Episode 217

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The Difficulty, The Decision, The Process.

The Difficulty

This is a strategic decision in a spiritual community.
- Tendency to spiritualize everything.
- God showed us where, we need to figure out how to get there at times.

The Decision

Do the benefits of expansion and cultural clarity outweigh the pain of the process and the risk of upsetting people.
- Explain both dynamics and what was at stake.
So we didn’t make a gut reaction to it, we investigated it through the process.

Our Process

Rebrand Groups: Believed we needed to rebrand at least.
- 130 People through questions like
  - “What sticks out about our culture?”
  - “What, if changed, would make you consider leaving this Church?”
  - “Stories that embody who we are?”
- Interesting thing learned:
  - Not known by our name.
  - Concern: Cost
Community Survey: Feel for the communities perspective of who we are.
- 150 People through questions like
  - What do you know Highland Park by?
  - If you were to attend a Church, why would you? What are you looking for?
- Interesting thing learned: Known by events, looking for culture.
Small Group of our Board
- Didn’t pick the name, answered the question, “Do the benefits of expansion and cultural clarity outweigh the pain of the process and the risk of upsetting people.”
  - In the midst: Incredible donor who cover the cost.
  - Answer: yes!
- Reconvened & added others to pick the name.
  - Criteria: Google Search Unique, Non-Geographic, True to culture.
  - “One” “Church”–> had a brand not a name: Church for the One.

Wrap Up