New Center for Baptist Leadership Aims To ‘Revitalize’ the SBC

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has seen the launch of a new initiative aimed at revitalizing its leadership and influence. The Center for Baptist Leadership (CBL), established earlier this year, is led by William Wolfe, who serves as its executive director. The organization’s mission is to “cultivate courageous and uncompromising Baptist leadership for the 21st Century,” with a focus on equipping churches to address pressing concerns within SBC life, theology, and governance.

The CBL’s advisory board includes notable figures such as Pastor Tom Ascol, Pastor Mark Coppenger, Oklahoma State Senator Dusty Deevers, Pastor Steve Gentry, Christian ethicist and economist Craig Mitchell, Pastor Lewis Richerson, attorney Sam Webb, and attorney Jon Whitehead. These individuals bring a range of expertise in theology, law, and public policy to the initiative.

Wolfe, who grew up in a Southern Baptist household, shared his personal journey of faith, which began after the unexpected death of his 15-year-old brother. He described a period of deep grief and personal turmoil, during which he encountered Pastor Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Dever’s ministry led Wolfe to accept Christ, and he subsequently moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Capitol Hill Baptist and become involved with 9Marks, a network focused on church reform and revitalization.

While in D.C., Wolfe worked in politics, including during the Trump administration. He observed the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) failing to adequately represent the interests of SBC members. This experience, he said, sparked a commitment to Christian political theology and a desire to be a faithful witness in a world increasingly shaped by progressive social narratives.

Wolfe believes that church leaders should embrace unapologetic Christian conservative values and advocate for the interests of average American Christians. He argues that this approach is essential for effectively engaging with institutions of power and media, rather than conforming to progressive narratives. The CBL aims to support this vision through resources and strategic initiatives.

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