If you’ve been in church leadership longer than a few months, you’ve learned an important skill: translation.
Not Greek or Hebrew.
Committee.
On the surface, the words sound spiritual, thoughtful, and collaborative. Underneath, there is often a second language being spoken—one shaped by caution, history, personalities, and the deep desire to avoid change.
With a smile (and a little truth), here is a short translation guide for phrases many of us have heard more times than we can count.
“Let’s put this on the agenda for next month.”
Translation: “We hope you forget about this before next month arrives.”
“We need to form a subcommittee.”
Translation: “This idea makes us nervous, so let’s slow it down until it quietly expires.”
“Let’s proceed with caution.”
Translation: “This idea is going to create too much work for us.”
“We need to think about the long-term.”
Translation: “This is another crazy idea by the pastor, and we can outlast him.”
“We don’t want to rush the Spirit.”
Translation: “We are uncomfortable, and this sounds more spiritual than saying so.”
“This could create division.”
Translation: “Someone influential has already expressed concern.”
“We’ve never done it that way before.”
Translation: “And we would prefer to keep it that way until at least the Second Coming.”
“Let’s pray about it.”
Translation: “We are not ready to decide, and prayer feels like a safe parking place.”
“This is a great idea—for another church.”
Translation: “We hope you stop talking now.”
“We need to be good stewards.”
Translation: “We’ve got plenty of money, but we are tight as a drum.”
None of these statements are inherently bad. In fact, many of them are spoken with good intentions and sincere hearts. The trouble comes when translation replaces clarity, and spiritual language becomes a shield instead of a guide.
Healthy churches learn to say what they mean—with kindness, humility, and courage. They pray and decide. They steward resources and take faithful risks. They honor the past without being trapped by it.
And occasionally, they laugh at themselves in the process.
Sometimes, a little translation helps everyone move forward together.
I would love to hear some of your translations.
Posted on January 19, 2026
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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