The BCNE changes its name for the first time since it was founded

Names carry weight and significance in scripture. In Genesis 17, God changes Abram’s name to Abraham, declaring his destiny in his new name. He went from being known as ‘exalted father’ to a ‘father of many nations’. Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter which means ‘rock’, as a proclamation of what the Holy Spirit would do through Peter one day in building and growing the church. 

The Baptist Convention of New England has been the organization’s name since its founding in 1983, and during the first Board meeting of 2022, held on Thursday, March 17th, the board voted to change the name to ‘Baptist Churches of New England’. While seemingly a small adjustment, this new name brings clarity to what the BCNE truly is and always hopes to be: an organization of churches in New England that exist to partner, equip, and encourage churches in this region.

Executive Director Dr. Terry Dorsett said about the change: “The word ‘convention’ conveyed a certain thing decades ago. It conveys a different thing today. It sounds “institutional” and that is not at all what the BCNE is about. The BCNE is about the local church! In fact, the BCNE cannot exist apart from the local church.”

This decision is a landmark in the BCNE’s history and future but does not change the mission that it will continue to be a resource to churches that need a network of support in the challenging ministry context of New England. The acronym will also remain unaffected and the organization will continue to be known as the BCNE. 

While seemingly a small adjustment, this new name brings clarity to what the BCNE truly is and always hopes to be: an organization of churches in New England that exist to partner, equip, and encourage churches in this region.

Along with a new name, the board also voted to add seven new churches to the network! These new churches span across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Vermont and also span ethnic groups including Spanish and Brazilian congregations.

The other significant vote taken by the board was in allocating a million-dollar gift given to the BCNE at the end of 2021 by Antioch Baptist Church. The generous gift will be divided equally and designated to three specific areas within the BCNE: church revitalization, church planting, and collegiate ministry. Portions of these funds will be used to transition part-time staff in these sectors to full-time positions to better accomplish the work needed for ministry in these areas, as well as for future projects.

We thank God for the work He continues to do through the Baptist Churches of New England and we look forward to seeing more of New England changed for the glory of God.

Renee Ghobrial serves as the communications director of the Baptist Churches of New England.