One of the most common questions asked about a church is, “What is the name of your church?”
First, we wanted a name that was biblically-centered. Throughout the New
Testament, the name Christ applies to Jesus as “the divine One.” Christ became
the name early Christians used to express what they knew and believed about
Jesus. The name “Christ” refers to the power of Jesus’ ministry and the content
of his character. We want to be a church (the body of Christ) that reflects
Jesus’ character through what we say and do.
Second, we wanted a name that was not geographically limiting. As a new church,
we know we may move a lot in these early months and years of ministry, and we
decided on a name that is not limited to one area or location.
Third, we decided on a name that would be welcoming to people of all
denominational traditions or welcoming to people with no church experience at
all. Though fewer Baptist churches have adopted it, the Christ Church name
extends across many denominations including Baptist, United Methodist,
Episcopalian, United Church of Christ, Pentecostal and even non-denominational
churches. The Christ Church name emphasizes the unity of our faith as
“Christians first, Baptists second.”
Finally, since we are a Baptist church, some may ask, “Why have you not included
Baptist in your name?” Well, actually, Baptist is in our name. The name of our
church is Christ Church, A Baptist Community. We take seriously the heritage of
our Baptist faith, including soul freedom, Bible freedom, Church freedom and
religious freedom.
The name “Christ” describes the kind of quality relationships and sincere faith
we long to experience. “Baptist” describes the way we organize and express
ourselves as a community. We hope you will join us as we seek to live and know
the grace, forgiveness and love of Christ in this Baptist community.