Here are a few questions that I would truly love to dialogue about with those that are struggling with a name change. In fact, if you are a part of Oak Grove and would like to interact on these questions I would be happy to set up an appointment. What are your thoughts on these questions?
- Can you think of any Biblical reasons not to change our name? (So far, in all the discussions I’ve had, I’m yet to hear a Biblical reason not to change our name.)
- If our name was ever hindering the Gospel or putting an obstacle in the way of people following Jesus – what should we do?
- What do you think your neighbors/friends, etc. who aren’t believers think when they hear the word Baptist? What does our name communicate to those who are far from God?
- Can you name the eight Baptist distinctives? If not, do you know what a Baptist really is? So – if we don’t know what a Baptist is…how can an unbeliever know besides what they see in our culture?
- Would you be willing to vote for a name change (even if it goes against your preferences or sentiment) for the sake of the Gospel?
I’ll leave this discussion with this: we will remain a Baptist church, just not in name. This will allow people to come and learn what a Baptist is by the theology, not cultural connotations.
Acts 15:19 – It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles (the spiritually lost) who are turning to God.
