There have been two version of this name nominated:
Scattered Disciples Online Baptist Church
Scattered Disciples Baptist Church
The Scattered Disciples name describes who we are – followers of Jesus, learning his ways. It describes where we are now – physically scattered. Finally, it describes the way we live out our faith – each person in their own physical situation, following Jesus and serving others.
In terms of the five criteria we have been playing with, Scattered Disciples is:
- Inviting curiosity – The name on its own invites curiosity while alluding to the early church. The descriptor makes it clearer and could include other words – Inclusive, Liturgical …
- Punchy – The name is punchy and the descriptor provides some detail.
- Borderless – Both the first part of the name and the descriptor are borderless.
- ‘Digital’ language – the first part of the name avoids digital language, but one version of the descriptive second part makes it clear that it is online.
- Literal vs. Symbolic – The name is both literal and symbolic. It refers to where we are right now but alludes to the symbol of the early church.
Other Comments:
- Domain Name Availability – scattereddiciples is available as an internet domain name.
- An objection has been that ‘disciples’ can be viewed as Christian jargon and misused, but the same could be said of plenty of other words, eg ‘grace’, ‘wineskins’.
- At the workshop, we discovered that one of the things we are divided on is whether our name should avoid digital language or make it clear that we are an online church. The discussion moved us noticeably towards avoiding digital language, but there are, of course, still many people who don’t see it that way. The two versions nominated clearly reflect those different opinions. Steve Clarke, the branding consultant who ran the workshop, said afterwards, “Digital language triggers profoundly mixed associations, and should only be included with extreme care (if at all).” However, he suggested that it should be included if a name would otherwise be likely to imply a physically gathered event.
What do you think people should consider with regard to this name?
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This has always been my Favourite ,as it is exactly what we are .
‘Disciples’ has a churchy sound.
I’ve always felt this name sounds humorous, not sure whether that’s a positive or negative.
We are a church!
Yes, but are we a “churchy” church?!!
I do kind of like the humour of us being ‘a bit scattered’!
I suspect that the people who are worried that the word “open” would link us too strongly to the Open Baptists will be worried that this name might be seen to link us to the “Disciples of Christ”, a denomination which is often just referred to as “the Disciples”.
I’ve been struggling to identify one of my misgivings about this name, but I think it is a quirk of grammar. The word “scattered” can be just a static adjective, meaning that we are in all different places. But it can also be heard with a bit more of an active sense, not quite a verb but almost, implying that something has forcibly scattered us, or driven us apart. To my ear, that makes the name feel a bit uncomfortable.
Tower of Babel-style scattered?!
Yes, exactly. “Scattered” can sound like fragmentation. Some people may hear disconnection rather than intentional dispersion.
It”s a bit dull. Yes, it says exactly what we are, but in the same way that “The Online Church” would. Nothing to spark interest.
I think I’ve finally worked out what it is about this name that feels so unsatisfactory to me. It doesn’t say anything much. In relation to our criteria, I am preferring names that have some symbolic meaning(s) and invite curiosity, but on those scales this one is completely at the literal and clear ends. “Disciples” doesn’t really say anything much more than is implied by “church”. And “scattered” is really just a substitute place reference – we not in South Yarra, we are scattered. I hope we can find a name that says something beautiful about us rather than such a basic description.
This name feels a bit thin on worship or sacrament for us. It foregrounds mission more than prayer, liturgy, or formation, and while that’s not a bad thing, it’s not very reflective of us.
It also seems to underplay the importance we put on community and gathering. People longing for belonging might worry such a church is more about individualised faith and Lone Ranger action out there.
This name doesn’t feel as welcoming as some of the others, almost more of a strategy statement than an invitation. “Disciples” can sound challenging or demanding to seekers, or those unsure of their faith.
Often, people looking fo a church are looking for connection, closeness and community.
“Scattered” can infer isolation, aloneness and separation.