The Lingo Translator
Demystifying the Christian faith by translating insular lingo into clear, accessible language.
Breaking Down the Language Barrier
Authentic Christianity should be defined by clarity, integrity, and love—not by confusing inside terminology. Explore our glossary of common church words and phrases translated into clear English.
“Fellowship”
Community gathering, mutual support, or spending friendly social time together.
“We had sweet fellowship after the service.”
To outsiders, it sounds archaic and overly formal, making a normal social gathering sound like a solemn ritual.
“Sanctification”
Personal growth, character development, or the lifelong process of building a character modeled after Christ.
“The process of sanctification is slow but vital.”
It's a dense theological term that sounds like academic jargon, alienating people who are unfamiliar with church history.
“Sovereignty”
Ultimate authority, supreme control, or the belief that a loving God has a purposeful plan behind all events.
“We rest in God's sovereignty.”
It can sound cold, dictatorial, or politically charged to people who associate it only with monarchy or state power.
“Repentance”
A change of mind and direction; turning away from harmful, destructive behaviors to align with moral truth.
“We are called to repentance.”
In modern culture, it is often associated with street preachers shouting or shaming, rather than the healthy, positive self-reflection it represents.
“Gospel”
The 'Good News' about Jesus Christ—the message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation with God.
“Our mission is to share the gospel.”
It's often used as a vague adjective (e.g., 'gospel truth') or associated purely with a music genre, rather than its literal meaning: a message of hope.
“Grace”
Unearned favor, kindness, or receiving a clean slate and forgiveness despite our mistakes.
“Saved by grace.”
People associate 'grace' with elegance, posture, or saying a prayer before dinner, which obscures the radical concept of unconditional love.
“Doing Life Together”
Sharing daily experiences, supporting each other through trials, and building close-knit friendships.
“Our community group is doing life together.”
It has become an insular cliché that sounds overly intense or codependent to someone looking for a normal, healthy community.
“Share your Testimony”
Telling your personal story of faith, struggle, and how your life was changed.
“He stood up to share his testimony.”
'Testimony' is a legal term in the secular world. Asking someone to 'testify' makes it sound like a courtroom trial.
“In a new Season”
Going through a transition, starting a new job, moving, or adapting to a lifestyle change.
“I'm in a new season of life.”
It sounds mystical and vague. It is much clearer and more authentic to describe the actual transition taking place.
“Love on them”
Supporting, serving, or showing practical kindness and care to someone in need.
“We just want to love on this family.”
Grammatically awkward and physically off-putting, it can sound superficial or performative rather than genuine.
“Guard your Heart”
Protecting your emotional well-being, integrity, and mental focus from toxic or destructive influences.
“Make sure to guard your heart.”
It sounds defensive and fearful of the world, rather than a healthy practice of setting emotional boundaries.
“Convicted by the Spirit”
Experiencing a sudden realization of a moral error or feeling a strong inner prompting to make something right.
“I felt convicted about how I spoke to them.”
'Convicted' sounds criminal. To the outsider, it implies guilt, shame, and legal condemnation rather than a positive desire for growth.
