery that somehow eludes their larger counterparts.

The whole kerfuffle began two years ago when a Virginia pastor claimed several churches were stepping out of line with SBC values. This led to the SBC Credentials Committee launching a formal inquiry in April. Critics argue that the amendment serves to further narrow the denomination's perspectives, nudging it further rightward—a place some say is already crowded enough.

And, as if navigating this doctrinal labyrinth weren't enough, the SBC also continues to struggle with its not-so-small problem: addressing sexual abuse within its churches. With membership below 13 million, a nearly half-century low (Fox, CBS), it seems an odd time to pursue an agenda that could prompt an exodus, stamping out whatever inclusivity it had left. Although this amendment wouldn’t immediately purge those out of favor, it promises to keep SBC leaders remarkably busy for years.

Particularly concerning is the impact on many predominantly Black churches that often have men as lead pastors but assign pastoral titles to women in other roles. It’s a delicate balance that reflects a broader, more inclusive theology—something the proposed ban could trample with the subtlety of a jackhammer.

As the SBC jostles its own internal politics, the amendment threatens to complicate its efforts to diversify and overcome its historically unsavory legacy of slavery and segregation. Meanwhile, proponents of the ban insist this is necessary for doctrinal integrity, even as critics couldn't help but point out that Pentecostal and other denominations have managed to keep their conservative theological bearings while allowing women pastors.

In an amusing twist, the SBC Executive Committee actually opposes the amendment, not out of newfound enlightenment but more likely due to the unsustainable demands of policing such a ban. After all, picking up the stones for a modern-day round of ecclesial judgments on gender roles isn't exactly a task for the faint of heart or the leisurely inclined.

That said, while some churches have already quit the SBC over the issue, other churches interpret the 2000 faith statement as only applying to senior pastors. They add a sprinkle of progressive flair by allowing women to hold other pastoral roles. It’s a bit like having your doctrinal cake and eating it too, but apparently, compromises are a new thing in some circles.

Amid all this, Baptist Women in Ministry will release a documentary on Baptist women trailblazers, timed to coincide with the annual SBC meeting. Talk about perfect timing! It’s almost like the universe—or maybe even a higher power—is getting in on the irony.

So, while we wait with bated breath for the SBC's final vote in June, one thing is certain: nothing screams "modern relevance" quite like doubling down on policies that hark back to another century. As the theologian Dwight McKissic argues, perhaps a God-given pastoral gift doesn’t come with a gender label. But for now, in the SBC's playbook, leading a church remains the last bastion closed firmly against women.

Yes, ladies can lead committees, ministries, and missions; they can pretty much run the show—just don't ask them to headline, because tradition, you know?