BUZZWORDS

What is a "buzzword"?

These are words which may or may not be in the Bible, but are used in the church to reinforce the pattern and definitions of the church. These small words define very big things in the church. These small words and phrases set the tone for our meetings. These small words and concepts define ministry, authority and the way the church operates.

How does a buzzword work?

These words and phrases work through our common, well-established EXPERIENCE. (Shall we call "experience" tradition?) The tradition of the past becomes our experience of today if we will not study the history of the church.

Can we stop a minute and ask ourselves a question?

Do we as Christians, have a well-defined, repetitive (shall we say ritualistic?) format with a very well-defined set of rules that we operate by when we meet together? The rules are slightly different in every church--yet amazingly similar. In fact this similarity is one of the reinforcements of the truth of these buzzwords.

Perhaps you have not ever heard of some of these buzzwords. On the other hand, you may have been on the "short-end" of one or more of these phrases. These words are all about human authority. They enforce the concept that man should operate the church. They enforce the idea that we need to have a repetitive format in order to please God. They keep the "status quo", and serve to "straighten-out" anyone who asks wrong questions. Interestingly enough, a quick study of a handful of these buzzwords is considered "ministry training" in most Bible schools!

It is difficult for Christians to study ministry from the Bible. Why? Because most believe they are already experts on the subject! We believe we study "ministry" every week in church. We believe we "have it right" in our church, dare not ask questions, and therefore are easily lead into submission by a buzzword. We do not realize that we are making the Bible line up with our EXPERIENCE, and so are blinded, and unlearned in this area.

These buzzwords are used to keep things going the way they always have been, and to try to make it seem that the Bible says so. They are used to hurt others within the church, and if for only that reason-- they are wrong. You will find that there are many you may have believed were Biblical truths--they are not. There is a greater truth. It starts with the simple revelation that Jesus Christ is the Head of the church, and we are all meant to be equals in His sigh, brothers and sisters in Him. The new covenant gives us this example, a high calling, which it seems so few strive toward. Jesus exampelled a perfect ministry, the church in the Bible did their human best to follow His example. We believe this is what the church ought to be. We as the church are not striving collectively to follow His high calling. We pray these studies will help you and make you free to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.