Nevertheless, the SBC does have mechanisms for revoking “friendly cooperation” with churches that place convicted sex offenders in positions of spiritual authority.
The Credentials Committee was commissioned in 2019 as a standing committee that investigates claims that churches are no longer “closely aligned” with the denomination’s “faith and practice.” That same year, the SBC added language to its constitution strengthening its stances against sexual abuse and racism.
Since that time, the SBC has disfellowshipped several churches for issues related to sexual abuse and racism. In that same time span, the most common grounds for the SBC disfellowshipping a congregation has been allowing women to serve in pastoral leadership.
Jeff Dalrymple, director of abuse prevention and response for the SBC’s Executive Committee, told TRR that he was not previously aware of Bowen’s history and that he did not know the details of Bowen’s employment at MVCC. He did however indicate that MVCC’s decision to give pastoral responsibility to someone convicted of a sex crime is grounds for the SBC to discontinue its affiliation with the church.
“Sometimes we try to help churches think through some creative ways for someone to serve,” Dalrymple said. “But they should not be serving with children whatsoever.”
Dalrymple added, “They can’t be a part of the Southern Baptist Convention if they’re going to continue to go down this path.” Dalrymple indicated that MVCC could become the subject of a Credentials Committee inquiry.
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ChurchLeaders has reached out to MVCC for comment and will update this article in the event of a response.
