Before our children were born their mother spent months thinking about what to name them. Should the boys be named after their father? No! Then who? What about our daughter? I don't remember us thinking about naming our daughter after her mother. I don't know why, but her mom never suggested it, and I knew enough to keep quiet!
When you start a new ministry you also give a lot of thought to picking the name. You want the name to communicate the organization's mission and message. Familiar, but not too familiar. Something a little catchy, but not trite.
I chose the name "Faith Now Ministries" for our new broadcast outreach because I thought it clearly communicated our message. It's short and to the point. Hopefully it's memorable.
My tendency has always been to emphasize applied theology or, as one organization has it, faith at work. I think disciples of Jesus Christ ought to "study to show ourselves approved; workmen who don't need to be ashamed." John Piper is right on target with his new book, appropriately titled Think. We need to discipline the mind.
But while ideologues and theologians may help us frame our thoughts and character, it is character lived out which develops a reputation. The early disciples where called Christians, not only because they had responded to the grace-generated invitation of Jesus to become a follower, but because of what they did.
With our current emphasis on right doctrine, you would think that being a Christian is all wrapped up into knowing, but I think if we really know God, we do godliness. Allow me to tweak the song just a bit: "They shall know we are Christians by our loving…."
We chose the words "Faith Now" to emphasize both what we are to do (live by faith), and when we are to do it (now). It is both believing and doing. It is the messages of Paul and James. "Without faith it is impossible to please God." "Faith without works is dead." Biblical faith is both something we know and something we do. Faith is doctrine and duty; belief and behavior.
The inclusion of the word "Now" is also an effort to focus faith in the present tense. The real value of history is its impact on the present. The fact that Jesus saved me in 1963 not only changed me then, it changes me today.
The term 'Ministries' reflects our methodology: we use a variety of media to reach believers and encourage them in their walk with God by teaching the Word.
It's always exciting to watch the lives of the children who bear the names you selected before they were born. I'm excited to see this ministry we named a year ago grow into all that God intended when He birthed it in our spirits. All to the Glory of God.
