A SHORT GLOSSARY OF FAITH AND CHURCH LANGUAGE

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1 SERVING THE NEEDS OF LEADERS IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND FORMATION A SHORT GLOSSARY OF FAITH AND CHURCH LANGUAGE A Symbolic Language of Our Own Do you remember when you first realized that the language we use in church is different from the language we use in school, or in our workplaces? Sometimes this language is a stumbling block, but rather than discard it, we need to define it so that it becomes natural and comfortable. All of language stands for a concept. The same is true with the language of faith. The words we use convey a host of meanings. As our experience in and around the church grows, we have more reference points for the terms that are used. These definitions are basic. You will find more fulsome definitions in a Bible dictionary. The terms are arranged alphabetically, within categories. You can click on one of these links to go directly to the category. If you are unsure of the category, use the Search function to locate your term. Bible Church Church Seasons Teaching Theology Worship Words About the Bible Apocalypse The Greek word for Revelation usually used in reference to either the Book of Revelation or other writings that focus on eschatology (End times). Apocalyptic writings are typically pseudonymous attributed to a revered hero of the faith. They often involve judgment and cosmic transformation. Apocrypha The Greek word for concealed ; a collection of writings that is not part of the Hebrew Scriptures. The Apocrypha is accepted in the Roman Catholic tradition, but generally not by Protestant churches. They are inter-testamental writings; that is, written in the period between the latest book of the Old Testament (around the 3rd Century before Christ) and the earliest of the New Testament (around 50 A.D.) B.C./ A.D. BCE/CE Designations for dating events in relation to the birth of Christ. B.C. Before Christ (i.e. anything in the Old Testament) is more recently changed to B.C.E- Before Common Era. Dates after the birth of Christ (A.D. anno domini) are now designated as C.E.- Common Era. Common Era refers to the dating system based on the Gregorian calendar (the 6th Century system we use today), which is shared by Christian and non-christian peoples. Decalogue (see Ten Commandments) 1

2 Epistles Letter --The books of the Bible that are letters. The writings by or attributed to the Apostle Paul are known as Epistles. The Pastoral Epistles are 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus; the Johannine Epistles (traditionally attributed to the Apostle John) are 1, 2, and 3 John. Gospel The English translation of the Greek word evangelion, meaning good news. The gospel in a general sense refers to the word of God and the words about God. Used specifically, it refers to each of the first four books of the New Testament: the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. New Testament The 27 books of the Bible that include three general types of writing: biographical (the Gospels and Acts), epistles (letters of Paul, general letters, and Hebrews), and apocalyptic (Revelation), dating from early in the time of Christ. The books of the Bible (either Testament) are not in chronological order. The earliest NT book is one of the existing letters of Paul (probably Thessalonians, around 50 CE), even though it refers to a time after the death of Jesus. The Gospels were written after most of the letters of Paul (Mark, Matthew and Luke between about CE and John around 95 CE), even though they are about the life of Jesus Christ. Old Testament Also referred to as the Hebrew Scriptures; the 39 books, beginning with Genesis, that record the relationship of God to humankind before the birth of Jesus. Though the events to which the Old Testament refer are quite ancient, they were first preserved in oral history. The first written texts that have come to be considered Bible date from around the 8th C. BCE. Additions to the Old Testament were formulated up until about the 2nd C BCE. The earliest codified text considered as sacred writings is the Torah (first five books), which were accepted as authentic in their final form between about the mid-6th C 4th C BCE. Other collections the Prophets, Writings. History were accepted as canon in the 1st C CE. Patriarchs / Matriarchs In general, the forefathers and foremothers of the faith. The Patriarchs specifically refer to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (father, son, grandson) who form the lineage of the tribes of Israel. Their wives, Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel all were childless until God granted them blessing and special favor. They lead the lineage of the three great monotheistic faiths and nations (religions that adhere to only one God): Jews, Arabs (by way of Ishmael), and Christians. Pentateuch The first five books of the Bible, traditionally called the Law of Moses. Prophets Men and women who were called by God to speak on God s behalf. They typically addressed themselves to the persons in power, often in dramatic, even peculiar ways. Prophets were a part of the court system; some could be counted upon to speak God s truth; others prophesied according to the way the political winds were blowing. The majority of biblical prophets are before the time of Christ. The New Testament warns of false prophets, and it is probable that early church leaders suppressed the individual role of prophet, except for those who demonstrated a special spiritual gift. Ten Commandments The Laws received by Moses from God that codified the essential faithful behaviors for the Hebrew (and subsequent) community of faith. In Exodus 20:1-17, the setting is at Mt. Sinai; in Deuteronomy 5:6-21 the setting is a part of Moses last will. 2

