Megachurch withdraws from SBC over question of women pastors after a denominational review deemed it in ‘friendly cooperation’

NewSpring Church, a South Carolina megachurch with more than 30,000 members, has announced that it has withdrawn from the Southern Baptist Convention due to a disagreement with the denomination over women serving in pastoral leadership roles.

The decision was made after a committee of the church reached out to the denomination asking for clarification of the issue, according to a website post:

“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.”

NewSpring Church rose in prominence under the leadership of founding senior pastor Perry Noble, who was fired in 2016 for alcohol abuse and other “unfortunate choices and decisions,” according to media reports.

Clayton King, who was announced as interim senior pastor when Noble was fired, now serves as a teaching pastor at NewSpring along with numerous other pastors who serve the church’s multiple campuses.

It was reported on March 6 that the SBC is facing renewed discussion about the role of female pastors, particularly after a previous amendment that permanently prohibited women from serving in pastoral roles did not receive the necessary support for passage. A group of clergy has plans to urge reconsideration of the amendment due to its significance in defining church leadership within the denomination.

In an “Open Letter to Our Southern Baptist Family,” the clergy advocates for a vote on the Law Amendment at the June 10-11 SBC Annual Meeting in Dallas, which would clarify that only churches affirming male-only pastors can maintain friendly cooperation with the convention. They argue that previous conventions have already debated this language, and they believe it should not undergo further delay by the Executive Committee.

Related:

- Debate reignites over females serving as pastors in Southern Baptist Convention