First and foremost we want an extractable trademark.
Ours is a farming community.
I want a trademark more than anything else. I would prefer something that is cheap to put onto sign lightboxes, print, embroider, etc. As much as I like 4 color process, I want the logo to look great in cheap screenprints and b&w xerox prints. BUT don't let that stifle your creativity...if you can knock my socks off with a 4-color process design, I'd rather pay the premium on printing to have the logo of our dreams...
While I like the amazon.com concept the best up above, I have 2 signing fixtures that are round, 1 square, and 1 rectangle. An emblem to fill the round ones or at least a trademark to put on them is great.
Our name is Plains Church but it's OK to say PlainsChurch and subtly add the .org in homage to our website that doesn't exist yet.
In fact, incorporating our website (plainschurch.org) is a plus.
See the following page to get an idea how some template logos incorporate different church themes.
http://www.outreach.com/print/List.asp?sid=4A04C78012B8617F&N=41+15&shopper_id=3732330032%2F5%2F2009+8%3A51%3A39+AM
File formats must at least be .eps and .jpg but may include others.