Southern Baptist Convention May Change its Name to Attract More Diverse Membership
- Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:31pm by
Billy Hallowell
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (The Blaze/AP) — The Southern Baptist Convention is considering changing its name — a move that is seen by some as a necessary step to attracting more members in diverse geographic localities.
SBC President Bryant Wright said Monday that he’s appointing a task force to study the idea. Wright says the denomination’s name is too location-specific and creates challenges as the SBC tries to grow. In an interview with Fox News Radio, he said:
“The convention’s name is so regional. We are going to think through potential names that would better describe us without such a regional geographic limitation.”
SBC President Bryant Wright
According to the Baptist Press, discussions about the potential name change sparked “lively debate” during the SBC Executive Committee meeting on September 19.
Southern Baptists are the largest Protestant group in the United States. But they’ve seen a decline in baptisms, church attendance and membership in recent years. The USA Today provides more information on these declining numbers:
Southern Baptists baptized 332,321 people last year, the lowest number since the 1950s. Membership dropped for the fourth year in a row, and the convention has cut the number of overseas missionaries it sends out.
Dr. Albert Mohler describes some of the considerations surrounding a name change, offering insight on both sides of the debate. Below, he shares a few reasons why a name-change may be warranted:
…there are powerful reasons to consider changing the name. The SBC is not driven by a southern agenda nor a southern vision, but by a passionate commitment to the Great Commission. In the context of the United States, “southern” refers to a region. That region gave birth to the Southern Baptist Convention, but it no longer contains it. To many in regions like New England and the Pacific Northwest, the “Southern Baptist Convention” sounds strange, if not foreign. On the other hand, how much does this really mean anymore?
Any name change would need approval from a majority of participants in two consecutive annual Southern Baptist meetings. Several attempts to change the name over the years have failed. Since 1965, in fact, there have been eight separate attempts to change the SBC’s name.
The denomination was formed in 1845 amid disputes with other American Baptists over slaveholding. Southern Baptists apologized to African-Americans in a 1995 resolution for the role that slavery played in the convention’s founding.
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Comments (159)
Fletcher13
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:47amEvery group uses the “excuse” that they are either not progressing or growing because they “are preaching the Gospel.” They are generally blind to the fact that they are not growing because they are apathetic and and not evangelizing. Blaming that they “preach the truth and that is not popular” is just a statement invented to ease the mind of those who don’t wish to accept the blame for their own actions.
It shows that quantity, and not quality, is the focus of most churches.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:08amAgreed, though your presentation is a bit confusing. We should evangelize, there is no question about that, but we fail in discipleship. We lead them in the front door, feed them and dunk them, then let them slip out the back because they were never given anything but milk. They were not encouraged to grow, they were not fed.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:36amAs a Southern Baptist Church member I believe I can say without a doubt that the reason we are declining (if we are) is because we proclaim the full gospel and don’t hold back on the fire and brimstone. People need to know that we are modeling ourselves after The Way which was the original Christian church (not the Roman Catholic Church). Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life, no man can come to the Father except through me (not a priest, no offence Catholics but read your bible). We believe in the priesthood of the believer and that there “is” a hell as well as heaven. Being a Christian is not the easy way as some modern churches preach and God is not Santa Claus but He is real. Once you receive Him He will start to remold you and it can be painful. No real change is achieved without suffering in this life and folks don’t want to hear this message. It is the narrow path and that can be very difficult to walk but worth more than all the gold and power this world can offer.
4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:34amGlad to hear you go to the real deal!
Report Post »Nothing worse than imitation Jesus.
trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:46amAmen.
I am an Independant Baptist but have gone to Southern Baptist churches. Basically the same thing. They are the Free Church, a believers only church (meaning membership). This:
“People need to know that we are modeling ourselves after The Way which was the original Christian church…”
is why I am a Baptist. Being Baptist does not save you, but it is the closest I have found to a Bible-believing church with no extra doctrine or fluff. Churches are like people some are awesome others suck and all have faults. Find a good one and grow.
Report Post »curmudgeon60
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:51am@GRUDGYWOOF – I’m confused- I thought there had been a slip because SBC has been starting to preach the social justice message-in our area I’ve notice it. Guess you have to be on your toes in individual churches.
