A verse from the Book of Isaiah has been on my mind lately. “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b ESV) There is a reason why that verse is on my mind, and the words are significant due to the organizational season we are in.
Since March, we have been praying together and listening to one another as we discern the Lord’s will about our name, World Mission Prayer League. Some of you may have joined us for a meeting with our constituents when we presented this idea. We received some vital feedback. It’s spurred us on to continue exploring and considering a name change. If you joined us, this information isn’t new, but we want everyone possible to have the opportunity to hear about this initiative. As supporters of WMPL, we invite you to join us in prayer for this crucial decision.
We are not on a mission to change the name unnecessarily, but there are compelling reasons to consider it. Based on feedback, we understand that there is an openness to discussing a name change. There are some strong opinions that we don’t change, but there is trust in the Lord and openness to his leading. There are several reasons to consider a change, but no single reason alone that compels us to do so. There are also regional concerns with our existing name.
Between a name and tagline, a name should exemplify who you are, give something to rally behind, be memorable, be understandable, invoke a measured response (intellectual, emotional…), and display a focus. Our name is the first impression of “who we are.”
The name, World Mission Prayer League, doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, as Chuck Lindquist, former director of WMPL, said to me some months ago. The word ‘Mission’ is not suitable in some places and can be a security concern, especially when combined with ‘Prayer.’ The word ‘League’ is outdated to many. Having a long name is obsolete, according to external feedback. For example, one response we received during the constituent’s meeting was that pastors or individuals introducing our WMPL workers often stumbled over the name, even if they were familiar with the organization.
Why is considering the input from WMPL’s external audience so important? The external are those whose hearts and ambitions align with WMPL but who are not involved or connected. Two possible indicators of external responses to the WMPL name are a) the growth rate of supporters and b) the growth rate of those seeking to become “workers,” particularly those with no current connection to WMPL. A name is a primary element in a first encounter and impression.
We see biblical examples of God giving a name or a new name to those he chooses. A new name might reveal character or foreshadow a new purpose, role, or future call. Does God have something new in store for WMPL, the world, or new workers that a new name would help usher in?
The name should be founded upon and advance the organization’s intended purpose. One way you can help us is by sending a note answering the question, “Why does WMPL exist?” in five words or less. You can send it to kscott@wmpl.org and kellykinnunen@gmail.com. Your responses will help us see a pattern as God speaks through his people.
We have reached a point where we need to decide on a name to move forward with the development of our communications strategy. Over the next few months, we will have some names and taglines to consider in addition to our existing name and tagline. We might even have a top choice to share at our Annual Meeting in October. Your prayers and responses will be hugely appreciated.
I’m pleased to report that we are in the final stages of hiring a Communications Director, and by the time this article is published, it should be finalized. We look forward to sharing the news soon and praise the Lord for helping us through this several-month search!
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in the ministry of the World Mission Prayer League as we seek to glorify God among the nations through mobilizing people worldwide in prayer for the unreached, praying the Lord of the Harvest to send workers, and equipping and mobilizing the church to proclaim the Good News to those with little or no access to it!