Church words, explained.
A plain-English dictionary of Christianese — for curious seekers, new believers, and anyone who's ever wondered what people mean.
Word of the Day
Church Shopping
Visiting different churches to find one that fits (shopping); or, moving from church to church without ever settling (hopping) — the second said with a slight frown.
“"Looking for a church. 'Hopping' is when the looking never stops."”
Read the full entry →Most Confusing
The terms that trip people up the most
Apologetics
Bible & TheologyMaking the case for Christian belief with reasons, evidence, and argument. Nothing to do with apologizing.
“"Arguing for Christianity — thoughtfully, not sorry-ly."”
Catholic (lowercase c)
Bible & Theology"Universal" — as in the creeds' "holy catholic church," meaning the whole church of all times and places. Not the same as the Roman Catholic Church.
“"Worldwide, all-of-us. Not Rome, necessarily."”
Convicted
Salvation & ConversionThe uncomfortable inner sense that you're in the wrong and need to change — attributed by Christians to the Holy Spirit. Nothing to do with a courtroom.
“"My conscience is bothering me, and I think that's God."”
The Enemy
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalThe devil — a personal spiritual adversary Christians believe opposes God, works against people (especially believers), and strives to hinder God's work of bringing humanity into right relationship with Him.
“"The devil. Satan. Lucifer. The ultimate evil adversary, opposed to God in every way."”
I Felt Led
Spiritual Warfare & Supernatural"I had a strong inner sense that I should do this" — an impression Christians attribute to God's guidance through the Holy Spirit.
“"I had a gut feeling I think God gave me."”
Filled with the Spirit
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalA deeper experience of God's presence and power in a person's life. Pentecostals see it as a distinct event after conversion, often marked by speaking in tongues; other traditions describe it as ongoing.
“"Full of God — with more of His power and presence in me than before."”
New Entries
View all →Exorcism
Spiritual Warfare & SupernaturalA formal rite of prayer to drive an evil spirit out of a person or place — in the Catholic Church, performed only by a priest with the bishop's permission and after other explanations are ruled out.
“"The church's formal, rare procedure for casting out a demon."”
Revival
Church Life & ServicesA season of renewed spiritual fervor when many people turn to God and churches come alive, or, especially in Southern and rural churches, a scheduled series of nightly meetings held in hope of one.
“When a church, a town, or a whole region suddenly gets serious about God again.”
Holy Week
Holidays & CalendarThe week before Easter, walking day by day through Jesus' last days — Palm Sunday (His entry into Jerusalem), Maundy Thursday (the Last Supper), Good Friday (the crucifixion), and Holy Saturday — ending at Easter.
“"The week the whole story of the cross gets told one day at a time."”
Jesus
Bible & TheologyA Jewish man from Nazareth, born 3-4 BC and executed by Rome circa AD 30–33 after the Sanhedrin opposed His teachings. Christians believe He is God in human form who rose from the dead three days after His crucifixion.
“"The historical man Christians believe is also God and the Savior from their sins."”
Christianese
Internet ChristianityThe insider vocabulary and phrasing of church culture — the words Christians use that sound completely normal to them and mysterious to everyone else.
“"Church jargon."”
Accept Jesus into Your Heart
Salvation & ConversionThe invitation to become a Christian by personally trusting and following Jesus — often the closing line of a sermon, a camp talk, or a conversation about faith.
“"Decide to trust Jesus so that your relationship with God can be made right again."”
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