Is SBC most effective?

As I understand it, and my memory may be faulty on this point, the study committee (to consider whether a name change of the Southern Baptist Convention is needed) was formed to determine whether the SBC’s name was any hindrance to the work of Baptists — evangelism, discipleship, things of that nature. That is something of which I am highly in favor.

That ought even to be an ongoing process. Shouldn’t we as Baptists always be certain we are carrying on our work in the most effective manner possible?

I speak as an ex-Northerner and an ex-Presbyterian and an ex-Methodist. Like it or not, the words “Southern” and “Baptist” do carry their own baggage, and if we’re more proud of our name than we are concerned about its effect, then something is certainly wrong. And I fear that is the case, at least from what I observe is the reaction to President Bryant Wright’s appointment of a committee to study the matter.

Bob Cleveland
Pelham, Ala.