New Southern Baptist president Clint Pressley shares vision for church after family tragedy

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In a heartfelt and revealing interview, Pastor Clint Pressley shared his aspirations and challenges as the newly elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention. Leading the Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, for a decade, Pressley’s congregation, which brings together about 3,000 worshippers every Sunday, reflects the diversity he values within the church community.

Pressley, who has been part of the Southern Baptist community since he was 23, emphasized that his extensive experience in various church roles equips him for this pivotal moment. “I think all of that prepares you for the role,” he noted, expressing confidence that God has orchestrated his journey for this leadership position.

However, Pressley’s path hasn’t been without personal challenges. After struggling with infertility for years, he and his wife, Connie, adopted two young brothers. Tragically, they faced significant heartbreak when their eldest son, Nate, passed away from a suspected drug overdose last year. Managing grief, he reflects on the struggles of maintaining faith: “You cling to the promises of God.” Pressley acknowledges that trusting in the midst of pain isn’t easy, but it can lead to deeper spiritual resilience.

Now, as Pressley takes on the role of president, he confronts pressing issues within the denomination, which has seen a notable decline in membership—over 241,000 members and nearly 300 churches vanished last year. He believes it’s essential to pivot back to the core message of *the gospel*, focusing not on opposition but on what Southern Baptists stand for. “What does it do and how do we share it?” he asked, highlighting the need for the church to recognize the transformative power of the gospel.

One of the more contentious issues recently raised was the approval of a resolution regarding in vitro fertilization (IVF). Pressley clarified that while the resolution acknowledges embryos as human beings, it doesn’t imply a ban on IVF. “It was a resolution to challenge people to think another step beyond,” he said, reiterating the denomination’s pro-life stance while encouraging careful consideration of the implications of their beliefs.

Women’s roles in ministry are also under scrutiny within the SBC. Recent delegates’ meetings saw a vote to maintain traditional views of pastoral roles, with Pressley stating that while women occupy numerous vital positions in church leadership, the office of pastor remains exclusively male according to their beliefs.

Amidst all these discussions, Pressley is hopeful local churches will take the lead in addressing sexual abuse reform within the organization. He noted the importance of equipping congregations to care for victims, stressing that healing happens at the community level where the church operates most intimately.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Pressley aims to focus on spiritual rather than political matters. “That’s what God called me to do, is be a pastor and a preacher,” he shared, emphasizing the need to teach the Bible and shepherd his congregation towards a deeper understanding of their faith. While he believes in the importance of voting, he insists that true hope lies beyond the polls, directing eyes toward the ultimate authority they serve — Jesus Christ.

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