They kicked them out. It shocked Baptists around the world when the Georgia Baptist Convention voted to end its 148-year relationship with First Baptist Church of Decatur. Why did this group of Baptists turn its back on the Decatur Baptists? Why did they refuse to accept the church’s money for missions? Was it because the church stopped believing in God? No. Was it because they no longer believe in Jesus? No. Was it because they rejected the Bible? No. Then what was serious enough that the 1.4 million-member Baptist convention voted to turn their backs on their long-time Baptist church friends? The convention’s official explanation was “because a woman is serving as senior pastor.”

At the same time the Southern Baptist Convention’s Georgia partner was cutting off its relationship with one of the nation’s largest and most respected Baptist Churches, the historic congregation was celebrating Julie Pennington-Russell’s call as their senior pastor. Both Baptist groups read the same Bible verses about women in ministry, yet they came to opposing interpretations. What are we to do when we disagree on emotional subjects with fellow Christians inside or outside our church? One approach says, “It’s my way or the highway. Either you accept my interpretation or we can no longer relate.” The historic Baptist and CBF (Cooperative Baptist Fellowship) approach to Bible interpretation says, “We may disagree on how we interpret some Bible subjects, but since we agree on the most important items, in Christ-like humility, we will love and work with you as fellow Christians.” CBF churches believe that God gives each of us the freedom, right, and responsibility to read and interpret scripture without threat or intimidation from any human authority, creed or group. At Woodland, we welcome instruction and challenges. We gladly, humbly and respectfully reach out and serve Christ together with a wide diversity of Christian groups. See you next week as we examine the question, “Should a local church be free to teach things that are not true?” Bill Nichols