The leaked Supreme Court brief which may preview a coming decision to overturn Roe v. Wade has sparked protests at Catholic churches, vandalism of Catholic Church facilities, and threats to disrupt worship services and other church events. These actions by pro-choice activists are designed to intimidate Catholic Supreme Court justices and convince the Catholic Church to moderate its clearly articulated position on abortion. Although it is a distinct possibility that justices may be influenced; it is not likely the Catholic Church will move on the issue.

Southern Baptists, along with many other evangelicals, have long stood with the Catholic Church as advocates for pro-life positions and policies. While current activism is focused on the Catholic Church, the rest of us should prepare for the full impact of pro-choice vitriol to erupt if the Supreme Court actually overturns Roe vs. Wade. Abortionists are determined to retain the right to kill babies, interpreting the phrase “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to apply to them—but not to unborn infants or anyone who holds religious beliefs they do not share.

For many pro-life advocates, a common response to pro-choice positions—and even more to increasing activist attacks—will be anger. That’s an unproductive response. Rather than get angry, it would be better to get ready. Here are some suggestions.

First, develop realistic expectations of what is about to happen. Don’t be shocked when churches are desecrated; priests and other leaders are physically attacked; worship services, conferences, or conventions are interrupted; and judges and politicians are assaulted. The leak of the brief is rooted in a “by all means necessary” strategy which may lead to any of these actions. Having realistic expectations diminishes the emotional impact when extreme measures are taken.

Second, determine to hold your ground—meaning your position and, in some cases, the ground you are standing on. Make up your mind now that you will hold to your convictions and not change your mind about the sanctity of life. In addition, churches have a right to assemble, to gather peaceably, and to protect worshippers on their property. Cooperate with your church leaders to implement appropriate plans to preserve sacred worship space.

Third, share the gospel more than argue policy with people you know. Many pro-life advocates mistakenly think sharing salient facts will change the mind of a pro-choice proponent. That’s not likely to happen. The Bible says the “god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers” (2 Cor. 4:4). It’s often counterproductive to argue with unbelievers about politics, public policy, social justice, or any other issue, even if the solutions are grounded in a biblical worldview. Until gospel illumination occurs, fundamental understanding of what is true is unlikely.

Finally, don’t fear what is coming or complain about it when it does. The American church has been favored in our culture for so long we have forgotten we are “strangers and exiles” (1 Pet. 2:11). We are supposed to be a minority people, advocating for biblical standards in contrast to the worldliness around us, and willing to sacrifice ourselves in the task. We may be heading toward a difficult summer when we are required to do these things.

Get ready.


Read More

Perspective: SBC 2023

Dr. Iorg discusses what unites the SBC in light of next week’s annual convention.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

Intentionality

 The greatest problem in our world is lostness. The only solution to lostness is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Jeff Iorg
President
Dr. Jeff Iorg is the president of Gateway Seminary. Prior to his service at the Seminary, Dr. Iorg was the Executive Director of the Northwest Baptist Convention for almost ten years. He was also the founding pastor of Greater Gresham Baptist Church in Gresham, Oregon, and has served as a pastor in Missouri and a staff pastor in Texas.

Listen

Lead On Podcast
June 4, 2023

“Life is Curriculum”: How Leaders Grow after Seminary

Dr. Iorg encourages leaders to continue growing after Seminary. He identifies seven ways to cultivate and work towards spiritual maturity. 

Lead On Podcast
May 28, 2023

Dealing with Angry People

There is a lot of anger in the world right now and a lot of that anger is spilling over into the church. This week Dr. Iorg discusses different ways to engage with and disciple angry people in your ministry.


Watch

Spirituality of Jonathan Edwards | JEC at Gateway Seminary

Dr. Chris Chun hosted a digital symposium with Dr. Michael Haykin and Dr. Robert Caldwell to discuss Edwards’ spirituality, devotional life and theological impact in American Christianity.

Chris Chun
Professor of Church History | Director, Jonathan Edwards Center
Dr. Chris Chun is the professor of Church History and the director of Jonathan Edwards Center at Gateway Seminary. Chris’ doctoral research at St. Andrews University was focused on the eighteenth-century Edwardsean Baptists in Britain. He also has served as president of The Evangelical Theological Society (Far West Region).

Faculty Dialogues: Dispensationalism or Not

In this episode of Faculty Dialogues, Dr. David Rathel and Dr. Paul Wegner held a live discussion on their views on dispensationalism.

David Rathel
Associate Professor of Christian Theology
Dr. Rathel is the associate professor of Chrisitian Theology at Gateway Seminary. Prior to Gateway, Dr. Rathel supplied pastoral care to churches in the United States and Scotland, served as an Adjunct Professor of Theology and Philosophy for the Baptist College of Florida, and provided teaching assistance for the University of St Andrews.

Get updates on new content!