Over the summer, I have noticed two area churches that used to have Baptist in their name, remove the title.
I do not know the reason for either of the changes and do not presume to know. I do read a great deal regarding church growth and ministry work and realize that many are dropping a denominational adjective from the name in an effort to draw more people.
If there is a change in doctrinal position, I wholeheartedly agree that the title should be dropped. There is no sense in maintaining a title that no longer describes the church’s stance.
If it is solely for the purpose of attracting new people to a church, it is a bit dishonest to change the name. By doing so, it is indicated that the church no longer adheres to the position it once proudly and vocally held.
Then there is the question of whom we are trying to attract. If a church is in the business of going after Christians, it is in the wrong business. Now, people who are already saved do come and visit our church from time to time. We welcome them and desire to help them find a church home if they are without one. This is true whether it is ours or somewhere else. But our primary purpose for existing is not to draw in saved people. It is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to the unsaved. It is not to play musical churches with those who are never happy wherever they end up. It is to find new converts to become disciples of Jesus. So if changing my church name to attract Christians is my goal, I have the wrong goal. I cannot remember ever helping a lost person come to Christ who was later upset to find out I was Baptist.
If I change my name but do not change my position and I attract someone because the name change leads them to believe I have changed my position, I have mislead them. We will not be able to walk together because we are not agreed.
There is also the matter of confusion. The words Baptist, Methodist, Assembly of God, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Unitarian and Catholic all define stances of biblical position and methodology. By removing the definition of my position I am creating confusion. God is not the author of confusion nor does He participate in it. If I participate in it, I am ungodly.
It always helps to put the label on the can. Then it’s not a surprise when we go to prepare dinner.
Joel Stiff's Adventure 
Many churches have moved away from the name because of the stigma surrounding Baptist churches. Whether its the recent problems in some of the major baptist churches, or the ever present problem of legalism that plagues Baptist Churches. I don’t want to be identified for my denomination, but as a Christian. I attend a southern baptist church, but wouldn’t consider myself a baptist, its the church I was able to plug into and be a servant. I also serve along side a church of Christ, a methodist church, and several non denominational churches. Often times we think our denomination has everything right, and everybody else is wrong. That’s a very dangerous place to be. Making the name of Jesus famous is what we are to be doing individually, and corporately.
I agree with you, Luke. Some have left because of the stigma, but I believe that is an overreaction. There are problems and wolves in every denomination. Ted Haggard was a non denominationalist. The point I am making is those who leave strictly for pragmatic purposes. I disagree that legalism is an ever present problem in all Baptist churches. Some of us have actually determined to serve people and allow the Holy Spirit to do His work of leading the Christian to grow. You and I have very similar thoughts and it is because we have seen very similar things. I believe we agree on much. As for me, I need a little more info than just “Christian”. After all, the Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be Christian too.
I believe we do have the same opinions on a lot of things. Because we have been up close and personal with the same situations. I shouldn’t paint with such broad strokes on legalism, but I’ve been in enough churches who practice a moralistic diesm to know that it’s somewhat of a problem. There’s enough people who grew up in the same church I did, that have nothing to do with anything religious. Now that doesn’t necessarily fall in the lap of the church, but I don’t believe I was taught the gospel that I now know. As far as being defined as a Christian, I want to be seen as someone who is not conformed to this world. Not because of a certain hair cut, wearing a tie, or not going to the movies. I want to be someone defined by joy unspeakable, someone who proclaims truth unashamedly. Amanda and I run the college ministry in our church, I want to show them people who struggle with things, go through valleys and dry seasons. Not someone who is always got everything together and always top side. That’s not real Christianity, we all have questions and doubt’s, and walking through them honestly is the only way to I want to be seen. Some of my theology comes from baptist church, some comes from a more reformed side of Christianity. If I’m open to what the Holy Spirit is leading me into, and letting the gospel meet people where they are, no denominational tag has to define me. My identity is in Christ and bringing Him glory. And I don’t think I have anything figured out, these are just my thoughts on what I believe Christ teaches. Just so you don’t think I’m trying to say I’m some authority.
I am with you 100%. I appreciate your spirit too, Luke. I also hope that nothing I ever did or said as a youth director deterred anyone from loving the Lord. Not everything was under my control back then. I am horribly regretful that I was never able to convince you of the joys of Chicago style deep dish. My one great regret and failure. :-p
This is a very good post. I visited several Churches in the Flint area over the years. From visiting other Churches, Lighthouse Baptist was the best one I found; it is Biblically, doctrinally, and practically sound, something I was looking for.. I am not picky about denomination so much as I am where I can be spiritually nourished and used as a vessel for the Lord. I do not describe myself as a Baptist nor a Free Methodist, but as a Christian doing my best to serve the Lord daily.