Churches Drop 'Baptist' Label

I'm not wild about churches dropping theological identifiers in order to be more palatable. However, with that said, let me say this: I know there are some Baptists (who have no clue what being a Baptist is or what Baptists do) that are so offensive to me that I want to run from anything that would make people think that I believe what they believe. Some Baptists have jettisoned the Bible in favor of liberal theology, easy-believism, unbiblical charismatic, fundamentalism, or other liberal practices, etc. I want no part of such churches. And Baptist churches all over America are taking the name "Baptist" from their title. That doesn't bother me so long as it doesn't leave their theology, practice, and name in some way. A local church is _____ Church and on their sign and materials it says "A Southern Baptist Church." I think that suffices. Church names are just names. Church traditions can be too rigid on this matter. I know of several churches who are named after streets that no longer exist or the church moved from that street decades ago, yet they won't change their name. Or they're named after someone. Ridiculous, IMHO.

See above. I don't think what you describe is indicative of churches dropping the baptist part of their name necessarily, but is indicative of the churches I mentioned. Churches who change their name may not be conforming to the world, but the plethora of Baptist churches who have jettisoned Baptist theology and practice have.

Interesting question. I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in the AP definition, which is basic by its own definition. The question as to whether or not Baptists are protestants is a much debated one. Like I said, the AP is the AP. They're not theologians

 

1. That depends upon the audience.
2. That is an interesting question. According to the link, the Faith Community Bible Church removed the word "Baptist" from their name because they felt that the American Baptists were "too liberal."
3. I disagree with the notion that Baptists are Protestant. The Protestant Reformation happened before the Baptists emerged on the scene.

Regards, hope you are well tonight,
BiR (still in downtown Charlotte)

 

I am glad they dropped the name. There are many "churches" which I wish would follow suit.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Or, as some us claim (landmarkists) that we were here before the Reformation.

I don't care for those who are hesitant to call themselves Baptist because others have deviated from the truth. I am not ashamed to call myself Baptist, and hope I never am.

What message does community church send? Somewhere along the way they must relate who they are and what they believe...Remember, even that great Baptist, C. H. Spurgeon, pastored the Metropolitan Tabernacle....Everyone in London knew it was the Baptist Church, even to-day.

Cheers,

Jim the Baptist

 

I'll still call myself a fundie, as well, 'cuz I know that KJVOnlyism, Ruckmanite & Hyles-ish hatemongering, and back-stabbing gossip have nothing to do with the true biblical fundamentals of faith.

 

I think this goes without saying, but what ever happened to being called "Christian?"

I am a Christian by second Birth, Baptist by choice.

 

HMMMMMMMMMMM...you are almost sounding like a Calvinist.

Joseph Botwinick

 

I'm with Bro. Jim on this.

My church uses the name Primitive Baptist. That name brings with it a certain strand of ideas that are generally accepted as Primitive Baptist. Now, there are some churches that still use the name Primitive Baptist who bear no resemblance whatsoever to the beliefs of their forebearers. I too wish they would drop the name. Yet, I am still a Primitive Baptist, they are the ones who are not.

Fred Phelps, the "God hates fags" pastor, claims to be a Primitive Baptist. That does not make me drop the name due to bad press.

In recent years, there have been hundreds and thousands of people who call themselves American and give a very bad representation of most Americans to people around the world. Yet, I don't see the rush of people going out to change the name of this country in order to remove the bad taste in the mouths towards Americans with people from other countries.

The name Primitive Baptist on the church building should give people a general idea of our beliefs. If they want to know for sure what we believe, they should come in and see.

We hear the same answer over and over from churches that take the Baptist out of their names. "It portrays a negative message to some folks." So, is fooling people into stepping inside a Baptist church (whether you changed the name or not, if your beliefs have stayed the same, you are still the same Baptist church you were before) sending a positive message? It seems to me that the first message you are sending is, if the world sees something negative in you, conform to the world.

That, friends, is wrong.

Now, if your beliefs have changed and you don't belief that the name Baptist accurately reflects those beliefs, I think most here would applaud the name change. There are many "Primitive Baptist" churches that I would love to tinker with their signage.:smilewinkgrin:

 

Just remember, they were called Christians at Antioch,,,,,,,,by their enemy. It was not their choice of names..

Besides, christian takes in every sod in the country...some even call America Christian.

Cheers,

Jim

 

No way!

These people must visit the BB, as that sounds about right

 

Yeah, but we're much nicer in person.:thumbs:

 

Would this be better:

Seperated from birth to be a Christian, and chosen before the foundation of the world to be predestined to be a Baptist!!

Joseph, I grew up Calvinist. I still lean that way some, But I try not to lean too far... I'm a big man, and when I start leaning, people run!!!!:wavey:

 

While I agree that it is sad that Baptist have this legitimate stereotype, I look at it as an opportunity to surprise people that our Baptist church is nothing like the stereotype.

Although, if my church dropped the label Baptist, it wouldn't bother me all that much. I do identify myself as Baptist but that is one of many Christian labels I can apply and easily interchange between.

 

Remember, if your church drops te name Baptist, you can no longer post in the Baptist Only sections of the BB.........baptistic church doesn't count..I had to post in the others section until I returned to a Baptist Church...........

Cheers,

Jim

 

You two guys made my day. I had a really bad day and have been a bit testy lately but I can count on the old BB to lift my spirit... :laugh: :wavey:

 

Jim and Tim, they dynamic Baptist duo!!!

I pray you have a better day tomorrow!

 

I now attend the "Cowboy Camp Meeting" in a tent in Stevensville. No Baptist in the name, never heard "Baptist" once, outside of John The Baptist. Gotta say I don't miss the Baptist only sections much, anymore. Too many KJV arguments, people slamming preachers, people arguing over & over about the same subjects. At least here, we only argue for a few days, and then something else happens that we can argue about.:type:

I do like to read thru the coffeehouse & other threads in the fun forums, even though I don't post much, there.

 

Not true. I joined here with our baptist church not having "baptist" in the name. www.lakeridgechurch.com
We are SBC, though.

 

For shame! For shame! Now I can no longer prey on you, except in here.......Take away all the old boy's little delights...lol

Cheers,

Jim

PS. Is SBC really baptist? I even have some doubts about the fellowship I belong to.