As we embark on another annual meeting in Dallas, we’re once again surrounded by crowds, big names, and high-profile debates. We see familiar faces on platforms, hear strong voices in microphones, and feel the buzz of influence and prominence. But in the midst of it all, we must be reminded: the health and future of the Southern Baptist Convention does not rest on the most visible leaders—it rests in the quiet, unseen faithfulness of ordinary pastors serving ordinary churches with extraordinary commitment.
The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has seen its fair share of prominent leaders—voices that rose quickly, led boldly, and fell, whether by controversy, conflict, or quiet exit. Some left positions of influence amid media storms. Others quietly stepped down under the weight of internal division or external scrutiny. Consider just a few recent examples:
- Russell Moore – Once the head of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), Moore became a polarizing figure over his criticisms of Donald Trump and his handling of abuse-related issues in the SBC. He eventually left the SBC altogether.
- Adam Greenway – Former president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), Greenway resigned amid financial and leadership challenges, leaving questions and controversy in his wake.
- David Platt – A widely celebrated preacher and former president of the International Mission Board (IMB), Platt later faced tensions within his own church over political and theological differences, leading to members departing and public disputes.
- Paige Patterson – Once a titan in the Conservative Resurgence and former SWBTS president, Patterson was terminated for mishandling sexual abuse allegations and other leadership failures.
- Ed Litton – Elected SBC president in 2021, Litton came under fire after revelations that he had used extended portions of sermons from J.D. Greear without clear attribution. The controversy raised questions about pastoral integrity and sermon preparation.
- J.D. Greear – Also a former SBC president, Greear faced criticism for his language on sexual ethics and perceived doctrinal ambiguity, including how he spoke about homosexuality—sparking concern among many Southern Baptists about clarity and conviction.
These names remind us that prominence does not equal permanence. Influence in the SBC, or any Christian institution, can be as fleeting as the cultural winds that blow around it. Platforms rise and fall. Conferences fade. Spotlights shift. But the chief calling of a pastor remains unchanged:
“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight… not domineering… but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).
There is an ever-present temptation in our culture, even among pastors, to long for visibility over faithfulness, platform over pastoring, and acclaim over quiet obedience. Yet the Kingdom advances not through celebrity but through faithful, long-haul shepherds—men who love their church more than their image, who open the Word week after week, visit the sick, pray for the weary, and raise up disciples in their own community, far from the limelight.
We thank God for leaders who serve well on a denominational level. But we must not confuse the conference stage with the judgment seat of Christ. The applause of men is fleeting; the approval of the Chief Shepherd is eternal.
So to the Southern Baptist pastor laboring in obscurity: do not grow weary. You may never trend on social media, but your name is written in heaven. You may never lead an entity, but you lead God’s sheep. You may never be invited to speak at the Convention, but you’ve been called to speak God’s Word every week. That is enough.
Let us pray not for fame, but for faithfulness. Not for platforms, but for perseverance. Not for recognition, but for resurrection reward.
Doctrine and Mission 