churches dropping the word "Baptist" from their names

[jprieto]

totally agree

If you remove the name "Baptist," you lose the reason for Baptist distinctives, and your church might later take on speaking in tongues, baptizing infants, or other stuff that is not Baptist.

Some people are okay with these things and that's fine, but they are not Baptist.

very wisely said

 

[annsni]

No need to attend hundreds of churches because there would not be hundreds of churches to attend. I don't know how it is in other parts of the country, but the Baptist church is not always where I'd start if I was looking for a church. I enjoy contemporary worship (real worship, not hoppy-boppy songs), a little bit of technology and small groups in addition to solid Biblical teaching. I'd not look at most denominations and I'd be wary of the Baptist churches, honestly. I think there are only 2 Baptist churches in our town - oh, no - there are three. One is ours. Another one is the one I grew up in and is really REALLY tiny and not much going on. I know who they hired as their youth pastor - a man who was asked to leave our church so most likely I'd not consider them a valid church for my family. Lastly there is the ultra-fundamentalist church that is about to close down who ran the Christian school that denied my brother's application to attend there because my father was Catholic. I've lived here all my life and those are the 3 Baptist churches that are within a 1/2 hour of our home. Where we're looking to plant a church, the Baptist church there is KJVO/skirts-only and not a church that I'd consider attending at all. I am not all that familiar with any of the other Baptist churches around here.

Since "Baptist" isn't a Biblical name other than for John, I'm not going to kill myself over a name. I'd rather go to Grace Community Church than the Long Island Baptist Church because I know Grace is much more Biblical in it's teaching than LIBC. Sorry - it's just the way it is around here. Of course, different areas of the country might be different.

 

[preachinjesus]

We dropped the Baptist from our name because of missiological reasons. We wanted to reach many people who might have a hindrance to attending a church identified with a moniker.

Once they arrive and begin to get involved we lead new guests and attenders through our Discovery Process that allows them to know the what and why of our church. We openly let them know of our Baptist heritage, Baptist distinctives, and Baptist affiliations. Nobody has ever had a problem with it.

Maybe it isn't for everyone but to suggest it is "false advertising" misses the point and doesn't see the whole picture of the ecclesial environment in contemporary America.

 

[Tom Butler]

I don't ascribe any sinister motives to those churches which won't use Baptist in their name. In fact, I think the motive is, as preachinjesus described it, missiological in nature.

But look. One reason given is that the name Baptist might be a hindrance to some people.

And preachinjesus then says

Once they arrive and begin to get involved we lead new guests and attenders through our Discovery Process that allows them to know the what and why of our church. We openly let them know of our Baptist heritage, Baptist distinctives, and Baptist affiliations. Nobody has ever had a problem with it.

Let me rephrase that statement a bit. Here's what it can be taken as:
"Because the name Baptist might be a turnoff, we're not going to tell you about that at first. If you stick around long enough, we'll eventually tell you."

And I was struck by the last sentence I quoted above: "Nobody has ever had a problem with it."

Nobody? Once they know you're Baptist, everything is okay? So the anticipated problem actually never materializes.

Now, I admit that I have spent most of my life in the South, where there is a Baptist church on every corner. I grant that there may be a perceived hostility to Baptist in other parts of the country. I just think that sometimes we perceive a problem that may not be really there.

And besides, doesn't the Holy Spirit have a role in all this?

 

[HankD]

This may offend some, and if it does.. recognize this is just my personal opinion...

See... for me, a church that doesn't have a website in the 21st century speaks volumes about that church. It says that they are not willing to do what it takes to reach out to the public. It tells me that they have stewardship issues because they are not taking advantage of things that can help spread the gospel...

Hey, even the Buffoon in Canton, NC that is burning Bibles has a website.. and they only have 14 people coming.. but at least they recognize the pros of a website.

So, if a church didn't have a website, I wouldn't be too inclined to visit.

DISCLAIMER.... I realize there are a lot of exemptions, and there are some good churches without websites...

BUT if I was new to a community, and was looking for a church... If that church didn't have a website, it would send a big red flag up saying that they were not open nor relevant to people of the 21st century.. and I would imagine a 1950s.. mindset.

When radio became popular, the alarmists denounced the radio and quoted the verse about "the prince of the power of the air". Similarly, the invention of the television has been denounced as satanic by some.

