Trip to The Avenue
I’ve changed the way I’m using conference time this year. Instead of going to pre-programmed conferences, I’m using my time to go to individual churches to interview them and talk to them one on one. I was doing just that in the big city of Waxahachie, Texas, this week. One of the reasons I chose The Avenue was the fact that they recently renamed their church (it was formerly Ferris Avenue Baptist Church). Talking to their staff left me reflecting on discussions I’ve had with people about what the term “baptist” says to people. Unfortunately, it tends to say more negative things than positive things. I’d love to drop the word “baptist” out of my church so that we could start fresh with people who are already jaded.
That’s why I’m getting more and more excited about the TXT3 Experience. We are going to be able to redefine the church! We’ll be able to worship and be a part of a community that shatters the negative sterotypes that people have of what it means to be a Christian.
February 5th, 2009 on 2:32 pm
Brett, I think you are so right. Many people will not come to a church with the name Baptist. I am wondering how The Avenue went about changing their name—definitely something for us to think about. We are such a dynamic, growing church, would need to think very carefully about changing—this TXT3 service seems enough of a good change for now to me. Keep up the good work!