Re: Religious News
Former 'churches' opt for name change
In part -
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Don't count on Googling "church" to find all the Christian places of worship near your home. The word is being abandoned as many congregations choose catchier names to attract new members. The HighWay Community, Harbor Light and Great Exchange are just a few of the unconventional names being chosen by congregations in California and across the country.
It's all part of a larger effort to draw in younger generations looking for something other than their parents' church, as well as people who have never attended church or found the right fit.
"They're very creative with these names. They raise curiosity, break stereotypes," said Eddie Gibbs, professor of church growth at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. "They appeal not just to the younger generation, but those impacted by popular culture."
Some churches have gone so far as to change long-standing names. Among the latest are the Evangelical Free Church of Fremont, which became Bridges -- as in building bridges -- and the city's 70-year-old First Assembly of God, which this month became Harbor Light.
"First Assembly of God was probably an appropriate and meaningful name a generation or so back. Just like First Lutheran or First Presbyterian," said the Rev. Terry Inman of Harbor Light. "Back then it meant just getting started, but today it sometimes comes across as projecting first class."
"People just don't have a clue" what denominational titles mean, he said.
Former 'churches' opt for name change
In part -
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Don't count on Googling "church" to find all the Christian places of worship near your home. The word is being abandoned as many congregations choose catchier names to attract new members. The HighWay Community, Harbor Light and Great Exchange are just a few of the unconventional names being chosen by congregations in California and across the country.
It's all part of a larger effort to draw in younger generations looking for something other than their parents' church, as well as people who have never attended church or found the right fit.
"They're very creative with these names. They raise curiosity, break stereotypes," said Eddie Gibbs, professor of church growth at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif. "They appeal not just to the younger generation, but those impacted by popular culture."
Some churches have gone so far as to change long-standing names. Among the latest are the Evangelical Free Church of Fremont, which became Bridges -- as in building bridges -- and the city's 70-year-old First Assembly of God, which this month became Harbor Light.
"First Assembly of God was probably an appropriate and meaningful name a generation or so back. Just like First Lutheran or First Presbyterian," said the Rev. Terry Inman of Harbor Light. "Back then it meant just getting started, but today it sometimes comes across as projecting first class."
"People just don't have a clue" what denominational titles mean, he said.
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