Report Post »@RANGERP – You had an EXCELLENT reply to the Black Panther Rant article-wanted to have my husband read it but couldn’t find it again was it deleted? At any rate it was right on Thanks!
loriann12
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:06amI’m also Southern Baptist. I was thinking maybe some don’t want to be associated with “the southern mentality?” Which would be sad. Just like Campus Crusade for Christ dropping Crusade and Christ from their name.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:12amCurmudgeon,
You have to realize that while a Baptist church may belong to the SBC it still remains autonomous for the most part. They are not told what to preach. It is ashame your church is going that direction. I would move on, find another Baptist church if you are comfortable there or find another Bible-believing denomination. I have attended Alliance churches and find them to be solid. That is not to say that there are not many other denominations out there…
Report Post »inthekitchen
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:17amMaybe the Southern Baptists should consider the name “Catholic”, which happens to mean “universal”….becasue the Catholic Church IS the church that Christ founded (read your bible)….and it is His church founded for ALL men, in ALL places and in ALL times. The Catholic Church is the only Christian church that can trace it’s roots ALL the way back to Christ himself, through Apostolic succession. As a church we pray for all of the family of God that we may be one, just as Jesus prayerd in the Gospel of John 17:21.
Report Post »peace be with you
trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:42amInthekitchen, in all love brother…Bull! You show me in the Bible where Christ started the Roman Catholic church! Don’t give me that “on this rock” crap either because if you call Peter a “pope” to his face he would not know what you were talking about. Pope Leo was the first pope. The Pope is not inerrant, Mary did not remain a virgin, there is no purgatory, an infant cannot decide whether he is a believer or not and should not be baptized, sacraments do not save you, Jesus is not physically in the Eucharist, saints are not to be worshiped, the dead are not to be prayed to or for…Man, I could go on all day! You tell US to read the Bible? In all love, maybe it is you that should start studying what Scripture really tells us about these matters.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:02amYo Trolltrainer:
Report Post »With you all the way on this one.
The church that Christ founded is called “THE BODY”…. CHRIST IS THE ROCK and THE HEAD. Christ is the foundation apon which ALL things are built. NOT A MAN named Peter….wrong teaching.
trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:19amEven further, this whole argument about “apostolic succession” is a moot point anyway. I do not care what happened in the past, I want to be in the church TODAY that teaches proper doctrine. Trying to link your church alone to Christ is foolishness. It holds no relevance on what doctrine you teach today. The question to ask is if the doctrine a church teaches is 100% biblical. Does it ALL agree with Scripture? Is anything left out? Am I growing in Christ in this church? Trying to create a tradition that nullifies everyone else is just…silly….
zombie apocalypse
Report Post »Locked
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:39amI always laugh at the animosity to Catholics on a site founded by Mormons. Come now guys; can’t we all get along?
Southern Baptists are unapologetic evangelicals. That comes with good and bad points where numbers are concerned. Their membership flourishes in the south where the people are conservative and languishes in other areas where people are not. I will agree that Southern Baptists are the -closest- followers to the Bible I’ve met. Even they interpret things in their own way of course. One conversation I had once with one (back when I was a practicing Catholic):
Me: So, Mary is the mother of God-
Him: No.
Me: Huh?
Him: God has no mother. God is eternal. Mary is the mother of Jesus.
Me: And Jesus is God, right?
Him: Right.
Me: Ergo, Mary is the mother of God.
Him: No, only of His physical form, which isn’t important. A body is just a body.
Me: Then why would Jesus‘s death matter if his physical form isn’t important?
Him: You just don’t understand.
Me: Now that I can agree to!
Other issues of course deal with what translated Bible they use and how the messages and wording have changed. For example, I laugh a bit when I hear Lucifer mentioned in connection with the Devil, as it’s well established that they had nothing to do with each other until the translation went to Latin. Yet people still mistake Satan as the Morning Star when in fact that‘s Jesus’s title in Revelation. Go figure.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 11:00amLots of animosity to Mormons on this site too. Not to mention Muslims. In fact, typical of any internet forum, there is a lot of animosity here period. :-)
I hold no animosity to any other denomination or religion. I will, however, say what I think. I try to do it in respect but sometimes I fail. Still…I am not going to beat around the bush to spare someone’s feelings. My parents are Catholic and I was raised a Catholic. I understand the need to defend your faith, I do not like it when people bash Baptists even though Baptists do have their flaws too. The best any of us can do is study God’s Word and follow where the Holy Spirit leads us. But also recognize that we are all led down different paths and there is wiggle room in theology. This is not to say universalism is right, most will burn in hell. But the important doctrine is to recognize Christ as your Savior and believe His death paid for your sins. Allow the Holy Spirit to indwell you and lead you. The rest is only doctrine. I do not think there has been a single person yet with 100% correct theology. Many questions can not be answered with any certainty. We will find the answers in Glory.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 11:08am@Trolltrainer
“But the important doctrine is to recognize Christ as your Savior and believe His death paid for your sins.”
