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In a last-ditch effort, longtime Southern Baptist churches expelled for women pastors fight to stay | State

In a last-ditch effort, longtime Southern Baptist churches expelled for women pastors fight to stay | State

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The robed choir performed a rousing missionary chorus, the worshippers sang from the Baptist Hymnal, and the pastor preached on the need to listen to God before inviting people to come forward and profess faith in Jesus.

If there was ever a blueprint for a traditional Southern Baptist worship service, Fern Creek Baptist Church followed it to a tee on a recent Sunday.


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  • June 11, 2023