Why Are We Called Christ Church?

Two common questions asked about a church are, “What is the name of your church?” and “Where is it located?”

The choice of our name, Christ Church, has both practical and theological reasons.

First, we wanted a name that was biblically-centered. Throughout the New Testament, the name Christ is applied 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 first months 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.