The possibility of changing our name did not arise from the Leadership Council, ministers, or staff. Over the past several years, a number of congregants have independently raised questions about whether Unity Church of Overland Park still accurately reflects who we are and where we are located.
At a Sharing Circle earlier this year, one congregant brought the question to the larger group. They asked whether it might be time for our congregation to consider a name change, especially since we are no longer located in Overland Park. The conversation also included questions about the word “Church” and whether it welcomes people into our community or creates a barrier for some.
Those gathered (about 30) expressed strong support for exploring the question. This was not a decision to change the name. It was simply an indication that the question deserved a thoughtful congregational conversation.
The NameQuest Team was formed to create a transparent, inclusive, and spiritually grounded process for that conversation.
And that is where we are now: exploring the question.
No decision has been made to change our name. No new names are being considered. No vote is currently planned. Before we ask whether we should continue exploring a possible name change, we want everyone to understand why the question arose, what might be gained or lost, and what feelings the possibility brings up.
Our current name carries history, familiarity, and meaning. It has represented this spiritual community for decades and has been carried forward by generations of people who have loved, served, and shaped UCOP. There is plenty of value in keeping our name as it is.
At the same time, those who have brought this idea forward have named several reasons they believe the question is worth exploring:
These concerns do not automatically mean our name should change. They are reasons some members of our community believe it is time to ask the question. Others may feel equally strongly that our current name continues to serve us well.
Our first task is not to decide who is right. It is to listen carefully to the whole congregation.
Neither choice is without consequence. Both possibilities carry something of value, and both ask something of us. That is why this deserves discernment rather than a quick reaction.
For now, we are simply listening.
The NameQuest Team has created a table in the Community Connections room where you can learn more and share your thoughts. You may also use the comment box below at any time.
After the congregation has had time to learn, reflect, and respond, we will ask one initial question:
Should we continue exploring the possibility of changing our name?
That will not be a vote on a new name. It will determine whether the congregation wants to take the next step in the journey.
If the answer is yes, we will then create a participatory process for identifying what a name should communicate, how possibilities will be generated, and how a final decision will be made. If the answer is no, that is also a meaningful and legitimate outcome.
We are also inviting NameQuest Ambassadors to help keep the congregation informed. Ambassadors do not have to join the team or support a particular outcome. They simply commit to staying informed, encouraging participation, answering what they can, and helping others know how to share their thoughts.
This spiritual community belongs to its congregation. Its name carries our history, tells part of our story, and introduces us to people we have not yet met. Whatever we ultimately decide, we want the process to reflect the openness, love, courage, and spiritual depth of the community itself.
For now, we invite you to listen, wonder, and share:
What thoughts, feelings, hopes, questions, or concerns come up for you as our congregation considers whether to explore a possible name change? What do you value about our current name, and what possibilities or concerns do you see in considering something new?
This Reflection Box is for listening and discernment. It is not a vote or survey.
