When you mention Grand Avenue Baptist Church to your friends or family, one question that might arise is “What denomination is GABC?” Answering that question might give you pause, as there are many ideas and stereotypes that have grown up around Southern Baptists.
Russell Moore (president of the Ethics & Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention) was recently asked to list 10 things he wishes people knew about Southern Baptists. His answers may be helpful to you or friends in understanding the Convention with which GABC partners. His answers are listed below; follow this link to read his explanation of each.
- Westboro Baptist Church isn’t one of us.
- We emphasize hellfire and brimstone, but probably not how you think.
- We are defined by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is good news.
- Southern Baptists are committed to a believers’ church.
- We don’t agree on everything but we’re more united than you might think.
- Lots of us aren’t “Southern.”
- There are some things in our past we’re ashamed of.
- We’re more ethnically diverse than you might think.
- We believe in religious liberty for everyone, not just ourselves.
- Authority goes to autonomous churches governed by Christ, not a hierarchy.
Read the full article, “10 Things I Wish Everyone Knew About Southern Baptists” at FaithStreet.com.