This is an important event. I really can’t wait to be there to listen, to learn, and to be challenged!

The issue of head coverings is certainly not a spiritual matter. It is a cultural issue that is unrelated to one’s spirituality. The original cultural purpose of the head covering was to show submission to one’s husband. So Paul instructs women to wear the head covering for it is an appropriate act to do. I do not think Paul is directing an absolute for women to wear the veils; it does go back to the culture and not submitting is rebellion against God’s foreordained order and that was what Paul was getting at. Another example that comes to mind is when meat is offered to idols in 1 Corinthians 8. Paul is not saying eating or not eating meat is spiritual, but we must be concerned with our liberties especially as we may be influencing newer believers or even lost people.

As we look to the issue of women holding the elder/overseer office, we see a different story. Paul is very direct in his wording to Timothy by specifically referring to a man (or male, depending upon translation) in this role. He goes on to state that the elder/overseer must be the husband of one wife (again referring to the male as elder/overseer). Throughout 1 Timothy 3, Paul makes specific reference to males as the elder/overseer. Furthermore, in 1 Timothy 2, Paul does not allow for a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man. To argue that it was a cultural thing that made Paul not refer to women seems weak because first century Roman women were directing the worship of female entities (i.e. the false goddess, Artemis). Prior to that women served as ruling/instructional authorities in various cultures (Deborah, Esther, Queen of Sheba, etc.). Jesus had close female friends (Mary and Martha) but the ones whom He chose to be apostles (though certainly imperfect and unlikely) whose task it was to preach the Word and disciple were twelve men.

The notion of culture is important in this argument and the original audience’s culture must be taken into consideration as we try to understand the truths of God’s Word, which holds the final authority on matters of faith through the inspiration of Christ.

One final comment on the uniformity of SBC churches: The beauty of how the SBC is created is based around the idea of local, autonomous churches coming together for the purpose of missions. By virtue of an autonomous church, the SBC is not technically a denomination – it is a convention. A denomination somehow implies a hierarchal structure where the local church has limited freedom. Thus you may find some SBC churches (although probably not many) that will ordain women or even require them to wear head coverings, both of which are misinterpretations of Scripture.

I am very encouraged with the direction you are leading the church. looks like we’re on the same page regarding God’s vision and purpose for the church. May God give you strength, endurance, and godly longsuffering in the months ahead.