The changing of the name of the Southern Baptist Convention is an unnecessary move that will only result in confusion and unneeded cost. In the long term, it will accomplish nothing.
One source proponents look to in support of this move is a recent Lifeway Christian Resources survey that found 40 percent of respondents held an unfavorable view of the denomination. This unfavorable rating has nothing to do with the name “Southern Baptist.” It has everything to do with what we believe and teach. Changing the name will not change an iota of what we believe and who we are.
We will still be a denomination that believes that Jesus is the only way to heaven, that abortion is murder, that homosexuality is a sin, and that there is a place called hell where the lost are judged eternally.
Most of secular America would not rate favorably any group that holds to these truths. It won’t take long after the change for people to figure out who we are.
There will be a monetary cost to this change. Many legal documents, signage, etc. would have to be changed to replace the old name with the new. With the vast number of properties and entities of the Southern Baptist Convention, this could be a substantial cost.
In light of the financial situation, it does not make sense to spend funds given for missions through the cooperative program to change a name. How many will fail to hear the gospel message because we supposedly need a new name?
The manner in which this was brought forward is not in keeping with the normal process of the convention. On other occasions, a motion to change the name was brought to the convention by a messenger at the annual meeting. The motion was addressed but either voted down by the convention or referred to the proper committee for consideration. This was not how it was done this time.
The president of our convention chose, without direction from the SBC, to appoint a committee to look into the possibility of a change. This way of doing things sets a dangerous precedent. What is the next issue that will be brought up in this manner by a president?
Our president is a great pastor of a great church. There is nothing personal toward him in opposing this. We just believe he overstepped his bounds in doing it this way.
The only thing that gives pause in opposing this issue relates to our mission work in other parts of the country. Some of our national missionaries indicate it is a problem using “Southern Baptist” in northern or western areas. This may be an occasional problem, but it is not prevalent enough to warrant a name change.
In my extensive mission work in these areas, I have yet to confront this issue with any individual. Our convention has been successful in starting churches across the United States. It is about being there, caring and showing love, not about what our name is.
I am proud to be called a Southern Baptist. In the Lifeway survey, 60 percent of people did not have an unfavorable feeling about us. We are well-known for our mission spirit, having the largest missionary-sending force in the world. We are known for benevolent ministry, especially our disaster relief work. Southern Baptists have the third-largest disaster relief organization in America. These things and many others have endeared the name “Southern Baptist” to multitudes of people.
Why change that?
Despite my opposition to this possible change, if it does come to the convention floor and pass, I will support it fully after the vote. This is not a matter of fellowship and does not need to be an issue that will continue to divide us.
Take the vote. Continue to move forward in our goal of reaching our world for Christ. Cooperation — that is the “Southern Baptist” way.
Eddy Rushing is an associational missionary with the Northwest Georgia and Lookout Valley Baptist Associations in Rock Spring.
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