Home Christian News Al Mohler Clarifies ‘Pastor’ Title in Baptist Faith and Message

Al Mohler Clarifies ‘Pastor’ Title in Baptist Faith and Message

Mohler defined what “pastor” means in the BF&M, saying, “The language means that a pastor is one who fulfills the pastoral office and carries out the pastor’s functions. Thus, the statement means simply what it states, that the office of pastor is to be held only by men as qualified by Scripture. In the Baptist understanding, office and function are inseparable. As we wrote in the commentary on the BF&M, ‘Central to the pastor’s role is the responsibility to preach and teach.’ Pastors also provide spiritual leadership and oversight for the congregation.”

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The word “pastor” was chosen because of its clarity within the SBC in 2000, Mohler reiterated. While the BF&M affirms that both men and women have gifts that serve the church, he said, “the role of pastor is biblically defined and is to be held only by men as qualified by Scripture.”

“When the confession was adopted and revised in 2000, Dr. Rogers and the committee made clear that it does not speak to every job category and ministerial title within a local church,” Mohler wrote. “But it does specifically define what the Southern Baptist Convention means by pastor, and what we believe the Bible teaches. The word pastor should be reserved for those who fulfill a pastor’s function and office.”

Mohler concluded his statement by saying it is up to the SBC to determine how the BF&M is applied, adding, “Our hope is that we may clarify what the BF&M means and why it matters. May God bless the SBC and our churches.”