Change The Name?By Steven F. Deaton |
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Believe it or not, some brethren advocate changing the name that is on the sign in front of the building. Some say the name “church of Christ” causes confusion or is offensive. The belief is that a name change will aid in getting more people in the door. This is patently false. The name “church of Christ” is divine. “The churches of Christ greet you” (Rom. 16:16). The Holy Spirit revealed this, just as much as He revealed the name “Christian” for individual followers of Christ (Acts 11:26; 1 Pet. 4:16). “Church of Christ” is not the only designation given to a congregation of believers. The Spirit also called them “the church of God,” “the house of God,” “the body of Christ,” or simply the “church” (1 Cor. 1:2; 1 Tim. 3:15; Eph. 4:12; 1 Thes. 1:1). Any of these are proper and right to use. Brethren generally use “church of Christ” in order to correctly identify themselves and as an expedient to help other Christians find a church patterned after the New Testament. The question then comes up, “Why is it wrong then to take down a name like ‘Main Street church of Christ,’ and put up ‘Main Street Church?’” The question goes to one of motivation. Why describe it as such? If it is to cause less confusion, it falls short. What person of the world, religious or not, will be able to better know the nature of the congregation by reading “church” instead of “church of Christ?” If it is to get away from the stigma attached to the scriptural name, then should we give up all scriptural designations? Should we cease calling ourselves “Christians” and use the name “disciples?” If you change the name, but preach the pure gospel in all boldness, people will still view the group as radical and repugnant (Jn. 15:18-20). Confusion is caused by Satan, not God (cf. 1 Cor. 14:33). Names such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Adventist, Pentecostal, cause confusion. All claim to be followers of Christ, and generally accept each other as brothers. However, they wear different names, teach contradictory doctrines, and hold to a divergent range of practices. The names are not in the New Testament. Neither are most of their doctrines and practices. Let us place the blame where it is due and not be ashamed of the gospel, including the God-given name “church of Christ” (Rom. 1:16; 16:16). |
I will build My church. |
