Church Forward is the new brand identity of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists. The brand, launched late last year, is the result of a process undertaken by convention staff and leaders to determine the vision that would propel the convention into the future.
“The heart behind Church Forward is really born out of the church being the hero of our story,” said Kevin Ferstl, director of communication and worship for KNCSB. Christians, he added, can agree Jesus Christ is the ultimate hero. Through Church Forward, the convention is aiming to champion, celebrate, equip and encourage the church and its leaders.
‘Serving churches, propelling leaders, maximizing partnerships’
Convention leaders began using #ChurchForward on social media last year as they developed the vision and its three guiding principles: serving churches, propelling leaders, and maximizing partnerships.
Church Forward was the theme of the convention’s 2022 annual meeting, and the new name and logo recently launched on its website. Ferstl and Executive Director David Manner explained the change in a video on kncsb.org.
Along with a forward-pointing arrow, the logo includes a gear to symbolize local churches partnering together to advance the gospel.
‘Being known by what you do’
KNCSB is comprised of around 460 churches in the two states and 12 local Baptist associations.
Those churches and associations are still proud of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists, Ferstl said. He likened their new brand to Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s “For the Church” identity. “It’s not that they are not Midwestern,” he said of the seminary. “But again, it’s kind of that ethos of being known by what you do, not just what you are.”
The Church Forward brand is designed to be active, driven and optimistic, reflecting the convention’s mission to serve churches.
“It’s not about the glory of the Kansas-Nebraska Convention of Southern Baptists,” Ferstl said. “It’s about seeing our churches grow and reach people.”
To read more about church branding, click here.
