Tim Dearborn [course coauthor and teacher] emails the Planning Team, "I met with Pastor Dan. He's very supportive of the course, but we need a new name."

He types a few ideas, "'Whole Life for a Whole World: Finding Our Place in God's Adventure'? or 'Wholeness: Flourishing God's Way'? ...hmmm... eager for your thoughts."

Lynne Faris Blessing, Outreach Pastor, swiftly replies, "How about 'Whole Life for the Whole World: Living God's Way', or 'Fully Living Out of the Fullness of God's Love' - that God's Dreams for this World be Fulfilled', or 'Finding Our Part in the Fulfillment of God's Promises'."

She sends an afterthought, "What about 'Loving God by Participating in God's Purposes for the World'?"

Tim types back, "Good thinking on this. What about 'Living in the Fullness of God's Love: Participating in God's Purposes for the World'?" Later Tim adds, "What do you think of: 'That the World Might Flourish; Fully Living in the Love of God'?"

The October Briefs uses this title. By the November Briefs the title has changed to 'Fully Alive! Participating in God's Love for the World'.

Tim emails in mid-November, "I'm not convinced, yet, about our title."

Lynne concurs, "I admit I've also had lingering reservations. I'm wary of promising we'll come out feeling fully alive!"

She types her reasons, "One of our goals is to help people confront the harsh realities of our world — helping people navigate the next steps they take, walking with Jesus through a very confusing, pain-filled world."

The Team meets over coffee and Tim is enthusiastic, "What about Dynamis for a title?" The Team looks puzzled-just what Tim is hoping for, "Dynamis. The Greek word for power in Acts 1:8. You will receive power (dynamis) when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses."

In short and for the long run, the Team chooses Dynamis. Tim signs "T" to the email confirming the final name,

"'Dynamis:
Empowered to Participate
in God's Love for the World'."