So backdated, it's not even funny....Wondrous one brought to my attention Gen28, and the name "Bethel" or "House of God". Interesting to see the contrast between naming conventions then and now. Then, you'd see single word proclamations of what the Lord had wrought at that spot. Now, churches use their names for completely different purposes.
One common purpose is a simple name that identifies a church with its community: Saddleback, Willow Creek, Anytown Church of God. These churches use their identity to broadcast who they serve. Not an ignoble purpose, but certainly one that is people-centered vs God-centered.
Second common purpose is a name that states a particular belief system. All churches that include denominations in their appellations fit this: First Baptist Church of Philadelphia, Anytown Presbyterian Church, Southwest Church of Snake-handlers. But you can also throw in the ones that avoid the denomination label and take stances on particular nouns that suit their vision: Grace Bible Fellowship, Mercy Congregational Church, Apostolic Evangelical Church of the Holy Spirit. Again, not an ignoble purpose, but one that chooses identity as a means of communicating belief.
I'm calling for churches to remember that they are gatherings for His purposes. They are brought together by His will. They are founded for the purpose of serving His vision. And the first thing anyone will get from your church is what you are called. And that calling should be a commemoration of what the Lord has wrought, not what you and your fellow believers have wrought.
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