3 Words About the Church We use these words to help us know particular things about the church, the people of the church, and the place where we worship. Altar In biblical times, the table on which the sacrificial offering was placed. Today, the altar is situated in the chancel area and typically holds items that identify the congregation as Christian candles, Bible, cross, elements for Communion. Chancel The front portion of the whole sanctuary that may include the choir, altar, pulpit, lectern and baptismal font. There is sometimes an architectural feature, such as a raised area or Communion rail that sets off the chancel. Church We use this word in two ways; first, to refer to the building where a congregation meets. Second, it refers to the community of God s people who believe in Jesus Christ. This second meaning is illustrated well in the hymn, I am the Church found in The United Methodist Hymnal. Congregation When people who believe in Jesus Christ gather in a particular place to worship and learn about God they are called a congregation. Lectern The podium from which the Scriptures (lections) are read. In sanctuaries with both a pulpit and lectern, the liturgist will use the lectern. Narthex The area at the rear of the church that serves as an entryway, like a lobby, to the sanctuary. There is usually a wall at the back of the sanctuary, separating the worship area from the narthex. Nave The main body of the sanctuary that includes the pews. It is separated from the chancel area, perhaps by steps leading to the chancel or a Communion rail. Pulpit The podium from which the sermon is given. Sanctuary This word comes from a Latin word sanctus, which means holy. The sanctuary is a place used for religious purposes. In history it was a safe place where people could go. You might have heard the term, They were seeking sanctuary, which means looking for a safe place. 3

4 Words About the Church Seasons We all know that January 1 begins each calendar year. In the church, we have a different beginning for the year. The Christian year helps us remember the life of Jesus and the teachings of Jesus, so the church year starts with the time before Jesus is born and continues through the coming of the Holy Spirit and the spread of the good news of God s love through Jesus Christ. Beginning Season/Day Length Emphasis Liturgical Color Four Sundays Advent Four Awaiting the birth of Purple / blue before Dec. 25 Sundays Messiah Dec. 25-Jan. 5 Christmastide 12 days The Incarnation White January 6 Epiphany One Day The Manifestation of God in Jesus / Baptism of Jesus Sunday after Jan. 6 until Ash Wed. Ordinary time (Sundays after the Epiphany) White 4-9 weeks Green Wed. before first Sunday of Lent Seven Sundays before Easter Sunday before Easter Thursday of Holy Week Friday of Holy Week First Sunday after the full moon after first day of Spring Ash Wednesday One day Day of Penitence Purple Lent Palm/ Passion Sun. begins Holy Week 40 days (not counting Sundays) One day Introspection, penitence Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem Maundy Thursday One Day The Last Supper/ Jesus washes feet of disciples Purple Purple Purple Good Friday One Day Crucifixion Purple/ black or no paraments Eastertide 50 days The Resurrection White 50 days after Easter Pentecost One Day The Coming of the Holy Spirit Red Sunday after Pentecost Sunday Ordinary Time (season after Pentecost Up to 26 weeks Green / Red 4

