Welcome to SBC Gender Issues Office
Homosexuality is one of the biggest problems facing Southern Baptists today. Thousands of people in our churches are deeply affected by this issue. Often times people are sitting in our pews struggling in silence. Family members are confused and in pain. Our young people are receiving information from their schools and culture that are factually in error and spiritually deadly.
In 2001 Dr. Jimmy Draper and Dr. Richard Land formed a task force to “inform, educate and encourage our people to be proactive and redemptive in reaching out to those who struggle with unwanted same sex attractions.” This task force met twice a year in Nashville and pioneered a booth in the exhibit hall at the annual Southern Baptist Convention. Thousands of brochures and other informational material have been given out at this booth. Members also frequently conversed by e-mail and telephone.
(Clockwise from lower right: Dr. Jimmy Draper-Lifeway, Dr. Barret Duke-Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, Richard Holloman-Director of Sight Ministries housed at Two Rivers Baptist Church in Nashville, John Revell-Executive Committee, Tim Wilkins-Director of Cross Ministries in South Carolina, Tal Thompson-Director of Missions in Tennessee, Alan Chambers-President of Exodus International and Bob Stith-Pastor of Carroll Baptist Church in Southlake, TX. Bob has since accepted the position of SBC National Strategist for Gender Issues.)
Ultimately the task force saw the need for a central office to coordinate these efforts in the SBC. Lifeway agreed to fund the position for a period of three years and ERLC agreed to provide oversight. In June of 2007 Bob Stith assumed the role of National Strategist for Gender Issues.
In carrying out the task force mandate we want to help our churches understand how they can be effective in helping men and women who desire to turn away from homosexuality. One way we can do that is to encourage our churches to hold training and educational events. Every city should seek to hold such an event. Every city should have at least one ministry in place to assist the strugglers and their families.
Our state conventions and local associations must take responsibility to see that this happens. Our churches desperately need help in this area. We are in danger of losing a generation because of this issue. This is true not only because of those who struggle with this issue but also because of the message their friends and families are receiving and the silence or wrong messages from our churches. We also want to help our seminaries develop solid programs both to help their own students and to prepare them to deal with this issue in their churches.
The task force also recognizes the critical importance of preparing our young people to develop Godly, redemptive responses to the challenges they face in their schools. To that end we strongly encourage our youth ministers, our Christian schools, colleges and denominational youth leaders to get involved. It is imperative that we educate our young people and teach them critical skills in dealing with fellow students and classroom misinformation.
The stakes are high. The authority of scripture as well as the foundations of the family are being eroded. We must respond intelligently, biblically and compassionately. The SBC Task Force, chaired by Dr. Jimmy Draper and Dr. Richard Land, is encouraging every Southern Baptist, every SBC entity, association and convention to join us in this endeavor.
“We want to encourage you to consider how God can work through you and your church to reach men and women who struggle with homosexuality.”
Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
“Thousands of people long to be free from the struggle with homosexuality. God is looking for people who will reach out with His saving, healing love through Jesus Christ. We pray you will make yourself available.”
Dr. Jimmy Draper, Former President and CEO, Lifeway Christian Resources, Dr. Draper also served two terms as President of the SBC.
(Clockwise from lower right: Dr. Ted Warren-Lifeway, John Revell-Executive Committee, Tim Wilkins-Director of Cross Ministries in South Carolina, Tal Thompson-Director of Missions in Tennessee, Alan Chambers-President of Exodus International, Christine Sneeringer-Worthy Creations in Florida, Dr. Jimmy Draper, Dr. Barret Duke and Richard Holloman.)
