A Translation Guide for What Church Committees and Boards Really Mean

by Thom S. Rainer Founder

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…