June 10, 2026
Por CBF Communications
DECATUR, GA—The following statement was released today (June 10) from Rev. Dr. Paul Baxley, Executive Coordinator of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.
“Cooperative Baptists will gather next week in Jacksonville. One question we won’t be considering is whether God calls women to serve as pastors. From our beginning 35 years ago, an overwhelming number of Cooperative Baptists have affirmed that God equally calls women and men to all places of leadership in the church, including preaching, pastoral leadership and as senior pastor. In our congregations and in our denomination, we still have room to grow toward a full embodiment of these commitments, but our resolve is strong and we see God at work challenging us and renewing us.
We believe this conviction rises from the Scriptures and has been confirmed time and time again by the work of the Holy Spirit in calling and gifting women for ministry. The congregations served by women ministers benefit richly from the gifts, graces and unique understandings and experiences they bring to the preaching of the gospel, the leadership of congregations and the care of people across all seasons of life. If you are searching for a more faithful way to be Baptist and join Christ’s mission in your community and around the world, we would welcome the chance to meet you, learn from you, be led by you and serve Christ with you.”.
We also encourage you to read “An Invitation to Baptist Christians” from CBF Executive Coordinator Paul Baxley, originally published on June 22, 2023.