The Church Family and Leadership

Dear CNBC Church Leaders,

For some time, there has been confusion in our family of churches around the question of women in ministry. When further clarification was requested, my response could only refer to what was said in our statement of 2018 – although this answer wasn’t always entirely satisfactory or helpful.

Knowing that I could not speak beyond that statement on behalf of the CNBC, I convened a diverse study committee of CNBC leaders (diverse in theological nuance, ethnicity, gender, and geographical location). This study committee was led by our own Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary theologian, Dr. Scott McDonald, and together they grappled with the larger issues of a thoroughly holistic and biblical understanding of the church family and its leadership.

After considerable time in prayerful study, this committee completed the document that we are now sending you. It has been thoroughly reviewed, adjusted, and ratified by our National Leadership Board, and will be brought to the floor of our national Gathering in St. John's, NL this October 21st for adoption.

I think that you will find this positioning paper to be both grace-filled and biblically substantial. It doesn’t assume ill motives, nor does it necessarily prescribe culturally pleasing answers. It is a clear and biblically balanced statement on which all its writers as well as the entire National Leadership Board could unanimously find agreement.

We ask you to familiarize yourself with this document. There will be two special sessions during our Gathering in St. John's to hear from the committee as well as ask questions for greater clarity.

Thank you for your church’s keen interest in building an interdependent family of churches that is faithful to God’s Word and resolutely committed to His mission. It is our prayer that this document will only serve in that heavenly interest.

With Great Gratitude,

Jeff Christopherson,

Executive Director