The McNeills have now become The McNeill Project.  Why?  As the ministry has grown and morphed over the last 10 years, the McNeills felt that a new name was in order to more fully express their vision and who they are.  

One big catalyst to the change was children getting married - no longer carrying the McNeill name, but still very much a part.  Although the new band name incorporates McNeill, it allows for broader scope.  The "project" was started by the McNeills, but has grown to include so much more.  A project is defined as "an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim".  That's what The McNeill Project, TMP, is about.  The aim is to spread the gospel of Christ through music and testimony, and even the products that are sold, as well as to encourage the Body of Christ in their journey.

Secondly, and maybe more importantly, the band members are all still a work in progress.  The McNeills want the band name to reflect that they are striving to become more Christlike in all that they do, sing, and play.  Mistakes will made, things will be misinterpreted, and Satan will attack. But, in the end, the prayer is that each band member will stay in God's word, seek His face, walk humbly before Him, and always strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  

Lastly, having never foreseen being on such a journey - not growing up singing or in the "industry" - the new name reflects the McNeills desire to continue to grow and transform into the ministry God desires until their job is complete - God calls them Home or in a different direction.   TMP desires to follow God's direction and not man.  It can be a hard task.