Exactly right. I find almost all organized religion to be more about control in this world than hope for the next. The words may change, the traditions might differ, but the message stays the same.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:53pmI sincerely hope the back and forth that Evangelical churchs have with the Catholic church would end. We all believe in the Risen Christ as Redeemer. Christianity is under violent assault world wide with by the Muslims. Let’s keep the Peace of the Lord between us.
Report Post »AlmostaCowboy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:03pm@inthekitchen – Really? Can you offer a chapter and verse in the Holy Bible which supports your extremely questionable claim?
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:05pmYo Trolltrainer:
Report Post »“the rest is ONLY DOCTRINE” not sure I’m with you on that statement.What you mean by that ? Before I speak I want to make sure I understand what you mean and if it is what I think you mean.
trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:37pmsigh
4truth…I mean that we all hold our doctrine seriously. I am premillinnial, pre-trib rapture. I am Baptist but I lean towards the Calvinistic side though I do recognize free will. I am a young earth creationist that takes Genesis as word for word literal. My point is do I need to hold any of these beliefs to be saved? No. I can hold a postmillennial or amillennial view and still be saved. I can be Armenian or charismatic. I can believe in tongues. This is what I am talking about. These are all important doctrine for all of us, they define how we believe. But it is my view that God celebrates this diversity, that He made it this way so we all stay interested and continue to study His Word.
Many people will condemn others that hold these diverse beliefs. There is a joke that a person goes to heaven. When they get there Peter is showing them around and they ask Peter, “what’s behind that big curtain?” Peter replies, “oh, those are all the Baptists, they think they are the only ones here…” I do not believe this. I do not believe any of this secondary doctrine will keep you from salvation. As long as you repent, recognize Christ as your Savior AND are born again. Call the last what you want but you must have had some kind of conversion experience, you must be Spirit led. But this is the only thing you need for salvation.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:03pmYo trolltrainer:
Report Post »Why the “sigh”, just asking…be slow to speak quick to listen. Don’t like being talked at, didn’t want to do that to you.
I do believe that God would much prefer that we ALL who are His be on the same page. However, in His infinite wisdom he does use our flaws, faults and sins for His glory and our good. And some people think He’s a mean God….Blessings.
trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:22pmThe sigh was not really directed AT you it was a good question. Just a touchy one. I cannot tell you how many doctrinal arguments I have been in and they usually turn out quite bad. Especially when discussing eschatology.
I know many people who personally believe that if you do not use the KJV then you are going to hell…
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 23, 2011 at 2:21pmYo trolltrainer:
Report Post »I know what your sayin…fairly new to posting…surprised by some of what I have found here. Not to claim perfection.
But it is also true that I have made some friends, for my part anyway.
Blessings…friend
Qoheleth
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:45amWell of course it’s regional. When the slavery issue split the nation, we ended up with Southern Baptists and Northern Baptists.
Report Post »The Northern Baptists changed their name to American Baptists decades ago.
GlassHouses
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:48pmSouthern Baptists should employ Saint Sarah Palin-speak and christen themselves the “Real American” Baptists.
Report Post »dgktowntx
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:39amIf you had preachers that would teach the word of God and not be so politically correct people would flock to the churches,,,but when I go to church and hear mostly the same stuff I have my whole life..I ticks me off..the church needs to preach whats going on in this new crazy world..why do you think beck is exploding…cause hes preaching…..so I just stay home and study Gods word on my own..
rangerp
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:50am@dgktowntx
Interesting comment – I just had a similar converstaion the other day.
I attend an independent, fundamental Baptist church, and our numbers are growing. Standards have stayed the same (have not moved from the King James Bible, nor switched to the new wave contemporary music). The preaching is far from PC, and still preaches against drinking, modest dress, heathen music, modern entertainment……. The messages we get are meant to convict, not make everyone feel good, which is rare these days. All that being said, sometimes I wish I could hear more messages that relate to all that is going on in our country and the world today. Much is happening, and much has changed recently.
