758 words – 2 and a half minutes.
One of my favorite pieces to write each year is my creation and explication of new words created to serve churches. Uncomfortably, it is often the least-read newsletter each year. ☹
But today, I focus on a few new words added by Merriam-Webster to their official list of words in the dictionary. You can look it up!
As they say in their article, “signs of a healthy language include words created, words being drawn from other languages, and new meanings being given to existing words.”
Here are a few of the 690 added that apply to church leaders, hopefully worth consideration and a chuckle.
And if you read all the way to the end, there is a FREEBIE for you down there.
Zhuzh – “ a small improvement, adjustment, or addition that completes the overall look, taste.”
DT: This is what most successful churches know – incremental improvements tried, tested, and evaluated every few weeks lead to greater effectiveness each passing year.
TFW – abbreviation, informal – in text messages for “that feeling when.”
DT: About half the sermons I hear have the preacher describing TFW to enter the hearers to the text and topic.
(The picture of the workshop where I create new words. Looks about like my home office desk)
There were many new words in the digital AI space, such as Generative AI, Large Language Model, etc.
DT: Just so you know, AI is not used to produce this newsletter. (Except I use Grammarly and Fotor for images….so I guess I do.)
From the analog world, my favorites were:
Rewild – “to return to a more natural or wild state.”
DT: I hear this often in child rearing about the need to let children explore more for themselves. I am all for it from a parenting home experience but turn loose 100 kids or teens on something, and it can get out of control. Advise the youth pastor not to.
Cratedig – “to shop for rare, vintage, or obscure recordings, especially by searching through crates of secondhand merchandise.”
DT: If any of you are collectors of 1970s Contemporary Christian Music, I can probably dig out some old Larry Norman, Second Chapter of Acts, and Pat Terry Group. (But I think some I had on 8 track.)
Cold Open – “a scene of a film or television episode that precedes the title sequence…”
DT:I have seen a few worship services or sermons begin with a “cold open.” One of our pastors on our weekly call says two of his staff do a funny announcement segment before the start of their services that has people coming to the room to see it.
It would certainly work for an online experisnce.
Some oldtimers would also say this is an updated “Call to Worship,” especially if we take it up a notch.
‘grammable’ – “suitable to be posted in the Instagram photos sharing service – instagrammable.”
DT: If you follow me on Instagram, you will be disappointed. But many churches are creating settings and moments across their campuses and experiences and encouraging attenders to share photo shots with their friends. Do it at least once a month.
Since my specialty is succession planning, I have also seen some great ones during those celebrations.
Pro social – “intended to help or benefit another person or group.”
DT: I think a church, community of Jesus followers, or small group is the most pro-social, social benefits infused with real power. In fact, I was just invited to join a research team focused on this phenomenon.
Chef’s kiss – “a gesture of satisfaction or approval made by kissing the fingertips of one hand and then spreading the fingers with an outward motion – often used interjectionally.”
DT: Surprise your pastor after their next message by motioning a chef’s kiss to them afterward.
Forever chemical – “a toxic substance that persists and accumulates in the environment.”
DT: I am amazed by some old friends who had toxic religious experiences decades ago and how the resentment lingers to this day. On the other hand, I see many who had positive experiences that have also nurtured their current life scripts.
Forever chemicals are a good analogy. It helps explain how much deep work is needed for those harmed. It also helps explain the staying power of faithful parents and church leaders many had in childhood.
Last mile – “the final stage that must be covered by a service (telecommunication or delivery) in order to reach a consumer.”
DT: This is where real ministry takes us to the last mile of life-on-life interaction – human to human. This is still the best evangelism, discipleship, and care method.
If you see Merriam or Webster this week, thank them for their words of encouragement.
And if you want to go back and see my words that didn’t make their list – try here and here.
You made it to the FREEBIE OFFER!
My book designer tells me the new book: 33 Basic Succession Statements Every Church Should Know, will still be released this year.
It is a short, full-color booklet for pastors and church boards to review.
We are building our free list now. If you are a U.S.-based leader and want a single copy mailed to you on release, please email Linda.Stanley@generis.com to be put on the early release list.
Later, they will be available for sale in bulk. But the first round should be out in December.