The name "Gangway" has been around for as long as probably anyone can remember. It's an interesting name with a particular meaning. The term "Gangway" refers to the plank that spans the gap between a ship and the dock. Back when this name was introduced, the entire theme of the Student Ministries was nautical - hence the name "Gangway," "galley groups" etc. However, over the years this theme became obsolete, but the name Gangway just stuck . As Gangway was originally not the name of the overall Student Ministries but merely one aspect of the ministry (mid-week gatherings), it has through out the years now morphed into an all encompassing term. So that today, when we speak of "Gangway" it can mean anything from Sunday school to the name of the meeting room itself.
This being the case, we want to move away from a name that refers to a bygone theme in favor of one that will project the present reality and vision of the Student Ministries. However, even as we brainstorm for a proper and befitting name we realize that this must not be held in a closed fist close to our chest but in open hands lifted toward heaven. Just as the name Gangway served it's time and purpose in the history of our church, so to will this new name. Yet, it is only a matter of time till this name too becomes obsolete and in due season will also be changed.
Regardless of the names chosen, this should not be something we are deterred by. For it is not the name of the Student Ministry that matters to God but those for whom the name represents - the people! This should be and must be what matters most to us as well.
With all that said, and much more could be said, I invite you all to join with us in exploring names for the Student Ministries. Thus far we have come up only with a name for the room itself; but we have not concluded upon a name for the ministry (i.e. - "U-turn Student Ministries").
So, let's get those God-given creative juices flowing!
For His Kingdom...
Posts
5 comments:
I still vote to stick with Gangway.
Keep it. Don't take my childhood!
U-turn? Terrible idea, just keep Gangway, it's a great name!
Without Gangway, who would have given my band its first and only gig?
I say it stays!
Apparently there are some impersonators on here!
My real opinion:
Just don't change it to something with the letter "X", e.g. Xtreme.
I've named one of our groups to Thrive. I got the idea when watching WALL:E. There's a point in the movie where the captain of the ship says, "I don't want to survive... I want to LIVE!" As Christians, we shouldn't be content surviving this life. We should be living this life, flourishing - thriving.
Post a Comment