The SBC Scandal: A Few Thoughts

Like many of you, I am both saddened and horrified at the recently released report chronicling sexual abuse and subsequent cover-up in the SBC. My point in this post is just to get a few thoughts down on paper as we strive to pray for this situation and to be like our Lord in being a safe place for the vulnerable and abused. 

First, aspects of our polity seem to have been problematic in this regard. It seems to me that the Executive Committee has had too much power, at least in some ways. However, I am not sure what the answer to this issue is. I do not believe the NT is excessively precise on the ways to structure churches and denominations/conventions, but it does provide us with some key principles. It is also clear that simply having a more hierarchical structure will not solve the problem—examine the Roman Catholic scandals from a few years ago. 

Second, it is also clear to me that the culture of celebrity pastors and denominational "statesmen" needs to burn to the ground. Let's stop venerating one another and instead fix our eyes on Jesus. Sinners do not need stained glass windows of them, nor do they need buildings named after them. Men will fail us; Jesus never will.

Third, we must do better. We must be a safe place for everyone. To abuse anyone is so diametrically opposed to our Lord's character that it should boggle our mind that anyone could name the name of Christ and still engage in such heinous sins. Our churches and entities must take every step to protect others. 

Fourth, we must stress the Gospel. The Gospel is good news for the abused and the abuser. Even sexual abuse, as heinous as it is, is not beyond God's power to forgive in Christ. The pain and trauma experienced by the abused can also be healed at the cross. 

Fifth, we need to insist on maintaining a high character for our leaders. Those of us who are pastors should feel the weight of 1 Timothy 3 and the qualifications for elders we find there. Certain sins are disqualifying from ministry. We do not need to be quick to restore a fallen elder. Quick to forgive? Absolutely and every time. But that does not mean quick to restore to leadership.

Sixth, despite what some have suggested, the issue is not simply complementarianism vs. egalitarianism. As a (soft) complementarian, I find it unbelievable that those who share such belief would not feel strongly about protecting women and children. It is shameful. But I also would say that this debate is not at the core of our faith. Sexual abuse is a much bigger issue than technical debates about the roles of women in the church.

Finally, be encouraged. As I have seen written elsewhere, this scandal is not an SBC problem; it is a sin problem. We need to be encouraged that our messengers overwhelmingly supported waiving attorney-client privilege. We need to be encouraged by this fact. I believe our messengers will arrive in Anaheim ready to demand change. Let us pray and let us work for change. Let us demand better. But ultimately, let us find our hope in the Lord Jesus.