When churches are looking to revitalize, a name change is often on the table. Today, we discuss whether or not you should change the name of a church as part of a revitalization.
Episode Highlights:
- Most churches have no reputation in their community—which is not good.
- When churches named after their community change their name, it can be seen by those in the area as abandoning the community.
- Changing the name of a church is NOT a silver bullet for growth but too many churches act like it’s supposed to be.
The five perspectives we discuss are:
- Yes. The current name of the church has a terrible reputation.
- No. You should reclaim the name and redeem its purpose and presence in the community.
- Yes. The name is confusing.
- No. A name change acts like a silver bullet and minimizes the important factors.
- Yes. The name reflects an incorrect address.
Resources mentioned in this episode include:
- Revitalizer Profile
- ChurchAnswers.com
- Find more resources at the Revitalize & Replant page at ThomRainer.com
Revitalize & Replant is sponsored by the North American Mission Board and ChurchReplanters.com. More than 10% of churches in North America are at risk of closing and the North American Mission Board is committed to reversing this trend by decreasing the death rate of existing churches while simultaneously increasing the birth rate of new churches. To learn more about what it means to become a replanting pastor or to explore resources for replanting and revitalization in your own church, visit ChurchReplanters.com.
Submit Your Question:
Do you have a question about church revitalization or replanting for us to use on the podcast? Visit the podcast page to submit your question. If we use it on the show, you’ll get a copy of Autopsy of a Deceased Church and Reclaiming Glory.
