Rebranding Hilliard Church of Christ FAQ’s…

 

Is HCC Growing?

In the beginning months of 2021, the average Sunday attendance on campus was 145. In 2024, the average Sunday attendance was 253. So far in 2025, we are averaging 258, and there are about 450 individuals who have attended a Sunday morning worship service this year.

Why are we growing? COVID-19 is over, and some (not many) have returned to worship in person. In 2022, we established new elders as well as vision, mission, and values. In 2023, we incorporated a 3-year strategic plan involving evangelism, discipleship, and the next generation. We are healthier, and healthy things grow.

What have our elders been up to?

We have been evaluating our church and asking God to remove any hindrance that would keep people from coming to know Jesus here at HCC. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to come to know Jesus at HCC. We have been fasting and praying. We have been having some very difficult conversations about rebranding Hilliard Church of Christ from Church of Christ to Christian Church. We know that not everybody is going to like the idea, and change is difficult. We wish we didn’t even have to consider the question: Should we change our church name? However, we agree that the name “Church of Christ” can be a hindrance to some people.

Why change our church’s name?

  1. Brand Confusion with liberal churches that have diluted the name with worldly concepts against the Bible, and very legalistic churches that feel cultlike in their practices. Unfortunately, there is too much stigma and negativity associated with the name Church of Christ.

  2. Better Branding Can Occur. Names mean everything. Nicknames are terms of endearment. Joseph of Cyprus was better known by his nickname Barnabas, which means son of encouragement. Over the past several years, Hilliard Church of Christ has earned the nicknames HCC and The Hill. We want people to know that we are a Christian Church, which means belonging to Christ.

  3. We want our church to grow. Again, we want to remove any hindrance that would keep people from coming to church here

What are the next steps?

  • The final decision on a new name will be determined by the elders and ministry staff of our church.

  • You may submit suggestions for a new name to one of the elders in person or via email.

  • Once we determine what the new name is, legally, we will file a fictitious name with the state of Ohio. We will still be Hilliard Church of Christ, but doing business as the new name.

  • We currently do not have a timeline. We want to take our time with this.

  • We will then begin rebranding our name wherever it appears with the new name – signage, website, social media, print media, etc.

  • What will NOT change is our doctrine.