Gathering in South Jersey

Last month I sent out a survey to our friends and supporters, as well as Twitter followers and Facebook contacts to ask a simple question: "What do you think our new church should be named?"

The response we received was amazing. More than 80 people--almost 25% of our email list--sent in a reply, and many sent in careful and thoughtful letters. To all who took time to interact with us on this question, thank you!

The results are now complete and of all the names that I suggested, or that others suggested, the following were the top three finalists:

1. Mercy Hill
2. Fields of Grace
3. Grace Vineyard (tied with 'Other'--people suggesting versions of what we proposed, or new ideas altogether)

In an interesting development, we discovered half-way through the survey that another local church-plant had the word "Hill" in its name.

Because we want our name to be somewhat unique, this gave us pause about whether Mercy Hill would, in the end, be a good choice.

Whatever we decide, we will let you know.

In another part of the survey, it was interesting to learn that most of our respondents felt we should have the word Presbyterian in the church's name. We also heard from a number of people who said, "I've never thought about naming a church before!"

Below are a few of the replies that stood out to us, or made us chuckle.

• "These names are non-traditional presbyterian church names which will help keep the conversation open when talking with Non-Christians."
  
• "These names seem to fit the historic perception of Gloucester County and connect with the community."
• "The name ought to be as inviting and non-offensive as possible. I wonder if the name ought also be geographically tied with your location - shows that you are anchored in the community."
• "They all sound like you are trying too hard to be relevant. And the "foreign names" are confusing."
• "You can't please everybody."
  
• "I dislike each of them. Amazing!"
• "Don't get too cute; that is easy to regret in 10 years."
• "I think that location is a good thing to be included in the name."
• "Avoid names that sound like horror movies. You have a couple of those."
• "You can't please everybody."

If you'd like to download (.PDF) the full (anonymous) results of the survey, please click here.