Remember when denominational names were en vogue? Remember when you could figure out which denominational church came to the city first: First Methodist; First Baptist; First Presbyterian? Remember when you could tell two churches that split: Harmony Baptist Church and Greater Harmony Baptist Church?
Those days are gone. But what has not changed is that many churches have commonalities in names. In their attempts to be different, they have become common. I went to social media and to Church Answers to learn from my community about church names. Their responses were both fascinating and funny.
- “Point” has become ubiquitous. LifePoint. CrossPoint. Add an “e” to be fancy: GracePointe; LifePointe; CrossPointe.
- “Life” has a new life: Life Church; Real Life; New Life; LifePoint or LifePointe (see above).
- Tim Keller put Redeemer back into vogue. Both Redeemer and Redemption get a lot of love.
- City Church, usually with another name in front of it. These churches can be found in the city, suburbs, and the country.
- Christ Church. It’s simple and popular.
- Five biggies the past ten years: Journey, Bridge, Foundry, Mosaic, and Generation.
- Cross has made a surge. Cross Church. Cross Fellowship. Cross Roads. CrossPoint or CrossPointe (see above).
- Simple Church. Sorry, that was a book (available at LifeWay.com).
- Meaningful names. Impact. Potential. Epic. Transformation. Renovation. Innovate.
- Fellowship can be found in almost any town. It usually has other words, but sometimes it’s just Fellowship Church.
- Grace. Especially in the Reformed churches.
- Many churches like the new factor: New Life. New Hope. New Song. New Now (I made up the one). NewPoint. NewPointe (see above).
- Moving on up. Elevate. Vertical. Summit.
- Not English. Pick a Greek or Latin name you remember from seminary. Eklessia. Ecclessia. Koinonia. Agape. Many others.
What are some contemporary church names you could add? Got any funny examples? Let me hear from you.
Posted on June 18, 2018
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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199 Comments
Any trends including the name of the city or community?
I don’t know about trends, but my church is the Church at Spring Hill in Spring Hill, TN.
Some friends of ours attend LIVING STONES Church near Greenville, TX.
I’m waiting for the first Rolling Stones Church. I just can’t get no satisfaction.
For decades our church was called Sidney Pentecostal church, identifying its last cation and denomination. When they bought the present property in the 70’s, it was technically located in another township but they continued with the same name. A few years ago my predacesdpr began the process of name change. Several names were given. One was to call it Twin Is aks Christan Assembly, after two oak trees on our property. People hought it sounded more like a funeral home. The name they chose, though very plain reflects the geographical location ( beside a highway), the interdenominational mix ( we are still PAOC) and our mission ( a fellowship of disciples making discipleship les). Hence the name Highway Christian Fellowship
Just common sense.
I’ve always thought it was a good idea to name a church after the street its located at. That way when you tell people the name of your church you give them an idea of where its located.
Exactly. Just don’t relocate.
two contemporary church names, The Embassy of the Kingdom of God( The Embassy for short). And Cheers, the church.( yes this church bought an old bar and called itself by the familiar tv show)
I hope everybody knows your name!
Anyone remember “The Church of What’s Happening Now?”
I remember the phrase, but not the specifics.
Yes. Miss Geraldine lol
“Cowboy Church” in East Bethel, the most northern suburb of Minneapolis. It opened 2 -3 years ago in a former supermarket location in a strip mall. Still going strong…
Crystal Ev Free Church was built in 1949 in the Minneapolis suburb of Crystal, but relocated in 1977 to neighboring New Hope when freeway access became available. This E-Free Church quickly became a mega church. Some 35 years later, after the passing of the founding generation, they FINALLY changed their name to “New Hope Church”.
Crystal just isn’t Crystal unless you’re in Crystal.
I prefer Lutheran church names. Some in my area include:
Congregation of the Good Shepherd
Easter LC
Christ the King LC
King of KingsLC
Atonement LC
Abiding Savior LC
Cross of Glory LC
Shepherd of the Hills LC
Thanks, Jo.
I have a friend who serves at Last Chance United Methodist Church in Colorado.
Those Methodists are always giving one more chance!
There’s also the increase in church names using simply a letter and number: C3, B3, I5, etc.
Two years ago, our church changed it’s name, after 75 years as Mt Olive Holy Evangelistic Church, to Connexion Point. A new member recently said, “For nearly 20 years I lived in the community and passed this church everyday. But it wasn’t until I saw the new name that I felt comfortable enough to visit.”
IC2.
Some clever entries:
Church of God in Zillah, Washington has been around for a while. You have to think about it a bit.
Another church in Washington calls itself Wit’s End.
So those who are attend are at Wit’s End!
Some clever entries:
Church of God in Zillah, Washington has been around for a while. You have to think about it a bit: http://www.discoveryakimavalley.com/annual2012/godzillah-church.html
Another church in Washington calls itself Wit’s End: https://converge.org/locate-converge/church/wits-end-church
Great stories.