I do not understand all the hoopla over something as simple as a name change.
What is more important – a name, or evangelization of the masses? God only cares about souls for the kingdom. We should only care about what God cares about. God does not give two snaps about tradition. He does not care about any name except the name of Jesus Christ.
How would you feel if a denomination from up North, which has the word “Northern” in its name, comes into your Southern town? They knock on doors, they have block parties and backyard Bible clubs for the town’s children. They finally start a church, but very few citizens come. After all, many Southerners are still fighting the Civil War. These folks trying to start the new church are “Yankees.” As a result, it takes years for this church to even have a viable ministry.
In many places, the name “Southern Baptist” has the same effect.
I have been a member of one SBC church or another for more than 30 years. I can find many reasons for a name change. It is not about compromise; it is about the gospel. Nothing would change as far as our theology. In fact, in the last 30 years, the SBC has gotten more conservative. So what would be compromised?
If those who are opposed to the name change would see beyond their own town borders, I think it might become clear why we need to change our name. Think about why God has put each and every one of us here: to seek and to save those who are lost. We are commanded to be witnesses.
For the sake of not being offensive, we need to change our name. We need to change our world perception. Paul said we need to become all things to all people. When it comes to evangelization, what is the main goal – that people know our name, or our God?
I ask myself what God thinks of our silly bickering over a name change. What would Jesus do?
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