What Does "Church Campus" Communicate?

Yesterday I talked about our vision process. I was asked, "What are some of the changes you are considering?" Here's something...

I wonder if our terminology sometimes makes it hard for us to accomplish our mission? For example, we tell our congregation, "You are the church...the church isn't a building...the church is the people of God." Then we say, "Invite your friend to church" or "Be sure you come to church this weekend." So which is it? Am I the church, or is this building the church?

We call the property the "church campus" but then say it's a place to offer help to the community. Wouldn't that be like calling my home the "Stevens' house" and then trying to convince people it is open to everyone? Sure doesn't sound very open.

What if we turned all the terminology upside down. What if the "church campus" was called Harbor Ridge (just a pretend name, for a placeholder). But imagine if the entire community knew that Harbor Ridge was the place you go for hope and healing. You want groceries, people think of Krogers or Jewel. You want a mall, people think of University Park Mall. You need medical attention, people might think of the 24-Hour Medical Center. What if, in the same way, people thought of Harbor Ridge as they place they go for hope and healing, at their moments of greatest need.

Need help with your marriage? There are classes and counseling available at Harbor Ridge led by followers of Jesus. Need help figuring out how to be a great parent? There is coaching available at Harbor Ridge that is based on Scripture. You ask, “Why not just say those things are at the church?” Because many people have a mental block against going to a church for help. If it’s at the church—they won’t go. But if it’s at Harbor Ridge?

Need help with your kids because you both work? Bring them to the daycare or preschool at Harbor Ridge. Your finances a mess? Catch a Financial Peace University class at Harbor Ridge. Struggling with addictions? Recovering from the loss of a child? The first thought that would come to your mind, “I bet Harbor Ridge has something that could help me.”

The place you think of at the biggest moments of transition or crisis in your life—such as weddings or funerals – you think of The Chapel at Harbor Ridge.

And every function, every event, every interaction with every guest is filled with faith and love and spiritual intentionality. People who come to Harbor Ridge for anything walk away having been touched by the love and grace of a Jesus-follower.

Oh, and where does Granger Community Church meet? Lots of places, but in Granger, we meet at Harbor Ridge.

That's just a glimpse into one of the ways we are thinking differently about Granger's future and our impact in the community.

What are your thoughts?