My assuming language
I had a phone interview this week with a national magazine who is doing a story about our use of technology. I absolutely loved the interview because the writer was either not familiar with church and/or wanted to be thorough in her understanding of any “church” terminology that I used. For example, I mentioned “missions”. She quickly asked “When you say ‘missions’ do you mean ‘trying to convert people to Christianity’ or do you mean ‘feeding, helping people, etc’?” As the interview went on no term went unchallenged…I loved it. I enjoyed having to rethink the assumptions in my communication.
Now I don’t know if she was or was not a believer (I should have asked), but regardless the process reminded me of how easy it is to develop a language that only we church people understand. This may or may not effect you, but apparently I have unknowingly adopted some words and phrases that completely church-free people find confusing or meaningless.
I’m curious…have you found that parts of your vocabulary assume people know church-speak? If so, what are some of the phrases that we should all watch out for?
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It seems to me that “relevant” has become a church buzz word. As much as I believe that many people think the church is irrelevant they don’t say it like that. At least not in the many conversations I have had.
It’s funny how words that are not “church words” become so when we get our hands on them.
Narthex instead of Lobby drives me nuts.
When talking to men about church, don’t say….”do you have a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus?” Instead say, “Are you ready to go full court with Jesus Christ?”
When talking to men about church, don’t say…..”Want to fellowship?” Instead say, “wanna go get a cup of coffee and have a piece of pie?”
Mike Ellis
Church For Men Florida
386 295 7739
Kem Meyer has a great post on this subject.
http://kemmeyer.typepad.com/less_clutter_noise/2005/05/in_other_words.html
“Missional” is a much over-used and often misunderstood word. It is misunderstood by those outside the church, and often by those who are using it.
“Calling,” “redeemed,” and “saved” are other misunderstood words.
Accountability partner…they looked at me like I was in an unbiblical relationship
Discipleship…they thought I was headed to Cancun
LifeGroup…I’m in therapy
Bobby, You bringing this up, reminds that when I tell someone where I go to Church, often times they say Oh thats where they have “Experiences”!!!!!!!!! and sometimes they ask me what a experience is. This gives me a chance invite them to see. They must see the sign’s that have the experience times on them by the road.
I’ve had experiences similar to Michael’s & Tom’s as a LifeChurch.tv member. I casually use terms like “Life Group,” “OKC Campus,” and “Experience” as hanging curveballs for conversation’s sake. Usually one of the three will cause the person I’m talking to to ask more about, opening the door to further conversation.
What we call something affects how we view it. How we view something affects how we behave towards it. Our collective behavior influences our culture.
There’s no doubt a new culture exists for those of us who get to experience God through LifeChurch.tv, due in part because of our language, how we view “church” differently, and how we behave towards and within it.
I agree that there is loads of insider lingo used in church culture, but one observation that I find odd is that there are words that when used in a churchy context sound different then in other contexts.
Example, when Tim Sanders or Guy Kawasaki use the term “evangelist” in relation to fantastic customer service or a product it comes across different then in a church context.
Do you know what I mean?
The one that cracks me up is “I am just being real”. When you hear that don’t you just want to say…”then do it, don’t say it.”
Funny.
PS. Thanks for the link love on your blog roll :-)
I just did an interview for a Christian radio station in Seattle. I was aware that my language was much different than it would have been if the station had not been Christian.
Thanks Brother Bobby! Great word.
Yes I have noticed that I am using Church talk and I wondered how non Church goers would interpret what I am saying. I am not sure what to do about it though. In my mind I am explaining things very clearly (as best I can-that is) but I am wondering how I might be able to share with non Christians in a way and with words that mean more to them.
Great topic. Thanks for sharing.
Peace and blessings I pray to you all in Jesus’ name:
Donna Davidson
All the talk about “church speakâ€? makes me wonder how daunting it might be to new believers or new attenders in a church with their own special dialect of “churchese”. Is it a bad thing or does it contribute to their relationship with God?
-Kyle
I recently moved into a neighborhood where very few of my neighbors have attended church or they have very little understanding of christianity and I absolutly love it. It has been totally refreshing and my wife and I are making all kinds of new friendships and learning how not to speak like a believer…lol.
For those of us who are spiritually inexperienced, all the church terms and “new” vocabulary can be very confusing. Please take the time to stop and explain occasionally. Some of us are just beginning our journey to Christ. Sometimes I feel as though I need an interpreter in church. Just don’t become impatient with those of us who need more explanation.