As the Southern Baptist convention begins its annual meeting, a frequent fixture will be missing. She is the woman we’ve met through countless books, Bible Studies, and speaking engagements. The woman that I and every other gregarious, blonde, passionate Bible teacher from anywhere near Texas has been compared to, but who is truly incomparable: the one and only Beth Moore.
When it was first announced in March 2021 that Beth was leaving the Southern Baptist Convention, a firestorm of response ensued. As our most visible stand-alone female leader with a well documented love for and service to her local SBC churches, this news was shocking to many. She had represented us well and it seemed everyone had an opinion about her decision.
While I neither applaud nor criticize Beth’s decision, what I am is inexplicably grateful for her life and relentless pursuit of the Word of God to this point.
The first time I heard Beth teach was before she had ever published a book or Bible study. She came to speak at a retreat at my home church when I was a very young woman. None of us had ever heard of Beth Moore, except for the woman who had previously attended church with her and asked her to be our speaker. I had never heard a woman teach God’s Word so powerfully, with such a command of the depth of Scripture, warmth, and top notch communication skills. She beautifully balanced personal transparency with being incredibly careful not to dishonor others. I knew I was seeing part of what God was calling me to do, but I had never seen it done by another woman. She was an inspiring picture of God’s calling on my life, just as she has been for countless others.
As my own speaking and teaching ministry grew and often took me away from my home church, I looked for quality Bible Study materials for women still there. Once again, enter Beth Moore. By this time, she had published her first Bible studies and they were solid. Women were digging into God’s Word weekly due to Beth’s own disciplined study. It was obvious--Beth genuinely loved God’s Word and wanted to help you love it too. The success of her studies also paved the way for other women to publish quality Bible study materials.
So, while I do not know where Beth will go from here or what all she will do, she has my deep appreciation for how she has previously led many of us to a deeper love of God and His Word.
Let’s rise above the pack that would blindly follow or criticize Beth’s decision. Let’s not judge with unwarranted characterizations, attributing motives she herself has not stated. Let’s pray for Beth the same thing we need to pray for ourselves--that we would each faithfully pursue the God who made us and the Word He gave us. That we would remain true to His teaching. That wherever we go and whatever we do, He would be most pleased.
After all, it is His opinion that really matters.
Meet the Author!
Bible teacher, author, inspirational speaker and disciple-maker, Vickey Banks is passionate about helping women connect the dots between God’s Word and their everyday lives. She loves serving as Women’s Ministry Director at Council Road, celebrating her people, playing with her puppy and getting lost in a good story.