SBC Executive Committee president resigns over 'personal failing'

NASHVILLE (March 28, 2018) – Dr. Frank S. Page, 65, has announced he is stepping down as president and chief executive officer of the Southern Baptist Convention's Executive Committee after admitting to a "morally inappropriate relationship."

Page released a statement Tuesday evening, saying:

"It is with deep regret that I tender my resignation from the SBC Executive Committee and announce my retirement from active ministry, effective immediately. As a result of a personal failing, I have embarrassed my family, my Lord, myself, and the Kingdom.

Apologist and theologian Dr. Alex McFarland tells OneNewsNow that he certainly wouldn't ready any more into Page's announcement than what the SBC leader already has said about the situation. But he does add that it serves as a reminder to Christians that they live in a world filled with temptations. McFarland "Hebrews 12:1-2 says that we are to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets us – and we are to run the race for Jesus Christ, remembering who it is that we represent," says McFarland. "In this culture, every day is another reminder that we are to walk circumspectly, we're to stay close to Christ, and to stay spiritually vibrant and morally straight – and if we want to be used by God, we have to be diligent daily at being usable."

"Out of a desire to protect my family and those I have hurt, I initially announced my retirement earlier today without a complete explanation. However, after further wrestling with my personal indiscretion, it became apparent to me that this situation must be acknowledged in a more forthright manner.

"It is my most earnest desire in the days to come to rebuild the fabric of trust with my wife and daughters, those who know me best and love me most."

Page, who has headed the SBC Executive Committee since 2010, has pastored churches and held other leadership positions within the SBC, including the North American Mission Board.

Stephen Rummage, chairman of the SBC's Executive Committee, stated that along with asking for prayers for Dr. Page and his family, the committee "will be working on a plan to provide for interim transition in the wake of Dr. Page's immediate departure and also to conduct a search for the next president and CEO of the SBC Executive Committee."