St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church was one of the five Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) churches that were dropped out of the membership after a female pastor took over the congregation.
The SBC believes that only men should lead the congregation according to the Scripture.
Dropping Membership Status
The denomination's executive committee dropped St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church from the SBC after the latter refused to work with other congregations to resolve a dispute over the ordination of women as senior pastors.
Afro News reported that Rev. Minnie R. Washington of St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church said the church has never been affiliated with the SBC and is not governed by them.
Washington said they were not tributary to them and had never supported them or their church. She also considered it a privilege and honor for the church to be ousted.
Although the ousted congregations have complied for a long time, Executive Committee Chairperson Jared Wellman said they are still dedicated to defending the doctrinal principles of the Southern Baptist Convention.
To guarantee that churches follow SBC guidelines, the Credential Committee regularly reviews church procedures.
According to SBC bylaws, if a church does not cooperate with the Convention, the committee's recommendations are transmitted to the Executive Committee. The 86 members vote on a plan of action, making the decision official and definitive.
Rev. Donte Hickman of Southern Baptist Church said his congregation has never been part of the SBC, as it is sexist. He also stated that leadership should always be egalitarian.
About St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church
Established nearly half a century, St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church serves the Baltimore community. They've impacted many people's lives and are familiar with the ups and downs of city living.
They believe they have put their faith in the Lord, who has never let them down.
According to the website, they have high hopes for the future of their congregation and community as they imagine a place where people may live, work, worship, and socialize in peace and safety.
Mission
St. Timothy's will continue to pray for the community, care for widows and orphans, reclaim the family, and equip its members to create and preserve a warm, caring environment at home.
They will also maintain their Good News Club outreach to local schools to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to young minds.
As they grow closer to one another in Christlike love, they will keep learning, preaching, teaching, training, mentoring, and educating so that they might shine for God.
Rev. Minnie Washington
For over 50 years, Rev. Minnie Washington has worked in the Women's Ministry across religious boundaries as a speaker and organizer for conventions, conferences, seminars, retreats, revivals, and Women's Days across the United States.
She established the Possibility Place Christian Ministry in 1983 as a missionary endeavor to aid battered women and children.
Washington is the successor of St. Timothy's Christian Baptist Church after his husband, Dr. Carl L. Washington, Sr., died.
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