NewSpring Church,
We have an important update regarding our church's relationship with the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). From the beginning, Baptist distinctives have been central to our theology and practices, and while we haven't been actively involved in SBC events, we've maintained our affiliation for this reason.
Recently, our involvement with the SBC has been questioned, particularly regarding our stance on women in ministry. It’s become clear that our ongoing affiliation has caused tension and division within the convention.
In September 2024, the SBC Credentialing Committee reached out regarding concerns that we didn’t "closely identify" with the SBC’s statement of faith, particularly on the role of women in ministry. We addressed their questions and clarified our position, affirming our alignment with Scripture and the Baptist Faith & Message 2000. Last month, they responded, stating that after reviewing the information, they concluded NewSpring should be considered in friendly cooperation with the SBC and closed their inquiry.
However, this decision has created division among some pastors and leaders in the convention. While we remain confident that we are operating under the authority of Scripture — and while we do not agree with the differing views — we are aware that perspectives vary, particularly concerning the role of women in ministry. After prayerful consideration, we've decided to withdraw from national SBC participation. This decision is not about disagreement with the SBC’s core commitments but about preserving unity in the body of Christ. We don't want our affiliation to distract from the Great Commission or cause division in churches preaching the Gospel.
NewSpring will continue to uphold sound doctrine, remaining faithful to the teachings of Scripture, staying true to Scripture. We affirm that both men and women are called to ministry and leadership, while the role of elder/overseer (or lead pastor) remains reserved for qualified men, as outlined in Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:1-2. Our Leadership Team and Campus Pastors will remain qualified men, and we will continue to empower both men and women in their God-given callings while maintaining biblical distinctions in governance.
This decision is driven by a desire for unity and a commitment to Christ’s mission. We believe it will help us focus on what matters most: preaching the Gospel and seeing everyone everywhere in an every day relationship with Jesus. We remain open to partnering with ministries that share our passion for advancing God's Kingdom, and we pray God will continue to guide us in fulfilling His mission.
We have included below our formal letter to the SBC and the questions from the Credentialing Committee as well as our response.
NewSpring Leadership Team
SBC Withdrawal Letter
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
SBC Executive Committee
Attn: Office of Church Affiliation
901 Commerce St.
Nashville, TN 37203
Dear SBC Executive Committee,
Baptist distinctives have always been, and will continue to be, core theological principles and practices of our church. Twenty-five years ago, the Southern Baptist Convention took a bold step by financially investing in a church plant that became NewSpring Church. We are deeply grateful for the SBC's willingness to take that risk and invest in a new approach to doing church.
However, in recent times, it has become evident that our continued affiliation with the SBC is causing distress and conflict among some pastors and leaders within the convention.
When we were contacted last fall regarding concerns about our beliefs and practices around women in ministry, we were happy to provide clarification. While we still firmly believe we are operating under the full authority of Scripture and in alignment with the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, and have been found in friendly fellowship by the SBC Credentialing Committee, we have made the decision to withdraw from convention participation.
This decision is not made out of disagreement with the SBC’s core commitments, but rather out of a sincere desire to preserve unity and prevent unnecessary division within the body of Christ. We are deeply committed to seeing the Kingdom of God advance in a world that needs the Gospel now, maybe more than ever. We do not want our participation with the SBC to become a distraction—either in our church or any other church preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ—from our calling to fulfill the Great Commission. Unfortunately, it seems that this has become the reality in recent days. Therefore, this letter serves as our formal request to withdraw NewSpring Church’s affiliation with the SBC at a national convention level.
NewSpring Church will continue to practice the Baptist faith, and we remain committed to faithfully adhering to Scripture’s teachings on church leadership, affirming that both men and women are gifted for ministry and leadership. We will continue to uphold the conviction that the role of elder/overseer (or lead pastor) is reserved for qualified men, as outlined in Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:1-2. In keeping with this biblical standard, NewSpring’s Leadership Team and Campus Pastors are and will remain qualified men. We are committed to helping both men and women grow in their God-given callings, while preserving biblical distinctions in church governance.
We trust that our decision will be understood in the spirit of unity and a shared desire to honor Christ and His mission. We remain open and willing to cooperate as opportunities to partner in future ministry endeavors arise, and we pray for God’s continued guidance.
Sincerely,
Brad Cooper
SBC Credential Committee Questions - NewSpring Answers
1. The Convention’s adopted statement of faith, the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, Article VI. The Church, reads as follows:
While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
Does your church’s stated faith “closely identify” with the Convention’s adopted statement of faith, specifically regarding the office of pastor? Please explain.
