As you know, if you have followed this blog, Woods Chapel Church of God has been contemplating a name change.  After much prayer the church has selected "Lakewood Way Community Church" as the new name for our congregation.  All who desired to be involved in the process were given the opportunity for input and the decision was finalized by a vote of the church on Sunday, January 9, 2011. Much excitement accompanies this decision and I appreciate the vision of the church and leaders for takng this step.  There are a few things we should all be aware of:

First, we will be instituting a process of change.  The change of names will not be instantaneous by any means.  There are legal and practical issues that need to be worked through.  The Board of Directors will be handling these matters in a reasonable timetable, considering the magnitude of this decision.

Second, our affiliations with Church of God Ministries (Anderson, IN) and Missouri Ministries of the Church of God are not (nor will they be) affected by this decision.  Our connectivity with the Church of God remains strong.

Third, the new name represents several positive advancements for the church.  It removes the confusion that often occured between us and the other congregations that use "Woods Chapel" in their name.  It also reduces the likelihood of people confusing us with one of many other groups that use the designation "church of God."  We are hopeful that we will now have the opportunity to demonstrate to people who we are and what we are about, rather than have them jumping to wrong conclusions without ever coming through our doors.  This change also reflects that we are located on the newly completed road--Lakewood Way.  "Lakewood" is well-known throughout the Kanssa City metro area and highly regarded. 

Finally, the word "Community" is favorable in a trio of ways.  One, it offers some connection to our heritage in so far as the original name of the congregation was "Southeast Community Church of God."  Two, it reflects the idea that we exist to minister in significant ways to the community around us.  Third, the word "community" reminds us that God has called us to be "new community" knit together by the love of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit. 

For me personally, one the greatest aspects of our new name is that we entered into this decision together.  Everyone's voice was allowed to be heard and everyone's vote counted.  For this reason, I am excited about moving forward--with you--into the glorious future that the Lord has for us, the "Lakewood Way Community Church!"