Report Post »grudgywoof
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:59amGod the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. God does not change as the world does he remains the same. He is omni present. Why should the gospel change to suite today’s world? Why should the message being preached change. The hearts of men are the same as they were in the time of Christ, Moses, Abraham, and Adam. It’s the heart that must change to conform to Gods image. Times and events change but our relationship with God never does so the original message brought to us by Christ is as relevant as ever.
Report Post »BrendaNNC
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:11amDGKTOWNTX, I agree with your comment!! My husband and I are seriously considering moving our church membership because our preacher refuses to get involved and to alert the congregation of what is going on because he is too worried about being “political correct”. We have a lot of Democrats in our congregation and he’s afraid they will be offended. My husband and I asked our preacher to encourage other members to watch the Restoring Courage events in Israel and told him that we were going to go with Glenn to Israel for the events, but he refused to even mention the Restoring Courage event. I’m against the changing of the name of “Southern Baptist” and my husband and I will move our membership to another church if it is changed.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:51amChurch is not the place for politics, it is the place for God’s Word! ALL OF IT! Even the unsavory parts like hell and homosexuality being a sin.
If my pastor got political…on either side…I would find a new church.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 8:53amYo DGKTOWNTX:
If I may…. you said that you stay home and read the bible in part because the church is not challenging you. Since this is not the best place to hold a conversation, I will say this. 1). If you are indeed reading the bible then you should know that it tells you to gather with other believers to worship, not stay at home by yourself. 2). If you do/ don’t do something that you are aware of then you sin. If you have been hearing this your whole life then you missed something.
Report Post »I can walk through the forrest on the same trail and find something different on a regular basis. I have struggled lately with attending church myself. Did not really see it as sin until a friend pointed out number 2 to me. It is in John. Get yourself back to church you are part of the body. If the church is not challenging you, challenge them ….. Blessings
4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:14amYo Brendannc:
Report Post »Some Pastors do not believe that Sunday services are the place for politics. I have a tendacy to agree. (I do know a number of Pastors). The bible tells us to be alert, so we should be involved, and Pastors should encourage that…. Please do not leave your attending church because of a petty thing such as a name change (seems to make sence). The bible also tells us to bear with one another. Why do we let things divide us so easly. It takes humility and courage (meekness) to stay in the game……Stay in the game!
Locked
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:44am@Woof
“Why should the gospel change to suite today’s world? Why should the message being preached change.”
The bigger issue is that the Bible has changed over time. Pieces were put together, pieces left behind; translations came and went. Heck even today the “mainstream” bibles available are all slightly different; and those are just the ones from the last few hundred years! The message stays the same: trust in Jesus and you’ll reach salvation. The words, however, change throughout time.
Seeing that change, understanding it, and not getting caught up in it is the difference between following Jesus and being part of a religion.
Report Post »AlmostaCowboy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:04pm@rangerp – As an independent fundamental Baptist, I knew there was something I liked about you! :-)
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 4:31amWe from the South have always been proud of the Word Southern. If for no other reason than that
it Pi$$es of the Yankees.lol But we have been invaded by the North, West, East, and now Mexico, Cambodia, Viet nam, Korean, Chinese and Muslims from every where.Very few have asimilated.
But really not real problems until we got the Mexican Gangs, and Now the Muslims are fighting about
everything. I know a girl from the other side of town from where I live. They wanted to build another
Mosque and the people did not like the location for some reason, It could have been because where
she lives their is a Mosque on every corner, I think she said there were 40 just near her. These have
only been erected in the past 3 years.
They had a city meeting to vote on the new mosque and she was terrified. There were Muslims standing in her drive way , across her road and everwhere they could be. They were making the
slice across their throats, to let the neighbors know if they voted against them they would be beheaded. Guess what…… They got to build the Mosque. Because most people were afraid to die.
We no longer live as Southerners, we will soon be wearing Burkas. I don’t intend to but I am sure most
Report Post »will comply. I bought a burial plot but I have subdivided it so they can at least bury our heads.
Southernguy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:57amI don‘t know what part of the south you are from ma’am, but if they made them slicin’ gestures here in south Mississippi……………………
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:18amThe decline is coming and the falling away is happening Changing your name is not going to fill the pews.