However this reminds me of a saying/speech I remember from my childhood, I think it was Churchill, maybe FDR or Truman (or someone else), it went something like this:

'We will fight Hitler wherever we find him, we will fight him here, we will fight him where he lives, we will fight him on the land, we will fight him on the seas, we will fight him in the air..."

Same for the devil, but might we add today, -- we will fight him in cyberspace.

Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.​

HankD

 

[HankD]

​

For those who are wondering, here are the Baptist Distinctives From the GARBC Website:

Biblical Authority
Autonomy of the Local Church
Priesthood of the Believer
Two Ordinances
Individual Soul Liberty
Saved, Baptized Church Membership
Two Offices
Separation of Church and State

As one might suspect from Baptists there are variations but basically these are the Baptist Distinctives.

Go to the site for a detailed explanation and supporting Scripture.

http://www.garbc.org/news/?page_id=32


HankD

 

[Jim1999]

I have used a computer since before it became the vehicle to the internet. I have used the internet since it came readily available to me. I am not, however, to this day very competent on the computer. The very jargon used confuses me. To my feeble mind it is just a typewriter with a screen instead of paper.

I would prolly never have a website, per se, for either myself or my church. If someone wished to set one up, I would support that. I can see it as a useful tool.

I shouldn't think that not having a website would deter anyone from attending my church. The name "Baptist" is very important to me. That is the first thing I look for and go from there.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[saturneptune]

I do not believe in dancing around the issue. If you are ashamed of the name, you need to find a place where you are comfortable.

Oh pardon me, we don't dance.

 

[Marcia]

We have a local Church (Bible Baptist Church) that believes the NIV is the authorized version of Satan. The Church I grew up in (First Baptist) believed a woman shouldn't wear pants, and other legalistic type issues. I have no problem with our current Church not having "Baptist" in the name.

Yes, there are such churches using the word "Baptist," but that to me is not a reason not to use the name. In fact, it's a reason to use it, to declare what Baptist can be. It sounds to me like the first church above is an Independent Fundamentalist one that is KJV only (is it?) and the 2nd church sounds more like a pentecostal church. I think that is very odd for a Baptist church to think women should not wear pants (except I guess some of the legalistic Baptist churches). Do they still think this?

If we let all the "bad" churches keep the Baptist name, then it makes the perception of Baptist even worse. It plays into the whole problem.

 

[Jerome]

Surprising Insights from the Unchurched and Proven Ways to Reach Them
by Thom S. Rainer
p.38

Myth # 2: The unchurched are turned off by denominational names in the church name.

 

[Jerome]

Getting a Church Started
by Elmer Towns
Chapter 6.3

There are some young men who think it is easier to plant a new church if it does not have the name "Baptists." They want to call it "community," "Bible," or "Congregational." If these men think that people will attend if the name "Baptist" is not there, they are mistaken. The title "Community" or "Bible" or other seemingly non-offensive names have no meaning to the community. The church planter is saying his new church will not take a stand on the vital issues.
Some young men say that the name "Baptist" has "bad" connotations in the community. Dr. Falwell says, "Then determine to make the word 'Baptist' a good name."

 

[webdog]

Yes, there are such churches using the word "Baptist," but that to me is not a reason not to use the name. In fact, it's a reason to use it, to declare what Baptist can be. It sounds to me like the first church above is an Independent Fundamentalist one that is KJV only (is it?) and the 2nd church sounds more like a pentecostal church. I think that is very odd for a Baptist church to think women should not wear pants (except I guess some of the legalistic Baptist churches). Do they still think this?

If we let all the "bad" churches keep the Baptist name, then it makes the perception of Baptist even worse. It plays into the whole problem.

The first church I mentioned is IFB, the second SBC, and they do hold to the very conservative legalism (my dad's a deacon there still). The Church is dying, needless to say

Maybe it's just me, but I don't see the issue one way or the other. It's a non essential. If you want the name, fine. If you don't want to use the name, fine. The early Christian Church had no name, unless "The Way" was used.

 

[Jerome]

What the Unchurched think of the SBC (PowerPoint) NAMB, Research by George Barna

Slide 10

The Vast Majority of Non-Baptists Have Either Favorable or Unformed Opinions of Baptist Churches

Slide 14

Half of SBC Pastors Think the Unchurched Hold Unfavorable Impressions of So. Baptist Churches But Only 1 Out of 3 Unchurched Aware of SBC Actually Feel that Way

 

[Dr. Bob]

"Baptist" is a man-made denominational label that USED to mean something. Sadly, today, in my conservative community, it has little meaning to the world around.

