Topic of SBC name change takes flight on Twitter

It didn’t take long for the commentary flood to swell up after Southern Baptist Convention president Bryant Wright announced at the SBC Executive Committee meeting Tuesday the appointment of a task force to explore a new name for the convention.

“First, the convention’s name is so regional,” said Wright to members of the Executive Committee Tuesday. “With our focus on church planting, it is challenging in many parts of the country to lead churches to want to be part of a convention with such a regional name. Second, a name change could position us to maximize our effectiveness in reaching North America for Jesus Christ in the 21st century.”

Wright’s announcement set off a storm of comments that evening into today, primarily on Twitter. Here’s a rundown on what Georgia Baptists had to say as well as those around the country. For up-to-the-minute posts, follow the #sbcnamechange hash tag on Twitter.

“	BREAKING: Southern Baptist Conv. Pres. Wright appoints task force to study possible SBC name change. Story to follow #fb
	baptistpress September 19, 2011

North American Mission Board vice president for Communications Mike Ebert was covering the Executive Committee meeting. Aaron Coe, NAMB vice president for Mobilization, added his own thoughts shortly thereafter.

“	EC member rises to oppose Wright’s proposal to study name change, suggesting Exec Committee look at the matter to gauge cost and impact.
	mebert September 19, 2011

“	Ethnocentrism is one of the biggest issues that faces missions. A SBC name change is an important step in overcoming that.
	aaronbcoe September 19, 2011

Jesse Fortson, pastor of Byron Baptist Church

“	SBC president Bryant Wright has appointed a task force to explore the poss of a name change of the Southern Bapt convo. // SO OVERDUE!
	JesseFortson September 19, 2011

“	When I tell people in New York City that we are Southern Baptist the typical sentiment is ‘Well go back’.#SBCnamechange
	FreddyT September 19, 2011

Frank Cox, pastor of North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawreceville.

“	SBC change comes with great difficulty. But we must be Kingdom Minded. This is a discussion that must take place.
	DrFrankCox September 19, 2011

“	Vigorous and emotional discussion over potential SBC name change now on floor of SBC Executive Committee. #SBC
	albertmohler September 19, 2011

“	Best discussion in years-Bryant displaying visionary spiritual leadership.
	gordonfort September 19, 2011

Wayne Bray, pastor, Beulah Baptist Church, Douglasville

“	Some argue the costs of a task force might be too high. Others might argue the cost of refusing to consider an SBC name change even higher.
	waynebray September 19, 2011

Tommy Fountain, director of missions, Mulberry Association

“	SBC desperately needs repentance, renewal, and a revival. We can change the name but unless our hearts are changed, it’ll be a name change.
	tommyfountainsr September 19, 2011

“	If #SBCnamechange is aiming to change perception, then 1st develop a task force that isnt composed of a bunch of old southern white dudes
	gregwilton September 19, 2011

Justin Carter, youth minister, Piedmont Avenue Baptist Church, Rockmart

“	i like the idea of a #sbcnamechange debate. we will just have to see what other names they come up with. i’m kinda on the fence about it.
	justincarter795 September 19, 2011

This morning the topic picked up new life, with Albany pastor Michael Catt having strong opinions on the subject.

“	Just now hearing about proposed name change. We’re in mtgs talking about revival and we’ve got ldrs worried about labels. #wrongconcerns
	MichaelCatt September 20, 2011

“	I propose a new name for the SBC if we don’t have revival – DEAD!
	MichaelCatt September 20, 2011

“	Worried about a name change for SBC? That’s like trying to renamed TITANIC as she’s going down. No wonder the world ignores us
	MichaelCatt September 20, 2011

“	Any organization that is in decline and tries to fix it w/ band aids when it needs heart surgery is missing God.
	MichaelCatt September 20, 2011

Sardis Baptist Church pastor Ken Nichols.

“	@MichaelCatt it’s not an either/or but both/and. We can seek a better name AND God’s Spirit. #negativityunhelpful
	KenNichols September 20, 2011

Georgia Baptist and blogger Peter Lumpkins generated a post outlining his thoughts.

Name Change for Southern Baptists? Here we go again by Peter Lumpkins – sbc tomorrow Baptist Press released the Southern Baptist Convention President”s announcement that he appointed a task force to study the name of Southern Baptists >>> Southern Baptist Convention President Bryant Wright has announced the appointment of a presidential task force to study the prospect of changing the 166-year-old convention’s name.

Daniel Ausbun, pastor, First Baptist Moreland

“	Task force appointed to change SBC’s name: Int’l Bapt. Convention or Great Commission Bapt. Convention. I like GCBC. SBC is too regional.
	DanielAusbun September 20, 2011

Mike Hardin, pastor, First Baptist Lovejoy

“	Is it possible to change a name that is a barrier to sharing the gospel AND pray for revival @MichaelCatt? #SBCnamechange
	MikeHardin September 20, 2011

In addition to comments on the merit of a name change, there were suggestions for the SBC to join the Big East since there may be some openings or even become the Baptists United By Biblical Action (BUBBA) convention (thanks @tomascol).

Today on pray4sbc.com, a page went live asking for suggestions on a different name for the Southern Baptist Convention.