Guest author Kevin Sanders has provided another interesting post for the readers of sbc IMPACT! Kevin served previously as a missionary with the IMB. He now serves as an independent missionary commissioned by his home church, the First Baptist Church of Pinson, Alabama. His primary ministry field is among Filipino college students.

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“Are you born again?” “Are you Baptist?” I imagine most of you would immediately answer, “Yes!” to that question. I find, however, that within my ministry context it is wise for me to respond to these questions very cautiously. The reason is simple: I’m not always sure what “born again” or “Baptist” will mean to a Filipino student.

Take the “born again” term, for example. In the Philippines, this term is kind of a generic label applied to numerous non-Catholic groups/churches (from “vanilla” community churches to charismaniacs). It seems to be associated more with religion than a spiritual birth. When a student asked me if I’m “born again,” I’m really not sure what he/she means. I always get clarification before I answer.

In the same way, I’m also unsure what baggage the “Baptist” label may have for my students (or even for other denominations). Let me give you an example. I recently did a seminar for a Church of God in Manila. We worshiped together for several minutes before I spoke to their students. One of them was surprised that I participated in worship so freely (they had a praise band with electric guitars and drums). For her, “Baptist,” meant KJV and hymnal only. If I remember correctly, she was an employee of a fundamental Baptist school.

In other words, religious labels can be confusing here. We have everything here in the Philippines, from mainline denominations to cults. When doing evangelism, it is critical to cut through the labels and get to the heart of the matter: our need to know Jesus and follow Him.

Why am I writing about all of this? Well, it seems that some in the SBC are really concerned over whether or not our missionaries are starting “Southern Baptist” churches. I fear that such concerns come from those who really don’t understand what happens on the mission field.

Before I go any further, let me explain that I’m about as Southern Baptist as they come. I grew up attending a Baptist Church. I met Jesus by responding to a revival service altar call while we sang “Just as I Am.” I was licensed and ordained in this same church. I attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary . I spent my first three years on the mission field with the International Mission Board of the SBC.

But being a Christian is so much more important to me than my denomination. I’m a follower of Jesus who happens to be Southern Baptist (not the other way around). I’m not concerned with whether or not my students call themselves Baptist–I just want them to know Jesus. I want them to have a healthy appetite for God’s Word. I want them to make wise, biblical choices.

There are times, of course, when we need to help our students find a Christian church–especially if they are graduating or leaving our spiritual care. We teach them what to look for based more on doctrine than denomination. This ensures that they will know how to find a solid, Bible believing church (as opposed to simply searching for the correct “label”).

God has given Southern Baptists great opportunities to share His gospel all over the world–places that have never even heard the name “Jesus.” Let’s not forget the Name that is most important, and let’s put all other names in their proper perspective.