Evangelical Free Church Changes Name to Clarify it Doesn't Mean 'Free of Evangelicals'
A Missouri church belonging to the Evangelical Free Church of America has changed its name, as some people thought the congregation was "free from evangelicals."
First Evangelical Free Church in Springfield has changed its name to The Springs Church of Springfield, the church announced, saying it commemorated the name change by a post-service event Sunday with free food, refreshments, games and inflatables for the community.
"We have known for some time that our name was confusing to many people," Pastor Jerry Carlin said in a statement. "So we chose a name that finds its meaning from many Bible passages including John 4:7-14."
The passage reads, "Jesus answered, 'Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
In a video message posted on the church's website, the pastor also refers to Revelation 21:6, "He said to me: 'It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.'"
The pastor added, "We're the same people, with the same beliefs but a more understandable name. As a congregation, we wanted our name to remind the community that times of refreshing come when we become followers of Jesus Christ. We think 'The Springs' communicates that really well."
The old name would cause some confusion because people would think that the church was free from evangelicals, which is not the case at all, the church says. "Since the Church is a member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, the name made sense. However, many believe the new name will make a big difference in the community and will give a better understanding about the church."
The word "free" in Europe meant free from state control, the church explains on its website. "All churches in the EFCA are free to govern themselves instead of being governed at the state level. But the word 'free' and the way it is used in our culture, has become very confusing," it adds, citing examples: Caffeine Free – No caffeine; Germ Free – No germs; Sugar Free – No sugar; Care Free – No worries; Gluten Free – No gluten or wheat.
"When people and culture change, meaning can be lost. We believe that is true of the name Evangelical Free," the church says.
