The Rebrand - FAQ

We are an apostolic, regional, governing church that exists to bring light to the world. We are a gateway church, anointed to teach, train, and release men, women, and children to do the works of Jesus Christ. We are a prophetic people and a community of worshippers who love the presence of God and seek to share His presence with others. By God’s grace, we will faithfully steward the gifts given to us and contribute to the advancement of His kingdom in the Greater MKE area and beyond.

Equipping kingdom believers for the work of ministry so all can fulfill the Great Commission and express the heart of God through demonstration of the Great Commandment.

Over the last 8 years, the faith community formerly known as Parklawn Assembly of God has received multiple prophetic words that have revealed His plans and purpose for the ministry. Through much prayer, reflection, and wise consultation, the Lord’s dream for the ministry has become clearer. The Covid-19 pandemic required the church to pivot in ways that hadn’t previously been considered. It signaled the need for the ministry to shift in critical areas, to effectively meet the needs of the congregation and community, both presently and in the future.

We’re focused on where we are going, not where we’ve been. We celebrate all ministry milestones and the associated memorials. Yet, God has invited us to join a divine movement. Even as the Spirit of God moved upon the waters in the beginning, God is moving in the earth (Genesis 1:1-2). He calls us to be a people who move with Him, a people who follow His lead. In sum, we are following God into the future.

In the Fall of 2021, Facebook CEO/Founder, Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook was changing its name to Meta. On the company website, a very brief explanation for the name change is provided: “The metaverse is the next evolution of social connection. Our company’s vision is to help bring the metaverse to life, so we are changing our name to reflect our commitment to this future.” It is apparent, based on this statement, that Mr. Zuckerberg and his team are committed to exploring new frontiers and blazing new paths in their domain. We are committed to doing the same. This rebrand reflects our commitment to the future God has planned for the ministry.

Updated August 2022

It’s common for companies and organizations to rebrand and change their name as part of the process. We entities rebrand they reset their focus, reorder priorities, and re-present ourselves to the broader community. When groups rebrand, they clarify who they are, they establish their identity, and set fresh expectations.

The new name of the church is, The Embassy Center MKE. An ambassador is a member of an embassy. An embassy is the group of people that represent the home country. They work on behalf of the nation or kingdom they represent. An embassy is also the building where these individuals conduct national business. This is governmental in nature, and this is the assignment that God has called our movement to fulfill. Our home country is heaven (Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:19). We work on behalf of the King and His government

The name “Embassy” speaks to our governing mandate, our sending mandate, and our diplomacy work (negotiating peace or the ministry of reconciliation; 2 Cor. 5:20). It reveals our understanding of ambassadorship and the true work of the ministry, which is work inside the building that has reach and impact outside the walls of the church building. “Embassy” conveys our prioritization of the prerogatives of the kingdom of heaven above anything else (Matthew 6:33).

The term “Center” suggests a nexus, link, and hub for important activity that affects the total person. It is important that 21st century ministries have capacity to “show up” in the community in a multi-dimensional way. Our desire is to be a “city of refuge”, a place of hope, truth, empowerment, and compassion whereby neighbors recognize church as a place to meet the needs of entire families.
The designation, “MKE”, refers to location. We believe in the principle of multiplication and growth beyond the borders of MKE. We are anointed to raise up and release ambassadors to do the work of ministry in other locales.

Yes, previously this movement has been named: MKE Gospel Center, Milwaukee Gospel Tabernacle, and Glad Tidings Gospel Center Church, and most recently Parklawn Assembly of God.
Updated August 2022

The name Parklawn Assembly of God will be archived and will cease to be used for business or other matters of public significance.

The name change was effective June 2022.

The primary change will be with our programmatic emphases. More attention will be given to community collaboration and efforts to teach, train, release congregants to function in an ambassadorial capacity. Stated differently, there will be clear pathways for growth and engagement so all can recognize that ministry is not limited to location and a time slot. All kingdom believers are in full time ministry.

There may be unfolding structural changes over time. Some auxiliaries that were based at the church campus may be phased out or revamped for stronger alignment with our refreshed missional commitments. Great emphasis will be placed on each person living “on mission”. Discipleship is our priority. Discipleship is for everyone.

We will still host and feature special events on campus, but we will also strongly encourage congregants to imagine what ministry looks like where they live, work, study, and play.

Initially, members will be faced with the need to adjust to a different church name. This will impact members differently, depending on the length of their membership. Persons who’ve been members for a longer period of time may experience the change in a way that newer members will not. Further, impact also depends on the nature of experiences persons or families have had under the banner of Parklawn Assembly of God (e.g., weddings, baptisms, salvations, etc.)

Members will be encouraged and perhaps challenged to see themselves as more than members of an organization. Through various teaching series and moments of exhortation, members will be asked to stretch, to expand their perception of ministry and their role in ministry. Words such as disciple, disciple-maker, and ambassador will be used strategically and intentionally to call members “up” and “in” to fresh purpose and bright, new possibilities.

As it pertains to financial or other more formal affairs, members will have to use to name The Embassy Center MKE on documents.

Yes, the name on the outside of the church building will change. Plans are underway for new outdoor signage. Signage inside the building will be updated as well.

There will not be immediate changes in church leadership or governance. Those who serve as Elders, Pastors, or Commissioned Ministers will continue to serve in their capacity. The current structure with our Elder Board and Bishop Harvey as our apostolic covering will remain intact.

At the same time, the expanded church vision and new direction will present leadership opportunities for persons who previously weren’t engaged in leadership. Their skillset(s) and knowledge may be in demand based on our objectives, goals, and strategies. Likewise, others who have served in specific capacities may observe a shift in the need for them to lead as they’ve led for years. Some auxiliaries, programs, or efforts may be phased out.

Yes, the rebrand was announced to the community. We invited a marketing firm to assist the ministry with a social strategy that effectively conveyed “what” occurred and provided platforms to further share our “why”. Some specific modes of communication included, but were not limited to a press release, letters to partners and vendors, and website updates.

No, the denomination/affiliation with the Assemblies of God will not change. The Embassy Center MKE will continue to embrace and promote the Assembly of God Statement of Fundamental Truths and participate in the Wisconsin/Northern Michigan District of the Assemblies of God.

The church bylaws do not call for a membership vote for a name change. Our current process has been as follows:

  • Proposal of name change by Lead pastor to church Elder Board along with its impact on vision, mission, and direction.
  • Discussion of the proposal.
  • Motion to approve a name change by a member of the Elder Board.
  • A second motion to approve a name change by a member of the Elder Board.
  • Opportunity for further discussion.
  • An official vote among the Elder Board for the approval of the name change. Motion carries with the majority vote.
  • A resolution from the Elder Board for the name change is presented to the church congregation.
  • Senior Pastor expounds upon the impact of the name change is presented to the church congregation.
  • Church bylaws are updated to reflect the new name.