The society's name: asset or liability? An executive note.

Since 1938, the Southern Baptist Historical Society has had that name and no other. Through World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm, the name has persisted. Across the careers of George W. Truett and W. A. Criswell, Duke K. McCall and Al Mohler, Porter Routh and Morris H. Chapman, Foy Valentine and Richard Land, the name has endured. In times of denominational loyalty and in times of denominational upheaval, the SBHS has kept on chuggin'.

More recently, some have questioned the name. They fear that negative developments in the SBC may have created undesirable baggage for the SBHS. Simultaneously, others passionately defend the SBHS's name. They claim that it is possible to continue using the name without buying into the mess of pottage which the SBC has stirred up in the past twenty years. They affirm that Southern Baptist individuals, churches, associations, colleges and universities, and state conventions have always served as the SBHS's primary constituency and should continue to do so. They distinguish between the SBC and the larger Southern Baptist family.

Here's what I think. At times the name bothers me, too. Perhaps I am gun-shy. Working on the staff of the SBC Historical Commission in 1973-94, I watched in up-close, eye-witness fashion as a new movement took control of the SBC, thereby giving the words "Southern Baptist" new meanings which, in some respects, do not match the historic ideals and principles of Southern Baptist heritage.

But two key questions need to be asked: Where do SBHS members come from and who pays SBHS bills? In the main, members and dollars come from Southern Baptist individuals, churches, associations, colleges and universities, and state conventions. However, some members and money come from other sources as well. More than seventy members live in other countries.

Discussion of the SBHS's name may or may not continue. Let's focus on the fact that our organization is free; that its members determine its directions, choose its officers and staff, and approve its budgets; that it does not pay homage to the SBC, CBF, or any other organization; and that it exists to serve.

All Baptists in America and throughout the world are truly welcome to join the SBHS. In 2000, this organization intends to begin developing new and exciting heritage resources for Baptists at large. Stay tuned in.