What is in a name?

It is an interesting discussion when you talk about what you should name a new church plant. I have wrestled with this for about three months now and have come to some conclusions about the naming of our church.

1. The name of our church must communicate our vision.
2. The name of our church must be distinctive and memorable.
3. The name of our church must be understandable.
4. The name of our church must have church in the name.
5. The name of our church must be indigenous to the community.

At some point I had to make a decision that fits the criteria above. After much thought and discussion with others I choose the name Pointway Church.

1. Pointway Church communicates our vision of pointing people to a life transforming encounter with the Kingdom of God.
2. Pointway Church is both distinctive in that it points THE way and memorable because of the short and catchy phrase Pointway.
3. Pointway Church is understandable, we are a church that points the way!
4. Pointway Church is a Church! Not a chapel or a fellowship or a community. It is a church!
5. Pointway Church is indigenous to our community that has many points on its numerous lakes and many ways with its numerous paths and trails.

While choosing a name is important it is not the most important thing and I am thankful that this task is complete so that I can focus more time on reaching out with the gospel of Jesus Christ.