We have two Baptist churches that wouldn't know the Gospel if hit over the head with it.

We have one Baptist church with a woman pastor.

We have many SBC who are doctrinally anemic and show loyalty only to their convention.

We have a couple looney-tune ifbX types that parade around telling people they are going to hell if they wear slacks.

When we do "church planting" work, we use a generic but descriptive moniker. Our present new work is officially labeled: "Sovereign Grace Church - A Reformed Baptist Fellowship"

Nobody gets "wrong" our position and stand because we clearly delineate it.


www.sovereigngracechurch.com

 

[gb93433]

Maybe it isn't for everyone but to suggest it is "false advertising" misses the point and doesn't see the whole picture of the ecclesial environment in contemporary America.

It could be that a number of Baptist churches are falsely advertising by their false doctrine and poor practices. So for one to change their name in an effort to separate from them might be wise.

 

[Tom Butler]

It could be that a number of Baptist churches are falsely advertising by their false doctrine and poor practices. So for one to change their name in an effort to separate from them might be wise.

And it would be intellectually honest as well. If they don't believe like Baptists, they ought not to call themselves Baptist.

 

[saturneptune]

It could be that a number of Baptist churches are falsely advertising by their false doctrine and poor practices. So for one to change their name in an effort to separate from them might be wise.

Now that is not the issue is it? How many churches do you know that hang on to the Baptist name then go off on some tangent belief system. That is not the problem, is it? As you well know, despite your rants against the SBC, we are talking about churches that do hold to Baptist doctrine and drop the name because of public perception.

Take the Presbyterian (PCA) church for example. As much as our doctrine is the same, the reason I want the word Baptist in the church I serve in is to let the world know we do not practice the following:

1. We do not sprinkle.
2. We do not baptise infants.
3. We are a local autonomous church.
4. We are not ruled by a group of elders.
5. Pastors are called of God, and chosen by the local church, with no help from any heirarchy.
6. We do not repeat man made creeds each and every service.

So what would you name a church you started? Oh, I know, the Church of No Local Authority.

 

[Salty]

Take the Presbyterian (PCA) church for example. As much as our doctrine is the same, the reason I want the word Baptist in the church I serve in is to let the world know we do not practice the following:


4. We are not ruled by a group of elders.
5. Pastors are called of God, and chosen by the local church, with no help from any heirarchy.
6. We do not repeat man made creeds each and every service.
QUOTE]

# 4 many Baptist churches are going to an Elder ruled church
#5 many Baptist churches request help from their DOM in finding a new pastor - though the final decision is that of the local church.
#6 how many churches still sing the Doxology at some point during the service?

 

[saturneptune]

Take the Presbyterian (PCA) church for example. As much as our doctrine is the same, the reason I want the word Baptist in the church I serve in is to let the world know we do not practice the following:


4. We are not ruled by a group of elders.
5. Pastors are called of God, and chosen by the local church, with no help from any heirarchy.
6. We do not repeat man made creeds each and every service.
QUOTE]

# 4 many Baptist churches are going to an Elder ruled church
#5 many Baptist churches request help from their DOM in finding a new pastor - though the final decision is that of the local church.
#6 how many churches still sing the Doxology at some point during the service?

Elder rule in Baptist churches is an insignificant number, and does not change the Baptist distinctive of congregational rule. If a Baptist church is asking for help in finding a pastor, that is their choice, and certainly nothing binding, like help or help in the decision from a prebytery. There is no comparison. I have never seen a church in our area ask for help anyhow.

The definiton of a or the doxology is here.

http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Doxology

It is not a creed, it is a short hymn of praise. Aside from that, not many churches say it anyhow.

What is the purpose of your post, to support removing the Baptist name?

 

[webdog]

Take the Presbyterian (PCA) church for example. As much as our doctrine is the same, the reason I want the word Baptist in the church I serve in is to let the world know we do not practice the following:


4. We are not ruled by a group of elders.
5. Pastors are called of God, and chosen by the local church, with no help from any heirarchy.
6. We do not repeat man made creeds each and every service.
QUOTE]

# 4 many Baptist churches are going to an Elder ruled church
#5 many Baptist churches request help from their DOM in finding a new pastor - though the final decision is that of the local church.
#6 how many churches still sing the Doxology at some point during the service?

:thumbs: