By John Sandeman, from Anglican Ink. (photo: Trinity Anglican Seminary)
Southern Baptist professor Matthew Barrett has ignited a theological controversy across social media platforms following his announcement that he is leaving both Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Convention to seek ordination in the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA).
The Kansas City-based theologian made his intentions public on July 24, 2025, through a post on X (formerly Twitter) that linked to a 6,000-word Substack essay detailing his reasons for the denominational switch. Dr. Barrett, known for his work in systematic theology and “classical retrieval” scholarship, cited what he termed three “cracked pillars” in Southern Baptist life as driving factors behind his decision.
Dr. Barrett’s essay identified several key issues with the SBC: the denomination’s alleged “official rejection” of the Nicene Creed, problems with congregational polity that he claims breeds “image-management and spiritual abuse,” and Baptist baptism practices, which he contrasts unfavorably with the covenantal logic behind infant baptism.
The professor has accepted a position as Research Professor of Theology at Trinity Anglican Seminary in Pennsylvania, marking a significant career transition that places him within the Anglican/Episcopal world.
The announcement triggered immediate pushback from prominent Southern Baptist voices. Denny Burk, a professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, directly challenged Barrett’s characterization of SBC creedal positions, stating on his blog and X that “Barrett bears false witness… The SBC has not ‘officially rejected’ the Nicene Creed”.
James White of Alpha & Omega Ministries took a more polemical approach, arguing in a video response that “promoting the ‘Great Tradition’ at a Baptist institution is self-contradictory—his conversion proves our point”. White’s critique focused on what he sees as Barrett’s over-reliance on patristic sources and Thomas Aquinas rather than Scripture.