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:12amThey are going the way of the world trying to fit in they need to remember Christians do not fit in.
Report Post »Christians are Gods people and they will never fit into this secular world. If he is worried about numbers he is worried about the wrong thing. God calls people to him the church is the place where his people worship. If there are few numbers then god has called few. This might go along with the bible verse the gait to hell is wide with many entering.
Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:49amNo one with a brain likes a southern baptist.
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 1:12amI see.
Report Post »Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 2:49amGood.
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:08amWhat are wrong with southern baptist
Report Post »Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:13amThey’re generally more than a bit zealous.
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 4:03amDiscord
I agree with that…. I am A SOUTHER BAPTIST. and you obviously don’t have a BRAIN. I am sure
Report Post »there is no heart in there either. I won’t bother to ask about WHAT YOU ARE because I am sure
I already know. I just am not allowed to POST it.
Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:32amA perfect example, thank you for demonstrating.
Report Post »bradlytle
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:25amDiscord, You use invective and are offended when you receive it back. Please try to be a little more tolerant.
Report Post »Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:37amThis coming from a Conservative.
Report Post »Of course.
Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:40amOh yes, and I’m not offended; I’m having quite a lot of fun.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:22amThe fruit on the tree is always fun eating…..till it hits the stomach!
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:13pmI am a Southern Baptist but admittedly, not a very devout one. So…I have noticed that the people who are rabidly anti-Southern Baptist are usually, leftwing, limpwristed, God-hating, crap-eating, commie loving, blue-state @@sholes. There is nothing wrong with the religion as it stands. Like I said…I am not the norm so don’t judge the religion by my rantings. I still want to wear a long red cross and get on a horse and invade the middle-east. It soon is going to be time for Christians to finally start fighting.
Report Post »Goldenyears22
Posted on September 23, 2011 at 12:57amYou know not of what you speak. Millions and millions of people have come to know Jesus as their Savior in Southern Baptist Churches. I found Jesus as my Savior in a SBC church as a child and since then I’ve seen thousands come to know Christ. It is the closest church to what the Bible teaches and what Jesus taught. Not perfect as no perfect people attend any church. I love their missionary program with a heart to reach the lost everywhere for the Lord. So maybe it is your narrow mindedness in not knowing what the SBC stands for that is wrong. But true Christians are used to people who like to make fun of Christians. Jesus said there would be people like you.
Report Post »muzikant
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:36amMaybe he meant getting rid of Baptist – not to offend Lib-t-a-r-d-s and muslims….???
Report Post »muzikant
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:35amSouthern is not about region. Southern is a way of life. It is about being free. Why do you think Texas is in the South?
Report Post »Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:50amTo keep it safely tucked away from sane people.
Report Post »bradlytle
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:26amDiscord is certainly living up to the name.
Report Post »holy ghostbuster
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:26amI thought Southern was a direction. Apparently the wrong direction.
Report Post »Discord
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:38amI did choose it for a reason. :)
Report Post »Bill Rowland
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:42amTexas isn’t just part of the south but its where the west begins. Texas believes in the southern stand on states rights but tempers it with the freedom and myth of the cowboy who could go where he wanted, ride off when he wanted and live free.
OMG – Psalm 109:8
Report Post »Robert999
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:42pmI think it’s a mistake. There is nothing wrong with being Southern and it’s part of the tradition of the Southern Baptist Church. Changing the name would be denying the tradition, like tearing down the Confederate flag.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:46amJesus did not discriminate against people. Why would you want to be part of a group that is only “for” certain people? The Word is for all people.
Note, this isn’t to say Southern Baptists need to lose the “Southern” namesake; but the group itself can’t only be “for the south” if it actually claims to be a Christian church.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 11:09amIt isn’t Locked. But I think you know that too. :-)
Unfortunately there are always those “south will rise again” types wherever you go.
Report Post »rocky creek
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:36pmSomeone already mentioned part of the problem — churches don’t preach the Bible anymore. Afraid to hurt someone’s feelings. Heard that seminary teaches to preach 15 minutes. What can be said in that length of time? Nothing more than an outline., SBC is getting too liberal. That is why many churches in Texas dropped out of the SBC. Peachers don’t preach “baptism” much anymore. And, you can listen to two Baptist preachers on tv on the same day — and get two different teachings on baptism. One says it is required, another says it is not. Churches are being pressured today to be like all the others. This interfaithism is evil.
