Why We Use “FBC” in Our Branding and Communication

At FBC Kaufman, we exist to help people find life in Jesus. Everything we do, from our ministries to our message, is designed to welcome people into a growing relationship with Him. As part of that mission, we’ve made a deliberate choice to use “FBC Kaufman” in our branding and communication rather than “First Baptist Church.”

This decision doesn’t reflect a desire to walk away from our heritage. In fact, we remain joyfully affiliated with Texas Baptists (BGCT) and stand firmly rooted in the historic Baptist commitment to the authority of Scripture, the priesthood of believers, and the mission of the Gospel.

But we also recognize that for many people in our community, the phrase “First Baptist” carries emotional weight, some of it heavy. Whether due to past wounds, cultural misunderstandings, or personal experiences of exclusion or hurt, we’ve heard from individuals who feel that the name itself can act as a barrier.

We want to remove as many barriers to the Gospel as possible.

So why “FBC”?

  • It still reflects who we are. “FBC” honors our identity and history. It’s a shorthand that connects to our legacy without reopening painful associations.

  • It creates curiosity and conversations. Using “FBC” invites people to ask what it stands for and gives us the opportunity to explain what we stand for: Jesus, grace, community, and truth.

  • It puts people first. We’re not changing our theology or distancing ourselves from our denomination, we’re simply choosing language that opens the door a little wider for someone who might not otherwise feel safe walking through it.

This is not about image or rebranding for the sake of trends. It’s about meeting people where they are, just as Jesus does.

We remain proud of our heritage and grateful to be part of the Texas Baptists family. But more than anything, we want to be known as a place where people can experience the love of Christ, regardless of what they’ve walked through. If adjusting how we introduce ourselves helps someone come closer to Jesus, then we believe it’s worth it.

We are still First Baptist. We just lead with FBC.

Because what matters most is not the name on the building, but the Name that changes lives.