5 Advent This word comes from the Latin word, adventus and means arrival or coming. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas (usually the last Sunday in November or the first Sunday in December). In this season we prepare ourselves for celebrating again the birth of Jesus. It is the first season of the Christian year. The color for this season is royal blue or purple. Ash Wednesday This is the first day of Lent. In many churches people come together for a worship service. The pastor places ashes on their foreheads in the sign of a cross. This helps them remember that they need to ask God to forgive their sins. Christmas The season of Christmas begins on December 25 and continues through January 5 (remember the Twelve Days of Christmas?). We aren t really clear when people began celebrating Christmas Day on December 25. And not all Christians celebrate Jesus birth on December 25. Some still celebrate Jesus birth on January 6. At Christmas we celebrate God s gift to us of his son sent in human form. The color for this season is white. Easter This is the most important date in the Christian year. It is the celebration of Jesus triumphing over death and being raised to life again by God. Easter may occur in March some years and in April other years. The date every year is the first Sunday after the first full moon following the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). Aren t you glad someone else figures this out for us? The season of Easter is actually fifty days long. It begins on Easter Eve and continues through the day of Pentecost. The color of the Easter season is white. Epiphany / Season After the Epiphany The day of Epiphany, January 6, is traditionally the day we celebrate the arrival of the wise men who brought gifts to Jesus. The word epiphany means manifestation. This day helps us remember that the message of Jesus was for all people. It is also a time to recognize and celebrate the relationship of Jesus as the son of God in his baptism. In the church season that follows the day of Epiphany we remember the teaching and ministry of Jesus. The color for this season is green. The Season after the Epiphany is sometimes called Ordinary Time. It lasts for four to nine Sundays, depending upon the date of Easter. Good Friday The Friday before Easter is referred to both as Good Friday and Black Friday. We call it Black Friday because we remember that Jesus was crucified and died on this day. We call it Good Friday because we believe Jesus continued in God s plan to help people of all time be able to know and love God. Holy Week The week before Easter, beginning with Palm Sunday, is called Holy Week. During that time we remember all the final things that happened to Jesus before he was crucified. Lent Just as we prepare for Christmas with Advent, we prepare for Easter in the season of Lent. Lent is the forty days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday (not counting Sundays). It is a time of preparation for the resurrection of Christ. Today many Christians engage in study, worship and spiritual renewal during Lent. It may also be a time when Christians give up something that is bad for them such as overeating, treating others unkindly, or not spending time with their families. Since every Sunday for Christians is a celebration of Jesus resurrection (a mini-easter). Sunday s during Lent are not days of penitence. The color of Lent is purple. 5

6 Liturgical Calendar The church year calendar, beginning with Advent. This calendar marks the seasons and holy days that reflect the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Liturgical Colors The colors (usually four) that carry some symbolism with their associated season or holy day in the church year. Traditionally, the colors are purple (penitence, royalty), green (new life), red (martyrdom, fire), and white (purity), though gold (associated with royalty) and blue (fidelity) are sometimes used. Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday) The Thursday of Holy Week is called Holy Thursday or Maundy Thursday. The word, maundy comes from a Latin word, mandatum meaning commandment. It reminds us of Jesus last words to his disciples. We gather and join in the Lord s Supper remembering Jesus final meal with his disciples. Palm Sunday The Sunday before Easter. We remember Jesus entering Jerusalem and being praised by the people. We also remember that this praise did not last and that he was crucified by the end of the week. Palm Sunday is sometimes observed with a dual role, including Passion Sunday, in anticipation of the events that led up to the Crucifixion. Pentecost Day There was a period of time after Jesus resurrection when the disciples were unsure of what they were to do. Then, as recorded in the New Testament in the book of Acts, we have the account of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We celebrate this event on Pentecost; pente referring to fifty, as this is 50 days after Easter. Some also call it the birthday of the church. It is always the seventh Sunday after Easter. The color for Pentecost Day is red. Season After Pentecost The time from Pentecost until Advent is called the Season after Pentecost or Ordinary Time. During this time of the Christian year we remember the spread of the Christian faith and work to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ. Shrove Tuesday The day before Lent begins is called Shrove Tuesday. In some places it is also called Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. It is a time for one last celebration before the beginning of Lent. Shrove is a form of shriven, meaning to be absolved or to confess. By about the 4 th C. CE, the Lenten observance had grown from days to weeks and was a time of fasting and penitence. All foodstuffs related to the fast had to be eaten and/or expunged from the home sugar, fats, eggs, and so on (which is why pancakes are often associated with a Shrove Tuesday dinner). Words About Teaching What words have you discovered as you have begun teaching? If you ve just been asked to teach, what words used in the information you ve been given puzzle you? Some of them may include the following: Curriculum Used broadly, curriculum is the grand plan for all that we teach. The curriculum resources, specific materials we may be given to plan our lessons, are often simply called curriculum. As you teach remember that what you say, how you act, and what you place in the classroom all are part of the curriculum. 6

