We’re starting to think about the name for the new church. Seems to me that naming a church is one of those things that if you get it right no one will notice. But if you get it wrong, you’ll hear about it. Sorta like performing a wedding. The only way the preacher gets noticed at a wedding is if he screws up something. If the does what he’s supposed to do, then he blends into the background.
I doubt that a cool church name attracts people to the church, but the wrong name could repel them. Would you attend a church named: The Catapult Community of Christ? (tagline: launching ourselves into the love of God)
There’s nothing worse than a church name where it is painfully obvious that someone was trying too hard to be hip, cool, or relevant.
Remember when everyone was naming stuff after “The Matrix?” Where are those churches now?
What makes a church’s name meaningful anyway? The actual name or the quality of the community it represents? If it’s the quality of the community, then why do church planters spend so much time obsessing about the name of their church?
My preference is a simple name that doesn’t say too much or try to hard, but has some depth to it too. I also think a typical guy should be able to say the name without cringing.
For example:
(if I could come up with an example I’d have the name for the church wouldn’t I?)
What do you think? How important is the name of a church?
Got any suggestions for a simple, yet theologically profound name that doesn’t try to hard and yet is also winsome, especially to that hard to reach 20 to 30 something male demographic?
13 responses so far...
What ever happened to just naming the church after the street it’s on? I don’t know of anyone attracted to a church because of it’s name.
So I’m guessing that “Post Modern Gathering” is out of the question?
how bout putting out a sign that says THE Church?
i think the name “The Watershed” would be cool. don’t really think you have to have “church” attached to it. that kinda makes the location the church instead of the people.
I was intrigued by a title to one of your sermons that you have posted: “Bright Salt”. I believe that would make a GREAT name.
Blessings to you!
brad
Brad, bright salt might just work… Seems to get at the point of being the church.
Rod, while I applaud “Post Modern Gathering” as a possible name, it’s a bit, well…. wordy? 
Body of Christ at …..
Church of the firstborn.
If you’re going to be a postmodern church, you’ll have to shave the goatee into a “soul patch”.
A new church near here has called itself “Awesome Church”.
http://www.awesomechurch.com/index.htm
Different…
If the group will be followers of the teachings of Christ- and God adds to His church– why not take some clues from the writings in the New Testament– “old” concept I know, but it’s worth some thought.
St. Paul’s Apostolic Free Will First and Second Reorganized United Holy Mother of the Trinity Community “Church of Christ”TM and Family Worship Center.
Craig–great name, but I googled it and was sad to see that it was already taken!
How about Christ’s Church Austin…CCA for short.
Please just use the word “church” somewhere. I am so sick of “centers” and “out-reaches” and “fellowships.” Get over it folks, you are a church. Ok? Stop trying to pretend to be something hip and new.
Rant over.
out.