06/10/2026
An Open Letter to Southern Baptists:
I have been a Baptist my entire life, but I only became a Southern Baptist three years ago when I began serving as a pastor at the Hillcrest Baptist Church. At that time, I had very little understanding of who they were or how they operated, but what I have found are people who believe the Bible, preach the Word, live honest and humble lives, and believe in spreading the Gospel to the world through any means possible.
This morning, the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention made a historic decision. This vote was not just about women pastors; it was about making a stand for the Word of God. The office of the Pastor being held solely by men is the critical point in refusing to step down the slippery slope of denying the Bible and falling into apostasy. History shows that no organized denomination has ever taken that step and come back from it.
By a nearly 3/4 majority, our messengers decided to plant a flag on this issue. And I want to be 100% clear, I agree with this decision wholeheartedly.
It is time for our generation to take a firm stand. There can be no more sideline commentators—only believers who stand solely on what the Bible says, not what the culture dictates.
We stand on the shoulders of men like Criswell, Rogers, and Stanley, who fought in their generation to reclaim the Convention from liberal apostates. Now, that same spirit tries to slither its way back in. It is time to crush the head of the serpent once and for all and let the world know that we stand unashamedly, believing every word of the Bible.
Our forefathers died because of their belief in this blessed Book; the least we can do is live for it.
Some say this decision marginalizes women, but that is not true. I cannot speak for all Southern Baptist women, but the precious women of God in my congregation believe this was the right decision—not because I say so, but because they believe the Bible.
This move will no doubt cause some to leave the Convention. While some may see this as a loss, it is no different than a surgeon removing a cancerous tumor; you are losing something that was once a part of you, but it was only going to cause further harm in the long term.
So, in light of this, we stand. In the face of opposition, we stand. When the winds of culture blow against us, we stand. When others disagree, we stand.
Let us boldly preach the Word, live holy and humble lives, and make our stand until our time on this earth is done or the Lord Jesus descends from heaven to call us home.
Until Christ returns,
Tyler Gaulden
