You have brought multiple issues into this that is not even covered.  I cannot help what kids do when they run off to college.  I can’t help what people do when they do something that they feel was an emotional experience only.  What I can do is speak clearly against the absolute false position that a sinners prayer is “damning” and superstitious.  The prayer someone prays when they are convicted by the Holy Spirit of their sins is a prayer that acknowledges to our Lord their need for him as a savior.  God does not save by osmosis He saves because of what he has done and the sinner freely responds. The response is a prayer of repentance, or better known the ‘sinner’s prayer’.  If a sinner refuses to respond then God does not save.  Any other position about God’s salvation would be God dragging sinners into Heaven kicking and screaming.

I’m not sure about the superstitious part, but we’ve been telling kids to ask Jesus “into their hearts” when they didn’t understand what that meant, for years, with really questionable long-term results. I think surveys amongst kids who run off to college have shown that. But my real concern is for kids who “ask Jesus into their hearts” when they don’t comprehend that they are sinners, that Jesus died to atone for their sins, and that if they will trust Jesus to forgive their sins and take them to heaven when they die, he’ll save them. I didn’t know anything about the heart thing, but I knew about that last part when I was about 9, and that’s the part that still keeps me going.
And come to think of it, I haven’t led someone in the “sinner’s prayer” in years, either. I just ask them why they want to be saved, then how they want to be saved, and then tell them they need to tell it to God, so go ahead and let’s pray. That’s led to some really beautiful times.

I find it quite funny that the SBC would consider a name change at this late date. Whenever I have read the arguments for it the unsaid but clear intent is to trick people who don’t go and WON’T  go to a SBC into going to one(albeit with a different name).

Interesting and informative post. Classic and vintage–the one and only Tim Rogers–on display here. NOLA will be historic and possibly a defining moment in more ways than one. Look forward to seeing you there.

Dwight

Here is the problem with your analogy.  Our SB M’s are not planting churches the people in the area are planting them. Thus the churches being planted are not SB churches they are Baptist churches affiliated with the convention of whatever nation the churches are located. 

That ship sailed when the EC accepted the presentation.  Dr. Wright, I believe, presented the recommendation to the EC based on the report and someone on the EC seconded the recommendation and then voted it in.

Once again you and I agree, somewhat.   Here is the rub I have with even changing from “Southern Baptist” as a name.  First, while we certainly are “International” in our vision, we are no “international” in our “scope”.  Name me one “Southern Baptist” church outside the borders of the US.  That is what I mean.  In 1845 the first thing they voted on in Augusta, Georgia was to put in place two mission boards, The FMB and the HMB. (Not sure of the names but they organized two mission boards) Second, Southern Baptist theology and doctrine is unique to SB.  We have always had cessassionists, Calvinists, and even Charismatics, but the convention has never been exclusively, cessassionists, Calvinists, or Charismatics.  Our theology has always been unique to Southern Baptists. We have been a mix of people but one thing we have always agreed on and that is a theology that maintains scripture as the only sufficient rule that drives us, Baptism by immersion after salvation, soul competency, and priesthood of believers. Not just any Baptist will accept these principles.

I actually do agree that the SBC should change its name.  The regional sound of it is a barrier to expansion in non-southern areas.  I don’t think the racism thing is much of an issue anymore, so I wouldn’t necessarily factor that in.  But no one in New York or California wants to go to a “southern” Baptist Church, and it makes even less sense overseas.  “International Baptists” sounds better to me personally and reflects the desire of the SBC to spread the gospel around the world.  I’m also a big root beer fan, so having the SBC become the IBC just makes me happy!