When I was in Bible School, I took an Intro. to Missions class. Granted, this was in 1983 and times have changed. But I believe many, if not most, of the principles I learned still apply. In the class, we talked about contextualizing the gospel (putting the good news of Jesus into the context of the people) and the cultural and geographic barriers that hindered this process. We discussed how ministry can be done in one’s own culture, a different culture, or a radically different culture. We hoped to find ways to make the gospel crystal clear, despite these various cultural differences.

Today, the same principles apply. While your church may not be in a different culture than those who attend, the language we sometimes use can cause newcomers to feel like they are radically different from you. This heightens their discomfort and increases the chances that they will leave your church confused, if not frustrated.

It bothers me when people use language I don’t understand. It makes me uncomfortable. Frankly, I find those people a bit obsequious and rather obtuse.

The Apostle Paul wrote about this when he addressed his readers after the Council in Jerusalem in 49 A.D. See Acts chapter 15. The question was, do people first have to become Jewish to become Christian. After much debate, James (the leader of the church in Jerusalem) spoke up and concluded that we “should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.”

Sometimes our churches make it “difficult” for people to experience God because we make it confusing. Especially in the language we use. We often use so many theological and churchy words and phrases it makes those who did not grow up in the church feel like, well, foreigners. Continue reading →