NewSpring Church's stated faith closely identifies with the Convention’s adopted statement of faith regarding the office of lead pastor. NewSpring affirms the biblical view that while both men and women are gifted for ministry and leadership, the role of elder/overseer, or lead pastor, is reserved for qualified men as outlined in Scripture, referencing passages such as Titus 1:6 and 1 Timothy 3:1-2. These scriptures establish that the office of elder is to be filled by men, and NewSpring adheres to these guidelines by reserving its Leadership Team and Campus Pastor roles for qualified men.
At the same time, NewSpring believes that women play a vital and significant role in ministry and leadership within the church. Therefore, NewSpring encourages and provides opportunities for women to exercise their God-given gifts, including leadership, teaching, and ministry, under the oversight and authority of the male elders of the church. Women are active in teaching, preaching, and leading ministries, always in alignment with the church's doctrinal authority and elder oversight. This practice reflects the balance of affirming women’s significant roles while maintaining the biblical model for the office of elder.
Does your church believe its current practices “closely identify” with the Convention’s adopted statement of faith, specifically regarding the office of pastor? Please explain.
Based on our statements above, we believe NewSpring's practices are consistent with the Convention’s statement of faith while fostering a ministry culture that values and encourages the significant contributions of women in leadership and ministry.
2. The Baptist Faith & Message 2000 provides that the “office of pastor/elder/overseer is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.” Scripture provides that the “office of pastor/elder/overseer” functions as the overseer of the congregation. Does your church see any distinct differences between the primary functions of the lead pastor and female staff members with the title “pastor”? Please explain.
At NewSpring, we see a distinction in the biblical role of elder/overseer, or lead pastor, as reserved for qualified men, which aligns with the biblical Campus Pastors, all of whom are men, following the qualifications outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These men bear the responsibility for oversight, teaching, and final decision-making in the church, ensuring doctrinal soundness and leadership in accordance with Scripture.
At the same time, we believe women play a vital role in ministry and leadership within the church. Women are encouraged to lead, preach, teach, and serve under the authority of the male elders. This reflects a biblical model where women exercise their God-given gifts in ministry, contributing significantly to the church's mission and leadership while remaining under the guidance of the elders who are accountable for the church's spiritual oversight.
The term "pastor," as it applies to men and women in our church, refers to their shepherding responsibilities rather than the formal office of elder or overseer. While women are not ordained as elders, they are entrusted with leadership, shepherding care (pastoral care), and teaching, operating under the authority of the male eldership. This approach ensures that both men and women can fully contribute to the life of the church while maintaining the biblical distinction in the role of elder/overseer.
While the primary functions of the lead pastor and male elders include ultimate decision-making and spiritual oversight, women with the title "pastor" are entrusted with significant leadership and shepherding care (pastoral care) responsibilities, always under the biblical framework of male eldership.
3. Does your church believe a female could be biblically qualified for consideration to fill the lead pastor/elder/overseer role? Please explain.
No. At NewSpring, we believe that the biblical role of lead pastor/elder/overseer is reserved for qualified men, as outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These passages specifically indicate that elders should be men who meet certain spiritual and moral qualifications. As a church, we adhere to this biblical teaching of male headship, which assigns the responsibility for oversight, teaching, and final decision-making to men in these leadership roles.
While we do not believe that women can biblically fill the role of lead pastor/elder/overseer, we fully affirm the significant and vital role women play in ministry and leadership within the church. Women are encouraged to lead, preach, teach, and serve in various capacities under the authority of male elders. This allows both men and women to exercise their God-given gifts while respecting the biblical distinction between the roles of men and women in church leadership.
4. If our committee were to form the opinion that your church does not closely identify with the Baptist Faith & Message, Article VI, which of the following best represents how your church would likely respond:
We believe NewSpring's practices “closely identify” with the Convention’s statement of faith. However, if the committee were to determine that we do not closely identify with the Baptist Faith and Message, Article VI, we would thoughtfully consider the committee’s feedback and take time in prayer to discern any next steps.
5. Has your church been contacted by the local Baptist association and/or the state convention regarding this matter? If yes, please provide any information you feel is relevant regarding interactions with these other Baptist partners.
Yes. Representatives from both the local Baptist association and state convention have met with NewSpring elders to discuss this matter.