May 1st, 2025
by Dr. Spencer Plumlee
by Dr. Spencer Plumlee
This past Sunday night, our church family voted to Do Business As, “Christ Fellowship Church.” While the legal name of the church will remain First Baptist Church, this new name will be implemented over the summer and officially launched on 8/17/25. This official unveiling of the new name will also be an invite Sunday, so that this day will include food and games on the front lawn and a free shirt for everyone who attends.
Today, I would like to offer a few reflections and thoughts about this historic moment in the life of our church.
Close Vote
The motion passed with a 67% vote in the affirmative. Honestly, I thought the vote would be higher than that but the more I’ve reflected, I am not surprised. All throughout this process, we’ve tried to communicate that the primary ask wasn’t to “get in line” or “do what you’re told” but rather, “pray.” And pray many of you did!
It’s worth mentioning that this is not the first time our church has had a close vote on significant matters. A very difficult decision in a business meeting in the early 90’s was decided by one vote. The move to the Broad Street location was also a very close vote (I’m told it was just a handful). Congregationalism in action means we will have moments like this where people of good faith land in different places on important issues.
Unity
Even though there was a strong contingent who voted no, I am thankful for the gracious way people responded. There was no shouting or anger at the news of the vote. Instead, there was a respectful, even subdued tone. I don’t take this as a negative. I saw this as respect for people who voted differently in our church. I appreciated this tone very much.
After we announced the vote, the next thing we did was take the Lord’s Supper. This was an important moment for our church family as though some of us disagree on the church name, we are rock solid in our commitment to Christ and one another. The meal was a moment to recommit ourselves to Christ and to one another as his church. It was a powerful, meaningful moment for our body.
No Votes
Over the months, I’ve spoken with many of you who’ve basically said, “I’m voting no but I’m good with it if it passes.” These have been some very fruitful conversations as for different reasons, many of you shared why you’d be voting no. For some it was a concern about drifting theologically, or distancing from the SBC. Others have been concerned about our connection to our history being severed. Finally, others have expressed concern about a potential misleading presentation of ourselves.
I find validity and warrant in all of these concerns. Our elders have attempted to answer these concerns over the past few months, but I understand that for some of you they remain.
The real test for these will be time. I’ve expressed my commitment to deal with these in various ways, but the real test will be our follow through and implementation. I’ve said it in other places, but I’ll reinforce it here: we are committed to theologically fidelity to the BFM 2000, to robust commitment to SBC through Cooperative Program giving and ministry engagement (e.g. church planting, mission trips, annual meetings) and we will communicate our affiliations in our new members class. I look forward to following through on this as the years go by.
Appeal
I made this appeal Sunday night and I think it’s worth repeating here: regardless of how you voted, you are welcome here. If you affirm our statement of faith and church covenant, you are a covenant member of this body. I say this especially to those of you who voted no. Our unity in Christ is greater than any differences we have around a church name.
Having said that, we are moving forward. The time we took to consider this issue was sufficient, but this is now something that has been settled. It does us no good to continue to hash this out. I encourage all of you to continue to pray for our church in this season and also to ramp up invitations to others in our community. God is doing something new and exciting in our church, and I’m thrilled a new name will represent this well to the community.
The same people who lived for decades as “First Baptist Church” are now “Christ Fellowship Church.” The same unity, community, teaching, theology, preaching, and philosophy of ministry will continue. We are the same people and purpose, but we do have a new name. The rich history of our past is the only reason any of this is possible. But, I do believe our best days are before us. Let’s continue to assume the best of one another as we press forward in unity and love.
Press On Church!
Pastor Spencer
Today, I would like to offer a few reflections and thoughts about this historic moment in the life of our church.
Close Vote
The motion passed with a 67% vote in the affirmative. Honestly, I thought the vote would be higher than that but the more I’ve reflected, I am not surprised. All throughout this process, we’ve tried to communicate that the primary ask wasn’t to “get in line” or “do what you’re told” but rather, “pray.” And pray many of you did!
It’s worth mentioning that this is not the first time our church has had a close vote on significant matters. A very difficult decision in a business meeting in the early 90’s was decided by one vote. The move to the Broad Street location was also a very close vote (I’m told it was just a handful). Congregationalism in action means we will have moments like this where people of good faith land in different places on important issues.
Unity
Even though there was a strong contingent who voted no, I am thankful for the gracious way people responded. There was no shouting or anger at the news of the vote. Instead, there was a respectful, even subdued tone. I don’t take this as a negative. I saw this as respect for people who voted differently in our church. I appreciated this tone very much.
After we announced the vote, the next thing we did was take the Lord’s Supper. This was an important moment for our church family as though some of us disagree on the church name, we are rock solid in our commitment to Christ and one another. The meal was a moment to recommit ourselves to Christ and to one another as his church. It was a powerful, meaningful moment for our body.
No Votes
Over the months, I’ve spoken with many of you who’ve basically said, “I’m voting no but I’m good with it if it passes.” These have been some very fruitful conversations as for different reasons, many of you shared why you’d be voting no. For some it was a concern about drifting theologically, or distancing from the SBC. Others have been concerned about our connection to our history being severed. Finally, others have expressed concern about a potential misleading presentation of ourselves.
I find validity and warrant in all of these concerns. Our elders have attempted to answer these concerns over the past few months, but I understand that for some of you they remain.
The real test for these will be time. I’ve expressed my commitment to deal with these in various ways, but the real test will be our follow through and implementation. I’ve said it in other places, but I’ll reinforce it here: we are committed to theologically fidelity to the BFM 2000, to robust commitment to SBC through Cooperative Program giving and ministry engagement (e.g. church planting, mission trips, annual meetings) and we will communicate our affiliations in our new members class. I look forward to following through on this as the years go by.
Appeal
I made this appeal Sunday night and I think it’s worth repeating here: regardless of how you voted, you are welcome here. If you affirm our statement of faith and church covenant, you are a covenant member of this body. I say this especially to those of you who voted no. Our unity in Christ is greater than any differences we have around a church name.
Having said that, we are moving forward. The time we took to consider this issue was sufficient, but this is now something that has been settled. It does us no good to continue to hash this out. I encourage all of you to continue to pray for our church in this season and also to ramp up invitations to others in our community. God is doing something new and exciting in our church, and I’m thrilled a new name will represent this well to the community.
The same people who lived for decades as “First Baptist Church” are now “Christ Fellowship Church.” The same unity, community, teaching, theology, preaching, and philosophy of ministry will continue. We are the same people and purpose, but we do have a new name. The rich history of our past is the only reason any of this is possible. But, I do believe our best days are before us. Let’s continue to assume the best of one another as we press forward in unity and love.
Press On Church!
Pastor Spencer
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