Ok, so it's official now, as of 12:01AM July 1st, I am appointed to a new church start in Vancouver Wa. My best wishes to Kathy Neery who is now the Pastor of Orchards United Methodist Church.
So, I have a pretty clear idea about what I feel God is calling me to begin in this new church start but am running short on ideas for a name. I wanna stay away from the "churchy" names that are so prevalent like "Living hope" or "Living waters" or "Crossroads" or any other thing that sounds "gimmicky" (No offense if you are pastor/member of a church named one of those :-)
The driving idea behind the community we are creating is a desire to be disciples that tangibly and intentionally make a difference in the city we are a part of. That means intentionally being involved in service as an act of faith and discipleship; being part of a community that shares their lives together, cares for one another and become "spiritual friends" on a journey of faith; and creating a community of faith that sees their identity as a compassionate community called to transform the world as disciples of Jesus, not a group of people that gather once a week for a worship performance or to listen to a "self help" lecture.
Those are the type of things that we want to reflect in the name of this community, but also stays away from the image of traditional/attractional Church that so many people are running from, or scared of.
Any Ideas?? Please post up a reply and let me hear them :-)
6 comments:
How about putting together something utilizing two key ideas in the driving force behind the new church: intentional ministry in community context.
I think "community" is quickly becoming the "churchy" title now, so maybe something else that you can find in a thesaurus. Or maybe simply "Intentions". Just don't over think it... When a former church I served at brainstormed for a new name it came up simple by asking, "What's the point?" And the answer came, "the Cross", and so CrossPoint was born...
This may be a stupid question. Feel free to characterize it that way.
Do you need a name yet?
Could whatever the community ends up calling itself emerge, over time, after you've actually been living into the architecture you're describing?
Peace in Christ,
Taylor Burton-Edwards
Thanks for the comments guys. Taylor I would like to hold off on a name but one of the things we are hoping to do soon is have a web presence that gives people a snap shot of the values we are about, and give them a place to sign on to a forum and contact list with some advertising that drives people that direction as well as the face to face networking that is key to all this. We kinda' need a name to get to that point. "that thing" is a little non-specific and getting old :-)
Congratulations!!! Let me join with you the divine excitement!!! I will keep you in my prayers. If you feel comfortable would you please share with us “a pretty clear idea about what I feel God is calling me to begin in this new church start”? I think it will help us help you. Let us hear your desire, your dream, and your hope God has put into your heart.
Love in Christ,
Leo
Hate to say it but your "vision" paragraph here doesn't sound too far off from what my 100 year old congregation considers themselves to be. (or what the church's larger mission is). It might be easy for an outsider to point out all the ways we fail at living that out but still those ideas would mark what we want our identity to be.
That said, I think the word "tangible" is your best lead-out toward a new name. Something that resonates with seeing/touching/feeling grace. CrossTouch or GraceTouch or Touch of Grace, or whatever resonates with you that you can pour theological meaning into.
You want to avoid "churchy" names... Yeah, God forbid you should let people know it's a place of worship through the name.
Okay, cynicism aside.
Why not just call it "Faithful People of God Ministries". It is what we are who follow Christ Jesus and His teachings, right?
Why be complicated or "edgy" - a word used far too often to try to supplant "different". We are Christian, and people should know that.
I believe there's far too much emphasis placed on the idea that you have to be "hip" "with it" "edgy" whatever... to be relevant.
People need to know you are Christians, not just in name, but in deed. And the lost need to know where the true word of God is being preached and taught. Do not fear being seen as "churchy", even in your name, because people need to know where we stand. So the name should be clear to them that seek truth and life.
You either offend God or you offend the world. I think the choice is obvious, right?
Post a Comment