More on the Logo

According to a news release put out by Church of God Ministries today the new logo revealed without much fanfare Monday is only something they are "experimenting" with. They are seeking feedback on the new design.

Also included in the release are some explanations for the design elements of the logo. It helps explain what went into it, but it fails to tell a compelling story. That is disappointing. I believe that there is much more that could be said about the logo as it is.

Apart from these weak launch details, I really do like the logo. The previous logo is over 30 years old, and does not connect with our constituency or the wider world today. Most of the comments I have heard have been positive. Of course there are the naysayers who dislike change or who do not really get the significance of a logo and the identity and symbolism it provides for us.

With all the talk about "Be Bold" the last few days I do not understand the timidity with which this logo is being presented. We will never get consensus on a new logo, and if anything waffling will only cause confusion. The homework has been done. Let's move forward with this new identity. At minimum it expresses that a new day has dawned.

Time to Be Bold

Today Church of God Ministries is announcing one of the biggest changes in the history of the North American region of our movement. This is a developing story that will see more details emerge in the coming weeks and is only part of what should be a fresh new direction for the Church of God.

This is not surprising. Our new General Director, Jim Lyon, is prepared to lead and there is always a certain amount of latitude given to a leader at the beginning of his/her to make big changes. He has been hinting for several weeks on his Twitter feed that changes would be announced this month, utilizing hashtags like #StayTuned, #WorthWaitingFor and #JesusIsTheSubject.

The most obvious change concerns the 2014 Convention, something we've known for awhile would be coming. But, now we have the details. The theme will be "Be Bold" and is appropriate considering the magnitude of the shifts being planned. Here are the key points so far:

1. It will now be referred to as the "Church of God Convention". Website: www.chogconvention.org

2. The event will be shorter, running Monday through Thursday, June 23-26.

3. Convention location is Oklahoma City at Crossings Church. Services will be simulcast back to Anderson.

4. The convention will consist only of plenary sessions. No conferences. No childrens and youth programs, etc.

5. The General Assembly will take place at various times throughout the convention.

6. A wide range of significant speakers and musicians have been announced (e.g. Anne Graham Lotz and Sandi Patty) and some others will be revealed at a later date.

These are more than tweaks. This is a complete reset of what our annual gathering will be. And, I am impressed as I believe that it offers an opportunity for the convention to take on new meaning that is relevant and practical for our time.

Another significant change unveiled today (albeit without fanfare or explanation) is a new Church of God logo. The old flames logo was so dated and in need of a major refresh. The new convention website as well as the beta version of the new Church of God Ministries site (www.jesusisthesubject.org) feature the new logo. It looks real good as a dignified and contemporary representation, and should help reinforce our strengthening identity and direction. Hopefully they will soon provide us the story of the logo.

These are exciting times.

It's time to Be Bold!