Reformed Baptists Join Name-Change Bandwagon

To some degree I can understand it (the name change) but then I also feel its a shame that stuff like this happens.

 

That's a really good name for a church!

I don't understand why we should feel shame or get upset, this is a good decision by this community.

 

Not a big deal I guess.

I do like having the name "Baptist" in a Baptist church name/sign...but the new name is of this church is quite good.

 

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

Quantum...

Ha ha!

You quoted my original post, but as you can see, I thought about it and *ajusted* my post a little bit. :thumbs:

 

It does have "Baptist" on the church sign, so it should be good to go for you then!

 

The name change cited in the OP was obviously a marketing decision, which, of course, is neither good nor bad--it's just what it is.

But the quote from the pastor does raise some questions.

For instance, given the fact that folks don't know much about doctrine and history, what steps are being taken to correct that problem?

Is there a de-emphasis in teaching doctrine, or is there more emphasis?

What changes has the church made in its theological terminology?

Assuming Reformed Baptist means Calvinistic Baptist, has the church soft-pedaled that aspect, or has it openly discussed this with prospective members?

I make no accusations, but name changes usually suggest more than a name change is going on.

 

Bringing in the Catholics, Bringing in the Catholics....we will come rejoicing ....... you know the song.

 

If I move to Holland, MI, how will I locate reformed baptist churches, if that is what I'm interested in, if they don't identify themselves?

 

I have just followed the link in the OP. As well as the part Jerome quoted, it also includes this (my emphasis):

The church has changed its name to Harbor Reformed Baptist Church. But the shorthand version is “Harbor Church.”
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So it seems it hasn't removed the word "Baptist" from its name. The church still does identify itself as being Reformed Baptist, and doing a Google search for: "Reformed baptist" Holland MI will still get you there.

 

Internet. And/or visit.

 

I stick with your first post.

 

Tom, I see your point, perhaps accurate....I don't know. All churches should be very clear and up front with their doctrinal and theological stances.

 

Perhaps I'm off base in my questions, but if their website were clearer about those things I wouldn't have had to ask the questions.

I've learned over the years some marketing buzzwords which send some signals about where a church is going and what it's about.

One is a name change. Another is the name itself. Such as anything with North, Pointe, and Centre and Cross. So we get NorthPointe, Centrepoint, CrossPointe, NorthCross, CrossCenter, Usually Centre is "re" instead of "er." Same with Pointe. Not Point.

Notice I have not criticized the name changes, nor the names. All I'm doing is giving a little clue about how churches market themselves.

 

It's "centre" in my dictionaries, too!