First Baptist Church of Alexandria Expelled from Southern Baptist Convention for Having a Female Pastor (Alexandria, Virginia)

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) expelled the First Baptist Church of Alexandria in Virginia for having a female pastor. The decision came during a national conference, where the SBC cited a 2000 statement of faith that limits the office of pastor to men qualified by the Scriptures. The church, which has been part of the SBC for 44 years, had been led by Kim Eskridge, a pastor of women and children, for 20 years.

First Baptist’s chief pastor, Robert Stephens, expressed disappointment with the SBC’s decision, emphasizing the church’s long-standing commitment to the denomination and its work in the Kingdom of God. He stated, “Our presence clearly demonstrates our shared commitment to giving priority to the successful cooperation for the Kingdom work and glory of God.” Despite the expulsion, Stephens noted that Eskridge continues to serve as a pastor within the congregation.

Rev. Robin Anderson, a co-pastor at the Commonwealth Baptist Church of Alexandria, which is not affiliated with the SBC, criticized the decision as a violation of Baptist principles. He emphasized the importance of church autonomy and the belief that the Holy Spirit can work through anyone. “We also believe in the autonomy of the church,” Anderson said, highlighting the SBC’s ruling as a departure from foundational Baptist values.

Anderson expressed concern over the message the SBC’s decision sends to young women. “Think of all the girls who are growing up in those churches, who will grow up in those churches, and they will never see anyone who looks like them leading,” he said. “They will be told that if they feel they are called to the ministry they are hearing God wrong.” His comments reflect a broader critique of the SBC’s stance on gender roles in leadership.

Anderson has faced disapproval and rejection throughout his career, including receiving hate mail and encountering hostility from individuals who refuse to acknowledge female pastors. “There are still people who call the church and hang up when they ask who the pastor is and I say, ‘It’s her.’ Hang up,” he said, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by women in pastoral roles.

News4 sought comments from First Baptist, and the church indicated that Eskridge would post a video statement on Wednesday. The situation highlights the ongoing debate within the SBC about the role of women in church leadership and the tension between traditional interpretations of Scripture and evolving views on gender equality.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)