Have Other Churches Done This? - part 14

A question we have heard a lot is, "Have other churches done this?" and "What did they learn? What were the results?"

As part of our research - we talked to two churches in our area that changed their names and took "Baptist" out of the name.  Here are some things we learned:

• Neither church lost people over it - although some were very opposed.
• Those who were opposed like the growth that has occurred after the name change (growth through people coming to Christ)
• Both churches had been stagnant or in decline in attendance.
• One church has grown from attendance in the 40's to the 150's now.  It wasn't the only change, but the pastor views it as a very significant reason for the growth.
• The other church as grown 25% in the last year - following the name change.

So - although we don't know the exact impact it will have - nation-wide statistics and local churches have shown that changing the name will help us reach more people with the Gospel. To see how it has helped two local churches that were stagnant (or recently in decline) makes me excited to think how it may be a useful change in a church that is already growing! Believe me - we aren't pursuing this idea because it is easy or pleasurable! It really is all about the Gospel. 

We must be mature enough to recognize the role that denominational names have played in history, but also to recognize that a church's theology NOT denominational name is what matters.

Romans 10:14 - How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? and how can they hear without someone preaching to them?