Journal: Journal for Baptist Theology & Ministry
Volume: JBTM 17:1 (Spring 2020)
Article: Southern Baptist Complementarianism: Perspectives And Prospects
Author: Nathan A. Finn

JBTM 17:1 (Spring 2020) p. 1

Southern Baptist Complementarianism:
Perspectives And Prospects

Nathan A. Finn

&

Amy C. Whitfield

Nathan A. Finn is Provost and Dean of the University Faculty, and professor of Christian Studies and History at North Greenville University in Tigerville, South Carolina.

Amy C. Whitfield is Associate Vice President for Convention Communications at the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

During the final two decades of the twentieth century, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) became embroiled in a denominational controversy that left no part of Southern Baptist life untouched. It has been common for self-confessed conservatives to argue that the controversy represented a “Conservative Resurgence” because the SBC shifted back to its theological roots in historic Baptist orthodoxy. Meanwhile, it has been common for so-called moderates to argue that what really happened was a “Fundamentalist Takeover” because the Convention’s right wing wrested control of the denomination by use of political processes. There is truth to both of these accounts. The Controversy was a theological renovation of Southern Baptist life that was enacted through political processes. Simply put, it was complicated.1

For conservatives, the theological flashpoint became biblical inerrancy. But it was never only about that doctrine. By the mid-1980s, the closely related issues of women’s ordination and women in pastoral ministry had become key points of division between

JBTM 17:1 (Spring 2020) p. 2

Southern Baptist conservatives and moderates.2 The historic SBC consensus had been what came to be called complementarianism during this same period. Complementarians believe Scripture teaches that husbands are to lead their wives and the pastoral office is reserved for men. Southern Baptists clarified their complementarian conviction with a resolution opposing women’s ordination in 1984, an amendment to the Baptist Faith and Message on familial roles in 1998, and a revision to that same confession in 2000 that affirmed a male-only pastorate. Remaining moderates disengaged from Southern Baptist life, so the case seemed settled. Simply put, it is still complicated.

Today, the Southern Baptist Convention is a thoroughly complementarian denomination. Yet, in recent years it has become increasingly clear that while complementarians agree on the basic biblical principles summarized in the current Baptist Faith and Message and expanded upon...