By Bob Allen
A woman whose call as a pastor in 2011 sparked controversy in an association of Baptist churches in North Carolina has resigned, citing a lack of consensus among members about the congregation’s vision and direction for the future.
Bailey Edwards Nelson, pastor of Flat Rock Baptist Church in Mount Airy, N.C., since July 2011, announced her resignation Feb. 17 and concluded her service Feb. 28. She said March 4 that she decided to step down from the pastorate “out of care for the congregation, myself and my family.”
Nelson, a graduate of Furman University and McAfee School of Theology who previously served congregations in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, was the first female pastor in Surry County in north central North Carolina.
Surry Baptist Association responded by withdrawing fellowship from the congregation on July 26, 2011, saying the majority of member churches believe the Bible prohibits women from serving as senior pastors. At least two other congregations quit the association over disagreement with the ouster vote.
Nelson said she doesn’t think the association’s action had anything to do with her eventual resignation, but she acknowledged that local and national media attention to the church’s decision to call a woman as pastor was probably unsettling for those unaccustomed to change.
She said she remains grateful “for the many wonderful and valuable friendships I was able to cultivate during my time at Flat Rock Baptist Church, and for those who were willing to join me in risking following the movement of God down an unfamiliar and challenging path.”
Nelson said for now she plans to take some time to recoup and reconnect with family and friends. She expects to spend part of her transition doing supply preaching, but eventually wants to return to the pulpit full time.
“Though events of the past are certainly painful — and also instructional — I maintain a firm hope that I will come into relationship with a congregation and community that fits me well,” she said.
Previous stories:
Assn. ousts church with woman pastor
Church withdraws from association that ousted woman pastor
Pastor says Jesus wouldn’t remove church with woman pastor
Pastors juggle ministry, motherhood
Related commentary: