Dear Church Family,
Over the past several years, God has been doing something beautiful in and through our church. New families are finding a home here, people are growing deeper in their faith, and our congregation is becoming increasingly connected to the wider Dripping Springs community. As we have prayed about the next season of our ministry, the Session has considered how our church’s name can best communicate who we are and help us reach people who may not yet have a church home. This conversation began as we explored ways to open our church doors to a wider audience, expanding our outreach to people who may be deterred by a title. The best church research indicates that denominational language is a barrier for people when deciding whether to attend church, especially for those who are considering attending for the first time. Our goal has been and always will be to bring people to Christ, and we feel this is our opportunity to enable that mission. After a season of prayer, conversation and discernment, this Session is recommending that we begin doing ministry under the name:
Dripping Springs Community Church
This would be a DBA—“doing business as”—name. Our legal identity will remain Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. We are not leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA), changing our theology, or separating from Mission Presbytery. We remain grateful for our Presbyterian heritage and committed to our connection with the wider church. Mission Presbytery has been informed throughout this process, and all proposed changes have been communicated to presbytery leadership. They understand and support this direction as a faithful effort to strengthen our ministry within the Dripping Springs community.
So why consider a new public-facing name?
For many people who did not grow up in church, denominational names can feel unfamiliar or may create assumptions before they ever walk through the doors. We want our name to communicate clearly that this is a church for the whole Dripping Springs community—a place where people can gather in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go into the world to love and serve their neighbors. This change is not about abandoning our past. It is about carrying the best of our past faithfully into the future. The church is not ultimately defined by the name on its sign, but by the name we proclaim: Jesus Christ. Paul writes that in Christ, the distinctions that so often divide us no longer determine our identity, because “Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). Jesus also prayed that his followers would be one so that the world might believe (John 17:21). Our hope is that this name will reflect that invitation and help us welcome people from a wide variety of backgrounds into a Christ-centered community.
We know that the name Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church carries deep meaning for many people. It represents baptisms, weddings, funerals, friendships, answered prayers, and generations of faithful ministry. We honor that history, and we want to approach this decision with gratitude, patience, and care. We will discuss the recommendation and answer questions at a congregational meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, August 30. We hope you will join us as we pray, listen to one another, and discern this next step together.
Following the congregational meeting, we plan to officially begin using the name Dripping Springs Community Church on Sunday, October 4. That morning, we will celebrate both the faithful story God has already written through our church and the new season of ministry before us. More details about the celebration and transition will be shared in the coming weeks. Whatever name appears on our sign, our calling remains the same: to gather in the presence of God, grow into the likeness of Christ, and go in the power of the Holy Spirit.
With gratitude for all God has done—and hope for all that lies ahead,
Pastor Mitch
On behalf of the Session
Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church
Over the past several years, God has been doing something beautiful in and through our church. New families are finding a home here, people are growing deeper in their faith, and our congregation is becoming increasingly connected to the wider Dripping Springs community. As we have prayed about the next season of our ministry, the Session has considered how our church’s name can best communicate who we are and help us reach people who may not yet have a church home. This conversation began as we explored ways to open our church doors to a wider audience, expanding our outreach to people who may be deterred by a title. The best church research indicates that denominational language is a barrier for people when deciding whether to attend church, especially for those who are considering attending for the first time. Our goal has been and always will be to bring people to Christ, and we feel this is our opportunity to enable that mission. After a season of prayer, conversation and discernment, this Session is recommending that we begin doing ministry under the name:
Dripping Springs Community Church
This would be a DBA—“doing business as”—name. Our legal identity will remain Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church. We are not leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA), changing our theology, or separating from Mission Presbytery. We remain grateful for our Presbyterian heritage and committed to our connection with the wider church. Mission Presbytery has been informed throughout this process, and all proposed changes have been communicated to presbytery leadership. They understand and support this direction as a faithful effort to strengthen our ministry within the Dripping Springs community.
So why consider a new public-facing name?
For many people who did not grow up in church, denominational names can feel unfamiliar or may create assumptions before they ever walk through the doors. We want our name to communicate clearly that this is a church for the whole Dripping Springs community—a place where people can gather in worship, grow as disciples of Jesus, and go into the world to love and serve their neighbors. This change is not about abandoning our past. It is about carrying the best of our past faithfully into the future. The church is not ultimately defined by the name on its sign, but by the name we proclaim: Jesus Christ. Paul writes that in Christ, the distinctions that so often divide us no longer determine our identity, because “Christ is all, and is in all” (Colossians 3:11). Jesus also prayed that his followers would be one so that the world might believe (John 17:21). Our hope is that this name will reflect that invitation and help us welcome people from a wide variety of backgrounds into a Christ-centered community.
We know that the name Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church carries deep meaning for many people. It represents baptisms, weddings, funerals, friendships, answered prayers, and generations of faithful ministry. We honor that history, and we want to approach this decision with gratitude, patience, and care. We will discuss the recommendation and answer questions at a congregational meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, August 30. We hope you will join us as we pray, listen to one another, and discern this next step together.
Following the congregational meeting, we plan to officially begin using the name Dripping Springs Community Church on Sunday, October 4. That morning, we will celebrate both the faithful story God has already written through our church and the new season of ministry before us. More details about the celebration and transition will be shared in the coming weeks. Whatever name appears on our sign, our calling remains the same: to gather in the presence of God, grow into the likeness of Christ, and go in the power of the Holy Spirit.
With gratitude for all God has done—and hope for all that lies ahead,
Pastor Mitch
On behalf of the Session
Dripping Springs Presbyterian Church
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are we changing our name?
After prayer, discussion, and discernment, our Session believes that the name Dripping Springs Community Church better reflects our desire to help people in our community encounter Jesus
Christ. This change is rooted in mission, not theology. We want to remove unnecessary barriers for those who may be unfamiliar with church traditions, denominations, or Christianity itself while
remaining faithful to who God has called us to be.
2. Are we leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
No.
We will remain a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our denominational affiliation, governance, and relationships within the Presbytery are not changing.
3. Are our beliefs changing?
No.
Our commitment to Scripture, the lordship of Jesus Christ, historic Christian faith, and our Presbyterian theology remains unchanged. This is a name change, not a theological change.
4. Why not keep "Presbyterian" in the name?
We are deeply grateful for our Presbyterian heritage and continue to value it.At the same time, many people in our community have little familiarity with denominations or church traditions. For some, denominational labels can create confusion or assumptions before they ever meet us. Our hope is that a simpler name will help more people feel comfortable taking a first step toward
visiting our church.
5. Are we ashamed of being Presbyterian?
Not at all.
We are thankful for the ways the Presbyterian tradition has shaped our church, including our commitment to Scripture, discipleship, mission, and shared leadership. This is not about distancing ourselves from our heritage. It is about making our first introduction to the community as clear and welcoming as possible.
6. Why "Community Church"?
The word "community" reflects our desire to be a church deeply rooted in the people and place God has called us to serve. It communicates that we are committed to loving our neighbors, serving our town, making
disciples, and helping people find a place to belong. Most importantly, it reflects our desire to welcome all people into a community centered on Jesus Christ.
7. Is this a move toward becoming a non-denominational church?
No.
Our denominational affiliation remains unchanged. The name reflects how we introduce ourselves publicly, not a change in governance, theology, or accountability.
8. Will church leadership change?
No.
Our Session, leadership structure, staff, and governance will remain the same.
9. Will worship change?
No.
Our worship services, preaching, ministries, and discipleship programs will continue as they are today. As always, we will continue seeking ways to grow and improve ministry, but those efforts are
unrelated to the name change.
10. Why make this change now?
Dripping Springs continues to grow rapidly, and many of the people moving into our community have little experience with church or denominational life. As we look toward the future, we want to ensure that our name helps us engage our neighbors rather than creating confusion or barriers. We believe this is an opportunity to position our church to better reach the next generation while remaining faithful to our mission.
11. Is this change political?
No.
The change is not connected to politics or political movements. Our desire is to remain focused on Jesus Christ, the mission of the Church, and the local
community God has entrusted to us. We believe the Church is strongest when people from different backgrounds and perspectives are united in Christ.
12. What will happen to our mission?
Nothing.
Our mission remains the same. We remain committed to worshiping God, making disciples, serving our community, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
13. What will happen to our ministries?
Nothing.
All existing ministries, programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships will continue.
14. Will this cost money?
Some costs will be associated with updating signs, printed materials, digital resources, and branding. The Session is committed to being wise stewards of church resources and will seek to make this
transition responsibly and gradually.
15. What happens to our history?
Our history remains an important part of who we are. We honor the generations of faithful members, pastors, elders, staff, and volunteers who built and sustained this church. A new name does not erase our story. It becomes the next chapter of that story.
16. What is changing?
• Our public name
• Some signage and communication materials
• How we introduce ourselves to the community
17. What is NOT changing?
• Our faith in Jesus Christ
• Our commitment to Scripture
• Our mission
• Our values
• Our leadership
• Our Presbyterian theology
• Our denomination
• Our love for this community
18. What biblical principles guided this decision?
The Session has been especially guided by Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:22: "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." Paul never changed the message of the gospel, but he was willing to remove unnecessary barriers so that more people could encounter Jesus Christ. We believe this name change follows that same principle.
19. How can I share my thoughts or ask questions?
We welcome your questions and feedback.
Please speak with a pastor, elder, or staff member. We want this process to be marked by prayer, unity, honesty, and grace as we discern God's leading together.
Contact Info -
Pastor Mitch - mitchk@dspres.org , 512-704-4293
Elders - dspc@dspres.org , 512-969-2116
After prayer, discussion, and discernment, our Session believes that the name Dripping Springs Community Church better reflects our desire to help people in our community encounter Jesus
Christ. This change is rooted in mission, not theology. We want to remove unnecessary barriers for those who may be unfamiliar with church traditions, denominations, or Christianity itself while
remaining faithful to who God has called us to be.
2. Are we leaving the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
No.
We will remain a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our denominational affiliation, governance, and relationships within the Presbytery are not changing.
3. Are our beliefs changing?
No.
Our commitment to Scripture, the lordship of Jesus Christ, historic Christian faith, and our Presbyterian theology remains unchanged. This is a name change, not a theological change.
4. Why not keep "Presbyterian" in the name?
We are deeply grateful for our Presbyterian heritage and continue to value it.At the same time, many people in our community have little familiarity with denominations or church traditions. For some, denominational labels can create confusion or assumptions before they ever meet us. Our hope is that a simpler name will help more people feel comfortable taking a first step toward
visiting our church.
5. Are we ashamed of being Presbyterian?
Not at all.
We are thankful for the ways the Presbyterian tradition has shaped our church, including our commitment to Scripture, discipleship, mission, and shared leadership. This is not about distancing ourselves from our heritage. It is about making our first introduction to the community as clear and welcoming as possible.
6. Why "Community Church"?
The word "community" reflects our desire to be a church deeply rooted in the people and place God has called us to serve. It communicates that we are committed to loving our neighbors, serving our town, making
disciples, and helping people find a place to belong. Most importantly, it reflects our desire to welcome all people into a community centered on Jesus Christ.
7. Is this a move toward becoming a non-denominational church?
No.
Our denominational affiliation remains unchanged. The name reflects how we introduce ourselves publicly, not a change in governance, theology, or accountability.
8. Will church leadership change?
No.
Our Session, leadership structure, staff, and governance will remain the same.
9. Will worship change?
No.
Our worship services, preaching, ministries, and discipleship programs will continue as they are today. As always, we will continue seeking ways to grow and improve ministry, but those efforts are
unrelated to the name change.
10. Why make this change now?
Dripping Springs continues to grow rapidly, and many of the people moving into our community have little experience with church or denominational life. As we look toward the future, we want to ensure that our name helps us engage our neighbors rather than creating confusion or barriers. We believe this is an opportunity to position our church to better reach the next generation while remaining faithful to our mission.
11. Is this change political?
No.
The change is not connected to politics or political movements. Our desire is to remain focused on Jesus Christ, the mission of the Church, and the local
community God has entrusted to us. We believe the Church is strongest when people from different backgrounds and perspectives are united in Christ.
12. What will happen to our mission?
Nothing.
Our mission remains the same. We remain committed to worshiping God, making disciples, serving our community, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
13. What will happen to our ministries?
Nothing.
All existing ministries, programs, outreach efforts, and partnerships will continue.
14. Will this cost money?
Some costs will be associated with updating signs, printed materials, digital resources, and branding. The Session is committed to being wise stewards of church resources and will seek to make this
transition responsibly and gradually.
15. What happens to our history?
Our history remains an important part of who we are. We honor the generations of faithful members, pastors, elders, staff, and volunteers who built and sustained this church. A new name does not erase our story. It becomes the next chapter of that story.
16. What is changing?
• Our public name
• Some signage and communication materials
• How we introduce ourselves to the community
17. What is NOT changing?
• Our faith in Jesus Christ
• Our commitment to Scripture
• Our mission
• Our values
• Our leadership
• Our Presbyterian theology
• Our denomination
• Our love for this community
18. What biblical principles guided this decision?
The Session has been especially guided by Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:22: "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." Paul never changed the message of the gospel, but he was willing to remove unnecessary barriers so that more people could encounter Jesus Christ. We believe this name change follows that same principle.
19. How can I share my thoughts or ask questions?
We welcome your questions and feedback.
Please speak with a pastor, elder, or staff member. We want this process to be marked by prayer, unity, honesty, and grace as we discern God's leading together.
Contact Info -
Pastor Mitch - mitchk@dspres.org , 512-704-4293
Elders - dspc@dspres.org , 512-969-2116