If you ask a physician to “take a look at my sore elbow,” she’ll probably write in your chart: “Examined the juncture where the humerus meets both the ulna and radius.” That’s a mouthful—and worst of all, your insurance won’t cover the whole visit, leaving you with a $675 bill for the privilege of learning Latin.
Every profession has its own vocabulary. Doctors need to name bones, accountants debate accrual vs. cash accounting, and lawyers invent words just to keep themselves employed. Without the jargon, professionals get confused. With the jargon, the rest of us do.
The church is no different. When I first became a follower of Jesus, I was swamped by the “church-y” terms. Even simple ones like disciple (which really just means “student”) or phrases like grow the Kingdom left me feeling like I didn’t know the secret password to enter a speakeasy. (And honestly, wouldn’t introducing that concept make Bible study attendance spike?)
This brief essay is my attempt to shine some light on frequently used Christian terms—illuminate them, if you will—so they’re less like inside code and more like plain speech.
Bear fruit – Not a trip to a back woods grocery store. In church-speak it means showing evidence of faith through good works, kindness, and maybe even showing some patience in the parking lot. Translation: if your life looks the same as it did before, folks will start asking if your spiritual tree needs some holy watering.
Benediction – From the Latin bene (“good”) and diction (“speech”). The final word given by the Pastor after the sermon. Encouragement to spiritually sustain covenant members until next week’s message. Also, the universal signal that it’s time to plot the fastest escape route before anyone corners you about joining a committee.
Call – No, not the ringtone on your iPhone (which you silenced at the start of service, didn’t you?). In Reformed circles, a “call” is God’s (and the congregation’s) way of saying, “Tag, you’re it” to a Pastor, Elder, Deacon, or member of another ministry. Typically involves lots of prayer, long meetings, and at least one suggestion that someone else needs to join in the committee as well.
Communion – Also called the Lord’s Supper. Bread and wine (or grape juice since the 21st amendment is just a rumor to Protestants). A time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and to quietly wrestle with the logistics of those tiny cups. Reverent, solemn, and occasionally both soggy and crunchy.
Confession – The part where you admit your sins to God—sometimes silently, sometimes by reading 17th-century creeds we somehow still know the words to. It’s the church version of “my bad,” except collective and (mercifully) followed by knowledge you are pardoned.
Covenant – A solemn promise, usually between God and His people, that defines their relationship. Not a contract, because you can’t renegotiate terms or “opt out.” In church life, it’s also a surefire way to make Bible studies last longer, since Presbyterians love to argue if parts of the Davidic covenant still apply.
Covenant Member – The official “you belong here” designation. Someone who has joined the church, can vote at congregational meetings, and is now on the radar for hospitality duty. It sounds lofty, but really it means: someone will actually notice if you miss attending for more than three weeks in a row.
Deacon – From the Greek diakonos (“servant”). The people who handle practical needs in the church. Masters of moving chairs in record time, refilling coffee pots, and gently suggesting that maybe you don’t need that third doughnut, unless you’re on the hospitality committee (there is room!)
Disciple – Literally “student.” In the New Testament, it meant following Jesus closely. Today, it might mean you signed up for another Bible study then immediately realized it conflicts with kids soccer practice, piano recitals, or your only free evening.
Elder – No, not just the gray-haired folks (if that were the case, we’re all elders!) Elders in Presbyterian churches are lay leaders who help shepherd the congregation. Think spiritual board of directors, except they don’t get stock options, or pay, or perks of any kind (perhaps give them your thanks?).
Election – The theological one, not the one that clogs your mailbox with campaign flyers. Refers to God choosing people for salvation. Comforting to some, confusing to others, and guaranteed to spark a long and fiery debate or turn people off completely.
Fellowship – A word that in church life means “let’s eat snacks.” Officially it’s about friendship and community, but practically it’s cookies, coffee, and wondering who brought those delicious brownies (and why they’re not available every week).
Grace – Getting what you don’t deserve—in the good way. God’s kindness and salvation, freely given. In daily use, it’s also shorthand for that brief pre-meal prayer that everyone secretly hopes will end quickly so the food doesn’t get cold.
Grow the Kingdom – No, not LARP or a medieval conquest. It means spreading the influence of God’s rule through evangelism, service, and living out our faith. Often invoked in fundraising letters that sound oddly like timeshare opportunities.
Justification – A $5 theology word meaning being declared “righteous” before God through your faith in Christ. Courtroom imagery is usually involved. Basically: you’re hopelessly guilty, but Jesus took the rap. Don’t confuse it with justifying why you keep skipping church.
Lay it on your heart – Phrase used when someone wants you to think/pray deeply about something. Can sound like a minor medical condition (“Doctor, something’s been laid on my heart”). Really it means: “This matters, so don’t just blow it off.”
Love offering – Not chocolates and roses. A special collection of money, often for a guest speaker, missionary, or someone in need. Usually announced in a way that makes you wonder if you brought enough cash.
Message – The sermon, but branded in a way that sounds more accessible. Sometimes shorter, sometimes not. “And now a brief message” is church-speak for “I hope you brought a snack.”
Pastor – From the Latin for “shepherd.” The one who preaches, teaches, counsels, and generally keeps the flock in line. Often expected to have the wisdom of Solomon, the patience of Job, and the multitasking ability of a barista at rush hour (and sadly is often paid the same as a barista).
Predestination – A doctrine declaring that God decided your ultimate destination beforehand—no, not what you’d order for lunch, specifically your salvation. Comforting to some, infuriating to others, and guaranteed to derail small group discussions into “then why evangelize?” spirals.
Pray on it – Christian for “consider it.” Also functions as a polite way of saying “let me stall before giving you an answer.” Popular response when asked if you’d consider serving as an Elder.
Providence – God’s ordering of all events in the universe, from empires rising to why you hit every red light on the way to church. Reassuring if you believe it, maddening if you’re late.
Repent – From the Greek metanoia (“turn around”). Imagine realizing you’re barreling down the freeway in the wrong way—repentance isn’t just feeling bad about it, it’s hitting the brakes, turning around, and heading the right direction. In church, usually preached with enough passion to make you wonder if God and the Pastor saw you cut off that minivan on the way to church.
Sanctification – The lifelong process of becoming more like Jesus courtesy of the Holy Spirit. Translation: slow progress, occasional backsliding, and realizing that praying for patience means you’ll be put in infuriating circumstances and given a chance to practice it!
Session – In Presbyterian governance, the group of Elders who run the local church. Known for earnest prayer, making serious decisions, and talking through agendas that mysteriously grow longer as the evening wears on.
Sin – Anything that falls short of God’s Holy standard. Covers everything from murder to muttering unholy words when the copier jams. Comes in every size: individual, family pack, and bulk. Like Costco, the supply seems endless, and yes—you always end up with more than you planned.
Stewardship – Taking care of what God has entrusted to you—your time, talent, treasure. In church calendars, it’s also known as “that month the Finance Committee hands out pledge cards.”
Tithe – Ten percent of your income, offered to God through the church. It’s meant to come off the top, not from whatever is left after Amazon and Starbucks have taken their cut. Think of it as meeting a divine pledge drive: your giving fuels missions, pastor salary, Sunday school snacks, and even helps keep the lights on. Guaranteed to ease the life of others — and no guilt required (God will know!)
Excellent dictionary of important biblical terms. I appreciate the humor but more so the thought that went into this blog. There’s much to mull over Thank you!
This was really good. Had to laugh at the extra comments.