So bad, even churches are trying to distance themselves…

The Baptist Temple church in Alexandria, VA has seen such a rapid decline in membership, they felt it time to re-brand in order to wash their hands of any preconceived notions. [Where’d they go?]

“We’re probably the most progressive church in the city, but ‘Baptist Temple’ sounds weird, like it’s charismatic and conservative…”

So recently, the congregation of about 30, huddled together after a Sunday service and voted on a new name.

“In minutes, the counting committee returned with the results. Ten voted to keep name. One abstained. And 26 members, just 1.4 votes more the majority required, won the day. Baptist Temple will henceforth be known as “Commonwealth Baptist Church.””
…

In the end, members compromised. They changed their name but could not leave their Baptist roots behind. Instead, they’ll add a tagline, something that explains their kind of Baptist, such as “A Progressive Community of Faith.”

Will the “New Coke” approach to religious re-branding work? Stay tuned…