Logos and branding

Why do so many groups have logos and branding? Do they help or hinder Kingdom unity?

We live in an era where professional, stylish logos seem to be critical for any organization. It can be one of the first things to do when establishing a new entity... branding!

Can you imagine Peter or Paul or other first century believers discussing a logo? Paul was able to say 30 years after the resurrection that the entire known world had heard of the Lord's life, death, and resurrection. No logo was needed! Interestingly, the sign of the fish (ichthys) was only introduced as a secret symbol in the 2nd century for those who were being persecuted. Yes, the logo was secret!

In today's world, logos in faith-based organizations are everywhere, and we often identify ourselves by our logo. But why do we need them? Do we only have a logo because others have one?

The critical question is this: is a logo helpful to us being known by our love for one another? Scripture says we should be known for our love, not just our logo. Does your logo divide or contribute to a spirit of competition with others? What is our primary concern? It is the billions of people who have never heard of Jesus.

God has given us a deep desire to belong. If you know Christ, the scriptures say we are part of His family – we belong to God. That is our primary belonging. Let’s keep this in mind as we design our logos.

1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

They will know of our faith by our ... logos? No, not by our logos, but by our love. Too often today, we are known by our branding that distinguishes and separates us from others, rather than our unity.