Why the name?

Author: Pastor Kalen Brown

Why the name, "Church For The City"?

For years, this church has been known as City Church. As most of you know, our original location was in downtown Billings. The initial reason behind the name was to communicate a desire to be inclusive. In decades past, the word "community" was a word that communicated relationship, closeness and family. In our day, the word "city" is much more modern, and captures a culturally relevant feel.

In the last few years, there has been a shift in emphasis and direction that I feel the Lord is directing us toward. There has always been a foundational value, that we as the people of God are supposed to be a positive influence in our world. Even as a church, we look for the various needs that no one else is addressing, and try to be a constant presence for those needs. It has become more and more clear, that God is calling us to be “for the city.” Even as God called His people in Jeremiah 29:7 to, “...seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." 

So I find myself constantly thinking about how we as the people of God, both corporately and individually, can be more available to be an influence, a "church for the city".

I think the decision was made in the spring of 2019, for a name change, when the Lord spoke over our Church prophetically; “hands of mercy ....a house that is known for a city church, indeed a church for the city, because you love your city, and you love your community.” I want us to be known as a, "Church for the City", for the Lord has certainly carried us here!