In college, I worked for an engineering company that tested construction foundations and materials. I tested materials like soils, concrete, and asphalt. I spent years in the field collecting samples and running tests, as well as testing samples in the lab under controlled conditions. It would not be uncommon for a conversation at the lab to sound something like this:

“Yeah, the proctor compaction test indicates that that the water content should be about 10%, and the optimum moisture test confirmed that, but when I ran the nuclear density test with the density gauge it gave me a 0.1 reading in the field.”

Wild… right? You’re probably thinking that I should use the Atterberg limit test to confirm my readings, but that may not solve the soil gravity issue in the… wait, what? Sorry about that. I got a little carried away. You don’t know what I am saying. Why? Because I used jargon that only a person that has been specially trained in this engineering field could understand.

Sadly, we can do the exact same thing in our churches. As followers of Christ, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus’ love and truth, sharing the Gospel in a way that others can understand and respond to. Yet, in many churches, we unknowingly create barriers with something as simple as the words we use. Insider language, those Christian phrases, acronyms, or theological terms that feel second nature to seasoned believers, can often leave newer attenders feeling confused or excluded. We throw theological words around like “sanctification”, “justification”, and “intinction”. We refer to our ministries by the names that we have designated them by. These names may be catchy, but they do not describe what the ministry is. For example, at the church where I serve, our ministry for our retirees is called “Encore”. We have events with fun titles like “Zona” (our Student Summer Church Camp) and “Roundup” (a quarterly fellowship with music and worship). How does a guest or newer attender receive this language? Answer: with great confusion.

In what ways does insider language create barriers to guests, new attenders, and even those who do not believe in Jesus for their salvation?

It Creates Confusion for Those Not Connected to Our Church

Imagine visiting a new place where everyone speaks a language you don’t understand. That’s how guests often feel when they hear phrases like “hedge of protection,” “washed in the blood,” or “sanctification.” While these terms carry deep spiritual meaning, they’re not always clear to someone without a church background. When they hear insider terms for a church’s ministries or events, it creates a lack of understanding which in turn prevents them from connecting to that ministry or event. Using the term that I gave you previously for our church’s ministry for retirees, “Encore”, as an example, a newer elderly individual may hear that word several times from people and in announcements, and never understand that the ministry being mentioned is probably one of the best ministries for them to connect with. Confusion can make newcomers feel out of place, and they might disengage rather than connect. That is a barrier to ministry potential.

It Hinders Our Mission from Being Accessible

The Great Commission calls us to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This includes people from all walks of life, some of whom may have never stepped into a church before. When our language is overly “churchy,” we risk alienating those who are seeking God but don’t yet speak our “lingo.” How can someone come to faith and grow in their faith if they do not understand what is being communicated about that faith?

It Can Feel Exclusionary

Unfamiliar terminology can inadvertently create an “us versus them” dynamic. It sends the message that people must already understand Christian language to belong. Many writers and Christian leaders argue that many churches are like country clubs. I live in Arizona, which has around 370 golf courses, and I have experienced what they are like. When you walk into the country club of a golf course, you are expected to dress, speak, and behave a certain way. Breaking any of these rules of conduct will get you removed. Our insider language conveys a similar cultural standard. But the church is meant to be a place where anyone, no matter their background, can encounter the grace of Jesus.

I get it… it is difficult to overcome the temptation to use insider language. It’s engrained in us. It is saturated into the Bible, the books we read, the devotionals that we study… it’s everywhere within the church. At the same time, it’s not found anywhere in the secular culture. I have never used terms like “resurrection” or “the blood of Jesus” in my everyday conversations outside of church. So, how do we overcome this habit that we have?

Give Meanings

Some theological terms are unavoidable and important to Christian teaching. When you use them, take a moment to explain what they mean. For instance, if you’re talking about “justification,” briefly clarify: “That’s a big word that means being made right with God.” Remember, your audience may have people, even seasoned Christians, that do not know the definitions of some of the terms we use. So, give it to them.

Simplify and Clarify

Evaluate your church’s communication, everything from the website to announcements. Are there terms, acronyms, or phrases that need unpacking? For example, instead of saying, “We’ll meet in the Narthex,” say, “We’ll meet in the lobby.” Pay close attention to the names/terms used for ministries and events, avoiding them when possible. Your Events page could be a mine field of insider language.

Ultimately, our ministries exist to help people connect to Jesus. Jesus was not afraid to speak plainly and use stories to help people understand difficult concepts. Be like Jesus, and may fortuitous eventualities converge to efficaciously facilitate the consummation of your endeavors with unparalleled alacrity and meticulous precision.