First let me say God Bless your new ministry. My father has been a pastor for 30 years, and we have experienced the joys...and trials of a new church plant. I pray the Lord will guide you through this exciting time!
I Always take a different approach when designing Church logos because I recognize the importance of what they represent.
I generally stay away from generic imagery (Crosses etc...unless they are requested. This icon needs to represent YOUR ministry, and speak of what YOUR calling is for it.
For this first concept, i drew on Jer. 29:11 as inspiration...(I cant forget this verse...My wife wrote it in the front of my Bible years ago when we were just dating) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you HOPE and a future."
The icon shows a light coming over the curved horizon...signifying a new dawn...or in your case a new HOPE.
Please feel free to offer any suggestions or feedback.
I put 4 hearts together to form a butterfly. The hearts are the body coming together to give hope to a hurting world and attempt to invoke change...The butterfly is a nice way to symbolize hope. The transformation that happens within a person when they truly meet God is a transforming event....much like the cycle of a butterfly's change.
Keep in mind also that the layout is completely interchangeable on all of these. The wordmarks can be placed anywhere as can the logo, so once you have decided on the logo direction, you can then decide if that layout is right or if it needs tweaking.
Wow, I am loving what you are putting together. In looking at you other work my wife and I really like thewell logo. if you could go in that direction more it would be cool.
Another thought for your design would be to incorporate the Narrows Bridge into our mark. Also, could I see the word HOPE in one solid blue color? I would like to see Robin's egg blue mixed with sky blue? Also, could I see dots between love, live, lead?
Thank you for your incredible efforts and your desire to see people reached because of our logo.
Uh Oh...Looks like some of my friends brought their A-game...LOL
Well here is a new idea. I took my original idea and simply rotate it 45 degrees. I then added two lines to form an "H" and a bridge. You still have the idea of a hopeful new dawn incorporated as well. This is just one color idea...of course color options are endless. I will submit a few variations, but feel free to offer suggestions.
Thanks again, Looks like your decision is getting tougher!
I know Athy has a strong entry, so at this late hour you may have already decided.
I did have one more concept for you, It is a bridge forming an "H" with a heart appearing in negative space at the bottom. I also softened the wordmark a little bit from my previous entries.
Thanks again, and I pray no matter what you choose that God will be glorified and your new mark will help you as you spread His good news.