Coming to Terms with Church Terms

by William Cowles

A recent comment by a popular Pastor started me thinking about the “church-speak” terms we use. This Pastor pointedly put us on the spot when he asked, “What’s so appealing about ‘Sunday School?’ Kids go to school all week and then you think they’re going to be excited about attending ‘class’ on Sunday, too?”

Brilliant observation! And, then all summer long I’ve seen circus-style signs on another classic – “VBS.” Or, “Vacation Bible School.” Really? Even a first-grader knows that “vacation” and “school” don’t belong together, and the promise of a dozen clowns still wouldn’t make it any more appealing.

I have to wonder why do we continue to use unappealing, boring, liturgically driven terms to name things that ought to be exciting, fun, and adventuresome – much like our relationship with Christ.

Do we honestly believe that 16^th century theological terminology helps explain our beliefs and convictions to people whose daily language is conditioned by a 140-character maximum?

Let’s think about some different options, because the language we use can either separate us or bring us closer together. And, when the church uses “church-speak” that only a natives truly understand, too many are left out and, worse yet, driven away.

Here’s my list of the Top 12 Most-Needing-To-Be-Replaced Church Terms, and some suggestions for better, more user-friendly terms. They’re not unique or radical – they’re practical and understandable and are being used by many forward-looking churches.*

Instead of…                                   Use…

1.       Sunday School                          Sunday Morning Groups

2.       VBS (Vacation Bible School)    VBC (Vacation Bible Camp)

3.       Bible Study                               Bible Discovery

4.       Worship Service                       Community Worship

5.       Sermon                                    Message/Teaching

6.       Hymn                                       Song

7.       Lessons                                    Coaching

8.       Scripture                                  God’s Words of Advice

9.       Sacraments                              Blessed Experiences

10.   Benediction                              Challenge

11.   Usher                                       Host

12.   Small Groups                           Groups

Those are mine. What are yours? Anybody have anything better to replace these arcane church terms, “sanctification,” “justification,” “redemption,” “intercession,” “supplication,” and “apostasy?”

* Some churches, particularly non-denominational brands, have taken big steps in this area – to the consternation of many traditionalists! By simply naming a “Sanctuary” according to how it functions – as a “Worship Center” or “Auditorium” – these rebels have risked heresy charges. Wisely, though, they have gained connection and relationship with people who have stayed out of church and who have been intimidated by the mystery and exclusivity of high-church nomenclature. As one Pastor observes, “There’s no spiritual value in empty seats.”