Third Presbyterian Church is in the process of being renamed
GracePoint. Here is a brief overview of the why and how we
arrived at our new name.
Why a New Name?
One of the negotiated terms for our transfer from the PCUSA was
that we change our church name within two years of our dismissal.
The rationale for this requirement was that the ordinal name of
“Third” connected us historically to the other two PCUSA
congregations in Dubuque. With our transfer to the Evangelical
Presbyterian Church denomination, we are no longer the
“third” of the PCUSA churches in Dubuque.
How Did We Decide?
Changing the name of a congregation that was borne more than 117
years ago was no small or easy decision. This congregation and
its elected Elders took a year and a half to pray, fast, and study to
seek our Lord’s wisdom. We conducted many congregational
meetings and surveys to solicit abundant input so that this decision
could be made in unity.
What Principles Guided Our Decision?
Our goal in selecting a new name was that it:
• captured the new vision our Lord has imparted as to identity and missional outreach,
• was a Spirit-led and congregationally-influenced decision,
• was both theologically rich yet contemporarily relevant, and
• somehow included a reference to location.
Why GracePoint?
Here are the advantages to this name:
• GracePoint
captures our God-given vision of becoming a place of grace that
reclaims the captive, restores the wounded, and redeploys the equipped.
• It incorporates both a theological and contemporary element without being too trendy.
• Having “Point” as part of the name
gives us a locational element in that we are located in the
“Point” area of Dubuque.
• It lends itself to thematic use (e.g. GracePlace for Kids, Grace Groups, etc).
While our name and vision has changed, some foundational elements of
what has characterized this faith community more than 117 years will
never change. We will not abandon the heritage laid down a
century ago by faithful saints from this congregation. This
heritage includes a commitment of faithful service to the community and
world; of proclaiming and teaching the whole, inspired, infallible,
authoritative Word of God; and nurturing the people of God all of ages
in the love and grace of Christ. We will not compromise on being
Reformed, Presbyterian, or Evangelical. We will absolutely not
compromise on proclaiming the full gospel of Jesus Christ calling all
to repentance, to new life, and to a life of holy discipleship in the
Holy Spirit.
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