“What’s with the glossary?”, you might ask. We have found in the past 5 years or so, that as we’ve deconstructed some of our religious thought and rebuilt spiritual thought in its place we have to clarify some things. We sometimes realize that in the course of conversation, although we may use the same words as someone else, we mean very different things. This is not a perfect list of words or definitions, but they are some that we have decided are important. There may be others that you think of. Feel free to send those suggestions to us at pastors@c3ak.com
As you browse on our website we have tried to identify the places where these words are used and you can click on them to come directly to this glossary at any time.
One who makes a conscious decision to be with Jesus and his followers in order to learn to be like him. Also a disciple.
The process of learning to live our lives like Jesus would if he were in our place. Also discipleship
Referred in scripture as both; a physical event (Acts 8:36) of being immersed in water and; as a spiritual event (Acts 1:5) of being immersed in the presence and in the Kingdom of God. The physical event is an outward symbol of what has already occurred in the spiritual life of the person. It may serve as a public announcement of someone’s decision to be a disciple. It may also serve as a personal remembrance of the time someone chose to be a disciple.
What you hold to be true, to the extent you are willing to act upon it. Differs from “profession” in that “belief” produces action, whereas “profession” may not.
One who accepts and lives a life reflective of the teachings of Christ. A Christian is a follower of Christ, not someone who just think He had some great ideas.
Described in the Bible as three interconnected ideas; a local gathering of Christian believers, the entire collection of local gatherings everywhere, and the entire collection of Christian believers everywhere, regardless of their connection to a local gathering. Church also refers to believer’s past, those present and those who have yet to believe. It is the earthly expression of the community God intends for people to engage in while they live in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In the local gathering of believers, it is someone who has made request to be part of the local gathering. Likewise, the local gathering has made request of the member to be involved in and contribute to the ongoing ministry of the local gathering. It is necessary to be a follower of Christ to be a member of the church.
The primary state of existence for the church. Life in the Kingdom of Heaven revolves around a relationship with God. Part of this relationship is practiced by having relationships with other people, both inside and outside the church. It is the living out of God’s love by being kind, thoughtful, helpful and useful to others.
Someone who is selected to serve the church body so the pastor(s) may focus on preaching, teaching and leading (Acts 6, 1Timothy 3).
A re-examination of beliefs in traditions, programs or religious practices. A potential undoing of previous thought in order to build new thought on a more sound foundation.
One who makes a conscious decision to be with Jesus and his followers in order to learn to be like him. Also an apprentice.
The process of learning to live our lives like Jesus would if he were in our place. Also apprenticeship
Someone who is selected to provide godly wisdom and advice to aid the pastor(s) in leading the church (1Timothy 3).
To share the Good News contained in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in both word and action.
Paradise. A place within the Kingdom of Heaven where we will one day live.
Anywhere, in either the physical or spiritual realm, where what God wants done is done, without reservation or hesitation.
Specific tasks or purposes for which God selects each believer.
A worldview, born of the Renaissance, characterized by:
• an emphasis on science and technology;
• belief in absolute knowledge and moral truth;
• individualism, and;
• logic.
One appointed and gifted by God for the spiritual care and leadership of a local body of believers of the Church.
An emerging worldview, still forming and developing, which, while not rejecting modernism, questions it. Truth is not absolute and the other values which defined modernity are no longer regarded as having the value they held at that time.
Expression of love and adoration to the Lord.
A statement of belief.
To reflect upon the pattern of one’s life (thoughts, deeds, attitudes, motivations, etc.) and reject it in favor of a life directed by and leading towards God.
Deliverance from our present sins, the penalty and guilt of past sins, and, ultimately, the presence of sin altogether brought about by our rebirth into a life of holiness. This occurs only in response to and because of the life, death, and ressurection of Jesus Christ.
Delivered from sin by faith in Jesus Christ and reborn into a new life of holiness.
The corporate and individual use of all resources (time, talent, treasures, personality, gifts, creativity, senses, etc.) in acknowledging and proclaiming the greatness, goodness and glory of God.
