“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other word would smell as sweet.” William Shakespeare

If you’re the pastor of a 152-year-old church known as Hog Mountain Baptist, you might not be faulted for thinking that a fresher-scented name could be more appealing to modern church-goers.

According to this article in the New York Times, a historic, Georgia church recently voted to adopt the name of a trendy housing development — Hamilton Mills — in the belief that modern worshipers might not want to attend a church named after bacon.

The article got me thinking about church names generally and how they affect our attitudes about where we worship.

Most church names identify their denomination, which gives the discerning Christian some basic idea about what flavor of Christian fellowship to expect. But churches usually go beyond that to create a unique moniker, something that serves to distinguish them from other local congregations.

Looking through my phone book, I see lots of church names based on location: Eastside, Northside, Valley, Foothills, University, etc. A few have gone for a poetic twist: Mountain Vista, Sunset View, Sunrise, Chapel in the Hills, Desert Skies, and in my area you can find Spanish variations on these, like Vista de las Montañas.

Saints often appear in church names, especially in the more orthodox faith traditions. Mary’s name is often used among Catholics.

There are names intended to describe the heart of what a church believes: Faith, Grace, Holy Truth, New Life, Desert Springs, River of Life, Friendship, Welcome, Noel, Emmanuel, Hope.

Recently, I’ve seen some interesting “hip” church names. I think they are trying to convey the idea that Christianity is in touch with the 21st century: The Journey, In the Light, Connections, Higher Ground, and my personal favorite, The Cool Church!

So, I wonder, how does the name of your church fellowship shape the way you practice your faith? And, besides being a handy way for us to talk about ourselves as insiders, what do you think our church names convey to the people in our community?

Thinking back to the people of Hog Mountain Baptist, does the right church name make a church more, or less, inviting to newcomers? Were you drawn to your current church because of its name, or something else?

What’s in a name?