Name change

We are changing names.
We are in the process of transitioning the name of our ministry from “180” to “Arise.” This decision was made after almost a year of conversation and prayer by our leadership.
For the last year we have contemplated how the “180” fits the overall purpose of our ministry and the Rochester Church. Last year, the church transitioned to the “Connect. Grow. Serve.” vision. We are seeking, as an entire church body to connect, grow, and serve, in our personal lives as well as our Christian community. (This vision is being and has been discussed in our Sunday morning sermon series this month.)
We felt that the “180” name did not best communicate this vision or the shift to a ministry for families with youth that we have been undergoing over the last several years. However, we were having a difficult time agreeing on a name that fit.
Last fall we launched our “Arise” campaign that is challenging our parents to collectively engage in 2009 hours of service, and challenges our students to do the same. Late in 2008, the idea of transitioning our name to “Arise” came to light. Everyone on our team felt this was a name that better communicated our vision and purpose.
In terms of the church’s vision, “Arise” is a natural fit with “Connect. Grow. Serve.” It is an action word that better communicates the call for students and parents alike to rise to the call to connect, grow, and serve.
With regard to our specific ministry’s purpose, it addresses all three areas of our ministry. Students who are beginning to discover and develop their own identity are called to arise into what God created them to be. It’s time for students to arise from their childhood and find their own active faith. Parenting teenagers can be challenging, so parents are called to arise into the challenge of leading their families during this time. This requires personal growth as well family interaction. When students and parents are answering their individual calls in this period of their families’ life, our families will arise to be the outposts for the Kingdom of God that they are meant to be.
On a more practical note, this shift will take a few months. There are already some noticable differences in our publications and language. Other changes, such as our website, make take a little longer. There will also be an article in the February article of Rochester Church's REACH newsletter relaying many of the same things I shared here.
I am excited about the days ahead and seeing what God has in store for us. As we arise as followers of Christ, we may be amazed at what God will be able to do in and through our ministry.

shine!
Jason