I don’t understand why some in the Southern Baptist Convention are so concerned about changing the name “Southern Baptist” to something else. Why are they ashamed of the name? Instead of wasting time and energy on changing a name, why not put all of your time and energy on witnessing to the lost, as God has commanded us to do? What needs to be changed is not the name, but the hearts of each committee member and those who want to make the change.
When Jesus was on earth, there were many who didn’t like his name, but he didn’t change his name to satisfy others. It makes me wonder, since Jesus wasn’t for changing his name, would those supporting a change be against him? The committee tells us that the name is causing people not to join our churches. The reason people are not joining Southern Baptist churches is not the name, but the doctrine Southern Baptists believe. Will changing our Baptist doctrine be next?
Changing the name will not fill our churches, but godly preaching will. Some of our preachers and churches are not like the preachers and churches of yesteryear. Today they sit on the stool of do-nothing and expect the people to come to them. The Bible teaches us to go to the backslidden and unsaved, telling them about Jesus and leading them to a personal relationship with him. If this is done, there will not be a need for a name change.
I am proud to be called a Southern Baptist. I have spent 47 years preaching God’s word in the pulpits of Southern Baptist churches. In all those years, I have not heard anyone say to change the name, except for some in our convention. If they don’t like the name, then why don’t they go to another denomination with a name they like? Leave “Southern Baptist” alone.
I am asking all Southern Baptists and messengers to our state and national conventions to put on the armor of God, stand up against the fiery darts of Satan and vote against a name change. Matthew 12:25 says: “Every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” There is division in our ranks. If we as Christians don’t stand against this, the name “Southern Baptist” will be a thing of the past. The Bible tells us if we, God’s people, will take a stand together, he will be our God, and we can defeat Satan and win the battle.
Editor’s note: The presidential task force charged with studying a possible name change for the SBC will unveil its recommendations Feb. 20 at the SBC Executive Committee meeting in Nashville.
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