Report Post »BenjaminP
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 12:04amI agree with you on the seminary thing. I notice so many churches getting a cutesy, fluffy, message instead of the Word of God. I heard a ‘sermon’ online where a guy spent a lot of time taking about E.T…. It was not very edifying to me and I’m thinking: “This is one of the regular teachers?!”
But I will also say, some churches still do preach the Bible. We make it common practice to teach and follow the scriptures! Our teachers don’t get ruined by seminary or preacher schools. I know many men that could preach circles around most, or all, of the televangelists today. Why? Because they actually use the Bible in their sermons. And they have never gone to seminary!
Report Post »Delores at CH WV
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:21pmWell, I was baptized as an Independent Southern Baptist; however, If I followed all of their rules I could never have held a job because of the restrictions on who you should hang out with or have a social conversation.
As I have always been Independent in my relationship with God, this does not surprise me because in the last few years the Conference has made some vary secular decisions not based on the Bible and what the Southern Baptist Convention used to stand for. Therefore, losing the name in just another way for the church to die within. I will let God judge if this church survives; It sounds as if it could use some cleansing to me! God makes the decisions in my life and He is usually given these kind of decisions to make for the church.
I think the Church should let God, our Father decide for his people on this issue. It sounds like a teenage rebellious fight to me. We need to take care of God’s People who are suffering, not trying out for a live TV rival show for next season!
Report Post »ConservDadASD
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:17pmJust as long it doesn‘t throw away it’s conservative beliefs in order to pull more people in… like other denominations have in the past. And here’s a hint… avoid using the word “United” in the new title… it doesn’t have a good track record…. seems to lead toward liberalism eventually.
Report Post »auntmoxie.com
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:03pmTo me, this is the same pattern that Campus Crusade for Christ followed in changing its name… and the same thing that the liberals follow when people reject their concepts: they change the name. Maybe the problem is that there‘s too much condemnation of others who don’t agree with them; maybe that’s why people are leaving… not because of the name.
Report Post »momprayn
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:46pmAgree that it isn‘t the name that’s the problem, it’s what is going on in their teachings, etc. Same old thing — reminds me of the other article about religion declining in America. It seems to me, yes – apostasy is getting worse. The leaders in the churches are worried about the wrong things and spending money on the wrong things, watering down their messages which aren’t biblical or changing their name (as here), or having different worship music, etc. This proves that they really don’t trust God to bring the people in – they trust in themselves and have ego problems that I’m sure God is very unhappy with. All He wants them to do is teach the pure truth, trusting the Holy Spirit to give them the “growth”, the message, whatever. This will not end well if they continue. I suggest repentance, humility, speaking the truth only without their human opinions and not worry about the amount of people you have in your congregation or how popular you are or how much money you can make. Think God is losing His patience…………..
Report Post »Blazer123
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:07pmYeah, how dare churches switch to contemporary music?! Lots of people don’t realize that hymns from the 1800s were once contemporary.
Report Post »Chuck Stein
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 11:13pmWow, Blazer123, you really focus on the essentials, don’t you. ** end sarcasim **
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:25pmI can understand a restaurant changing it’s name or menu to attract a certain clientel, but a religious organization? Perhaps my misundrstanding stems from being of a home-based religion (instead of a congregational one).
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 11:16amYeah, but understand this is not meant to attract individuals but Baptist churches. I do not know if it is a good move or not, sometimes I do think the SBC gets too caught up in the numbers…It is hard not to…But their reasoning is valid. It probably will not happen anyway though…
A little side note, the article mentions Baptists as a Protestant denomination. Even Baptists argue about this but technically the Protests were reformers. Baptists are radical reformers. We can trace our roots through the anabaptists who denied infant baptism and were heavily persecuted as a result. Baptists also were persecuted in Europe and this country, something many are not aware of. We were hunted by Catholic and Protestant alike. Of course these lines have all blurred in the last two centuries.
Report Post »This_Individual
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 11:55amI see, thanks.
Report Post »LucienTHackenpupea
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:24pmMaybe the reason for the decline is that the Southern Baptist Convention has been moving away from religion and towards politics these past 20+ years. Being a Southern Baptist used to mean autonomy of the church; now it means obey their centrally controled dogma or else.
