A suggestion is made to change our name to be more effective to the outside community, a group is against it. A task force is formed to study the situation, a group is against it. The latest news of no surprise is the Tennessee Southern Baptists say no to a name change in the form of a resolution.
WHEREAS, it has been argued that keeping the name Southern Baptist Convention could cause harm to our missionary efforts worldwide; and
WHEREAS, the President of the Southern Baptist Convention appointed a task force to study a name change for the Southern Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention have repeatedly turned away such proposals; and
WHEREAS, the name Southern Baptist Convention is recognized worldwide as a convention of churches partnering together for “One Sacred Effort, the Propagation of the Gospel;” and
WHEREAS, the costs associated with such a name change could be used for things that relate more closely to our task of winning the lost to Christ; and
WHEREAS, many costs associated with such a name change would be borne by the churches associated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention; and
WHEREAS, there may also be other unanticipated negative consequences of such a name change.
Therefore, be it RESOLVED, that we, the messengers of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, meeting at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville, TN, November 15-16, 2011, support retaining the historic name “Southern Baptist Convention” and oppose any change to such name; and
Be it further RESOLVED, that we ask the President of the Southern Baptist Convention to cease the work of the task force; and
Be if finally RESOLVED, that a copy of the resolution be forwarded to each member of the SBC presidential task force, the President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the members of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention
I just have to say this. OH BROTHER! We do not know the cost of a name change which is one reason the task force was formed. It seems to me that this use of cost as a reason is masking the truth of opposition of the name change. Pride. Opposition to the current leadership simply because it is the current leadership and not those who love to fight, the Fundamentalists are no longer in control and it’s eating at them.
Before a resolution should even be thought of ,it would be wiser to wait for the report of the task force that is formed without SBC monies. This task force is not costing us a dime.
There have been people, although small in number, who have been against the current SBC leadership since day one. Fear, the need to be against something. Since we have fussed for a few hundred years, at least the last twenty, I can’t put my finger on the reason, and maybe the reason doesn’t matter.
I do know this. Our current leadership is facing some heavy opposition. I could name a few names, but find it redundant now to do so. The names are few, but a fuss they are kicking.
Isn’t it time to quit all this fussing and fighting? We now have leadership that is wanting to focus on the important thing. Missions. Reaching people for Christ. Shouldn’t that be the focus? The very reason the SBC was formed? Well that and the slavery issue.
People are dying without Christ. They need the Gospel. But, politics and power are threatening once again to be the issue. We have leadership who are including both Fundamentalist and non-Fundamentalist, but it seems that some Fundamentalists do not like this. They are not driving the ship so to speak and that is not acceptable. There are also those who do not share their view that they have to wage battle against.
It’s time to say enough is enough. It’s time to lay down our arms and get to the business of concentrating on missions. We need to continue to include those we disagree with on non-essentials and do whatever it takes to give the Gospel those who need to hear of Christ and His love. It’s hard to talk of Christ and especially His love when we are not loving one another.
Hi Debbie,
I’m familiar with Fundamentalists, and fighting and power is truly what they’re all about. Why would they ever stop?
What’s fascinating to me is why it’s so much easier to love “the lost,” who are out there somewhere, kinda vague, vs. loving fellow Southern Baptists. I guess when “the lost” actually become Southern Baptists, they will no longer be so loved! They’ll become someone to argue with instead!
Exactly right Lynn.
Good to see you post. I just wish it was under better circumstances.
Thank you JK. I am hoping it will be under better circumstances. I think it is a lot better than it was a few years ago. I would like to see it continue getting better. I’m very hopeful. Unfortunately it seems misrepresenting and going after Calvinism is going to be the next battle for this small group. Next year it will be….it just seems as if some want to battle forever and for what? A small piece of the SBC which by the time this small group gets done will be worth nothing unless it’s stopped now. For crying out loud, enough is enough.