“What's in a name?", Shakespeare asked in his play Romeo and Juliet. Well, the answer is: quite a lot, apparently. In Bible times, a person’s name stood for the person and represented him and his characteristics. We certainly aren’t living in such times, but even today when parents select a name for their child, it can often be a lengthy drawn out process.

One reason being, that there are no plans to ever change the name… once it’s recorded on the birth certificate, it’s a done deal. Actually, the moment “Mama” decides she likes the name... then it’s a done deal. When it comes to church names though, there are a different set of rules that apply. I believe that a church name should still reflect the characteristics of the congregation and communicate some kind of general identity. However, when a church makes a decision to change its name, it should only come after a season of genuine internal change and spiritual renewal, and only then after much prayer regarding the name change.

I find in scripture where God himself was the one who issued name changes. He changed Abrams name to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah. Jesus changed Simons name to Peter and after Jacob wrestled with the angel, God changed his name to Israel, meaning “struggled with God and man, and persevered”. This month our church celebrated its 9th Anniversary. Over the past 9 years we have certainly struggled with people and their problems and it may sound strange, but we’ve even struggled with God.

We’ve seen many lives impacted and changed since our humble beginnings that consisted of a handful of people meeting in our home. We are eternally grateful to the many people who have served beside us in ministry under the name of Morning Star Church. This month represents a significant milestone for us as we announce our new church name… Life Church. John 1:4 says “In Him was Life and that Life was the light of men”.

As we have carried this name in our hearts for the past two years, we are now excited not only to share it with you, but we are also excited about the next season of Life that God has planned for you and all the people of this great region that He has placed us in. If you are not currently attending church somewhere, please accept this as my personal invitation to join us this Sunday at Life Church… where your life matters!