Report Post »AlmostaCowboy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:10pmAmen.
Report Post »earthman92
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:21pmThe poison of diversity kills the soul just as surely as a knife in the heart kills the body…
Report Post »louise
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 6:34amThe concept of diversity gets a bum wrap. Now before everyone picks up their stones, hear me out.
Report Post »Look at it from both sides. There is a progressive diversity that is of the world system. This is a spirit of anti-Christ (that which is always against God and His Truth). Then we have the family of God which is made up of all people who believe from all over the earth and from every nation. This is also diversity but it is of God, not man. Just remember who is victorious. When you abide in Him He will abide in you, and you will have no need to be taught by anyone else because His word is written on your hearts.
ares338
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:06pmSame thing different name? Jeez
Report Post »dealer@678
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:03pmWho do you wanna attract. Im not interested
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:13pmOh….Well, never mind then…
Report Post »poverty.sucks
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:58pmWhen churches begin operating as businesses and paying salaries, greed sets in. When the church planters move on, or die, so does the Holy Spirit when money becomes priority. The Sunday Sermons becomes diluted and the tone doesn’t set well, flow of money is slowed. My church pays no salary and supports many local and international ministries.
Report Post »Magyar
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:55pm@poverty.sucks —A brilliant summation! I’ve seen it in other chrurches— It becomes about the church and not about the word of GOD!
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 9:40amI’m not sure I understand you. Are you suggesting that pastors should not get paid, and that that causes the preaching to be less then it should be, because you also mention supporting (paying) local ministries.
Report Post »Paul was paid (supported) for his efforts. the bible also mentions that it is ok for those that serve the Lord to be “paid for their efforts”. Being supported actually allows MORE effort to be put into the ministry. I know this first hand.
BlesstheJews
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:48pmThey’re worried about declining baptisms and memberships? The Bible say’s in the latter days there will be a great falling away. Dont they believe the Bible?
Report Post »TruthSpeaker
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:59pmyou took the thoughts right out of my head. This change probably is a really bad thing. Time is coming when we need to know with absolute certainity to whom we belong. I belong to God and am one of His warrior souls. The Lord is my rock and my salvation, whom shall I fear ?
Report Post »ReformedPreterist
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:01pmAccording to the Bible, the “last days” were occurring at the writing of the N.T.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:04pmRight before the first Great Awakening in this country there was less than 11% church attendance. Due to the Half Way Covenant most church leaders were unsaved and only in it for the easy money. Every colony except Rhode Island had its own theocratic government and all other denominations were persecuted. It is into this world that one of the greatest revivals took place.
We like to think we are in the end times. I would certainly agree that all the ducks are lined up and everything is ready. I pray it is in my generation. However…Jesus says no one but the Father knows the place and time. Why would you question if Southern Baptists believe the Bible? Are we all to sit on our rooftops awaiting Christ’s immanent return? Or should we work at the commission we were given while there is still time?
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 10:30pmThe word the in original greek for falling away can also be translated gathering up or great congregation .
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 3:16amGreat point
Report Post »Locked
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 10:55amAh, doomsayers, the great Evangelical past-time. I also seem to recall that no one will know the end of the world will come, so saying “we’re in the end of days” by necessity means you’re probably wrong.
Report Post »Bullhorn Guy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:58pmScout N Ambush, The word can also be used to describe the removal, or taking away. Could it in fact be a reference to Christ’s bride being removed? Perhaps there is a dual meaning here, referring to both the falling away of believers (See emergent leaders like Rob Bell, Brian McLaren, Jim Wallis, etc.) and the Rapture of the Church.
Locked, while we are told that no man knows the day or the hour, not even the Son, but the Father only, we can know the season. Remember the Olivet discourse?
And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Luke 21:28
Report Post »scout n ambush
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:47pmI am not as much concerned about the baptist as iam the fbi raids on ihop resteraunts in ohio and indiana haven’t heard anything other than what i saw on the israelinational news at 5:00 the leader was an egyptian named terry elk .
Report Post »football lady
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 7:10pmExactly!
Report Post »vennoye
Posted on September 21, 2011 at 9:45pmJust join forces with the General Baptist Convention………
Report Post »AlmostaCowboy
Posted on September 22, 2011 at 5:13pmWhy? Why does a Baptist church need to be affiliated with a larger governing body. Did Paul have the 7 churches join forces?
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