- Alliance: focused on the independence of the churches, un-engaging, aggressive, group opposed to something, politically charged, a break off group
-Network: feels business or technology related
- Rosedale: Churches located in Rosedale
"Rosedale," it seems means little to folks who have no awareness of the geographical reality of RBC, or RMM. In time though, if "Rosedale" does become part of the new name, the word will become a social identifier, and lose any geographical meaning.
Question: how many churches are in Rosedale? If there are no churches in Rosedale, I do not understand the reference to the word then.
I was surprised at the assumption of what a household name Rosedale is.
- Anabaptist: Against Baptist theology, People don't know what this means,
Just my two cents, but I already think Anabaptist is overplayed. Mennonite might carry more baggage both among insiders and in wider culture, but it at least grounds the group in a kind of Anabaptism that likely represents most of the churches.
Rosedale Mennonite Alliance:
I would guess that it was a group of Rosedale graduates that were working together to further or support certain Mennonite beliefs, values, callings, etc.
RAA does not trip off the tongue as an acronym (you know it would become an acronym).
The last alliance between Rosedale College and free Anabaptists
Very conservative, charismatic and not into peace theology.
Conservative Mennonites trying to lose two stereotypes they don't want to have put on them: conservative, and Mennonite.
Rosedale Anabaptist Network: Prefer network to alliance
Rosedale Anabaptist Churches:
Rosedale Anabapist Churches feels like a brand to me (in a good way) because it identifies a more specific group of people without the older terms like Alliance. It feels a bit warmer as a name and includes the necessary Anabaptist definition. My favorite of them all.
Rosedale Network of Anabaptist Churches:
This option seems to be the "clunkiest" of them all. I also keep thinking about acronyms...RNAC, hmmmm.
I think this sounds "clunky" too. What if it was rearranged into "Rosedale Anabaptist Church Network?"
Not a fan. Seems, well--just too much.
Overarching Reflections:
I have often thought a name change would be helpful for the entire Mennonite Church. Mennonite is too associated with Amish for outsiders, also more of an ethnic thing than something everyone is welcome to join. For me the name changes would be better at the church level, as in sign changes. I also feel like it should remain Mennonite at the Conference level. People joining our church membership should know exactly who we are and be taught the churches history. No one should be duped into thinking we are something we are not. From personal experience, those have been the people who become very decisive in our churches. They soon feel the church is their home and they expect the church to adapt to them. On another note, I feel like we have something to offer that other denominations do not. People are often surprised to learn that there are churches who teach peace and justice. A surprising number of people have felt homeless because of their peace positions. We should not lose our uniqueness, but we do need to learn how to share it better.
I think just embrace the Mennonite name. We have a lot of good associated with our denomination. It creates a sense of heritage for me. Like I desire to serve and live a life that promotes a peace that only comes from God. To put the emphasis only on the Anabaptist portion seems to deny other parts of the Mennonite theology. It is okay to be unique. I feel like the denominations are in some ways a sampling of how God has gifted us - each unique, but all working to bring glory to God. I don’t think this is really what you are asking but thought I would throw my two cents out there.
I agree that we should embrace the Mennonite name. If the intention is to remain Mennonite, but change a name to be more welcoming, to me that is a bit hypocritical and possibly off putting to people who may come and then find out we're Mennonite. "Why is it not on your sign if that's who you are?" If people will not come because of the name Mennonite on a sign, it's not going to make them feel better when they find out. We are who we are, and we should not make it look otherwise. Be the same inside and out.
Still don't get the Rosedale reference. And if a person is worried that people recognize Mennonite but apply it in the wrong religious sect, then I can't quite understand how adding what seems to be a well known or famous town (I realize that's not what you said the hysteresis was)--how's that really any different. To me, when you have to explain things to people, now you have to explain why you changed the name. And as a newcomer, I'm just not really sure that's the story I want to hear. You know, we didn't think we were attracting enough people so we changed our name. Sigh. So many splinters.... and often, I think in moments like this churches are completely missing the boat on why folks aren't walking through the door.
My point is, the Mennonite portion of the name is extremely important, IMO. The average Christian, let alone your average non-Christian, doesn't really understand what an Anabaptist is. I know what an Anabaptist church means, but I wouldn't have searched for an Anabaptist church on Google, know what I mean? If anything, I would change the "conservative" portion of the conference name. I have no idea what Rosedale is, but "conservative" brings to mind flowered dresses, head scarves, and white tennis shoes. It brings to mind "I care more about what you wear than who you are" kind of vibes. But I think the Mennonite part of the conference name is too important to toss out.
Important Questions Raised:
Who do you want to attract with this name? Or do you want the name to exhibit a purpose?
often, I think in moments like this churches are completely missing the boat on why folks aren't walking through the door.
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