1 Year Ago Today.

Sunday, September 30th, 2007 - the day we showed that we mean it when we say we will do whatever it takes to reach people for Christ.

Sunday, September 30th, 2007 was the day


voted to become
.

Why did we do that? Why change the name that name "worked" for over 25 years?

- Because 25 years ago, the term "Baptist" didn't mean what it does today.
- Because over and over and over and over and over again, we had people who would invite friends, family, and coworkers who wouldn't come because of the Baptist label.
- Because of the dozens and dozens of former Catholics who would come but were nervous to let their family know they come to a Baptist church because their families would make them feel like they betrayed them.
- Because having the term "Vista" confused people, since there are 3 other churches within a 5 mile radius that have the term "Vista" in their names.
- Because ...and this is the main reason why ...because the name of a church should NEVER get in the way of the mission of a church - and that's EXACTLY what was happening when we were Vista del Sol Baptist Church. That name was long, wordy, confusing, and worst of all was a barrier to non-believers.

So did we think that the moment we dropped the "Baptist", we would see tremendous growth? No. Was it some ploy to try to manufacture growth? Absolutely not.
Was it something that we as the leadership firmly believed (and still believe) with all our hearts would make it easier for the lost to come to a place where they could become found by Jesus? Yes!

Did we lose some people because of it? Yes, a few. Have we seen any numerical growth because of our new name? Actually ...yes. We've constantly seen significantly higher attendance ever since the name change.

So thanks, Vista del Sol Baptist Church, for being willing to step out of your comfort zone and do what we need to do to reach the lost. Thank you for adjusting to our new schedule and our new GrowGroups system in order for us to be more effective at reaching the lost and discipling the found.

1 year ago today was the day when more than ever, I saw that my church family is serious about reaching those who don't know Jesus. It's been an amazing journey, and I believe that the brightest days for Del Sol Church are just ahead of us.

I'm proud of you, Del Sol Church!