7 Students We may also refer here to learners, the particular age group of people, or seekers. Students seek to learn from each other and a teacher more about being a follower of Jesus. Teacher This is the one who has the responsibility to put together a plan or lesson of learning. They may also be called facilitators, group leaders, fellow learners, or leaders. Lesson Generally speaking, this is what we see ourselves teaching. We may refer both to the printed material as the lesson or our learning plan as the lesson. Words About Theology We use the word theology to talk about those words that have to do with God and to God s relationship with human beings. Theology is something all Christians practice. When we talk with God, we are doing theology. When we explain what we believe to someone else, we are doing theology. When we make a statement about where we believe God is working in the world, we do theology. Theological words can be the most complex because often they are used to describe things we may not really understand. Some of the words you may be using when you teach include: Apostle This comes from a Greek word that means, one who is sent. We use this word to refer to Jesus followers. Sometimes the twelve followers of Jesus are called disciples and sometimes they are called apostles. Sometimes people will refer to the Twelve as apostles and refer to all of us who try to follow Jesus as disciples. Covenant In the Old Testament, covenant referred to the pact made between God and Israel. God was to be the God of the people of Israel and take care of them. The people of Israel were to worship God alone and follow God s laws. You may read in the New Testament about the new covenant. This expanded God s covenant to all people. But the covenant still binds us to God and God to us. Creation We believe that God brought the world and all in it out of chaos. God is the creator from the beginning of the world and continues to be the creator of all. Christ We use this term to refer to Jesus as son of God. It is not the last name of Jesus. It might be better thought of as Jesus the Christ. This means savior of all people who believe. Disciple A learner. The earliest followers of Jesus were called disciples, and they numbered far more than the Twelve who made up Jesus inner circle. (See Apostle.) Exodus Literally, a departure. The central saving event of the Old Testament. Moses was sent to the Egyptian Pharaoh by God to ask for the release of the Hebrews held in captivity there. (See Exodus 4 14.) After a series of refusals and the subsequent plagues, the people were released, but with the Pharaoh s army in pursuit. Moses led the people to safety across the Red (or Reed) Sea, when God parted the waters to let them pass, and then engulfed and destroyed the army. 7

8 Faith Have faith in God. This can mean confidence or trust in God. What is your faith? When people use faith in this way they are asking for the content or set of someone s beliefs. Forgiveness For Christians, forgiveness is God s way of removing the barriers that separate people from God (and one another). We do believe that we can ask God to forgive us and God is a forgiving God. Grace Simply stated, grace is doing a favor for someone else. We use grace in many ways. When we talk about God s grace, we are talking about God doing the favor of claiming us a child of God. Grace is also unmerited favor; received freely and without expectation of payback. We also use this term for saying prayers, particularly at mealtime. It does connect, because when we say grace we are asking for God to bless us. United Methodists understand grace in at least three ways (see Prevenient, Justication, Sanctification). Holy One way to think of holy is, set apart or marked by God. We use this term in connection with objects, places, and people. We talk about the church being a holy place because we believe we meet with God in church. We talk about Bibles being Holy Bibles because we believe God s word is found in the words of the Bible. We talk about a neighbor or a church member or a world leader being holy when we believe that person listens to and tries in all ways to do what God would want them to do. Another term for holy is sacred. Hope Christians are a people of hope. This means that we have confidence in the future. We have this confidence because we believe God is present. Incarnation The enfleshment or embodiment of God in Jesus. The Scriptures tell us that Mary was with child from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18) and that the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God (Luke 1:35). At his birth, Jesus is held as God Incarnate. Jesus The child of Mary and Joseph, and the son of God. Jesus, the Christ, is the second Person of the Trinity. In many non-christian faith traditions, Jesus is regarded as a prophet or holy man, though not the Messiah. Justification Being made right with God; as with Abraham, whom God reckoned as righteous. When United Methodists speak of God s justifying grace, it refers to that moment (or moments) at which a person is aware of his or her sin and desires to confess, repent, and turn toward God. Some speak of this moment as being saved. Law The first five books of the Old Testament are referred to as the Law. The Hebrew word is translated as Torah. This is also a description of what is required of the people of God. The covenant requires that God s people obey God s laws. Love We use the word love to typify the relationship between God and human beings. 8

9 Messiah Anointed One one called, named, and set apart by God for a special task. Many of the Old Testament kings were anointed and called by God. Over time, as the Hebrews were oppressed and exiled, they developed the theological idea of the Messiah, one who would come to break oppression for all time and who would restore and save the people. Jesus is regarded by Christians to have fulfilled that role. Miracle Today we use this term for events that seem to conflict with the laws of nature. We use the term miracle today to talk about all the mighty acts of Jesus that help us know he is God s son. Mission This means an assigned task. It also is used to show that someone is sent out on a particular task. In the New Testament we read about the mission of the disciples when they were sent to preach to the towns and villages. We also talk about the mission of the church when Jesus asks for all who believe to teach and baptize others in his name. Peace The opposite of killing and destruction, peace is living in harmony with others and with God. In worship we practice the passing of the peace to signify we are in unity with those around us. We talk about Jesus bringing God s peace to the world, meaning Jesus helps us know that God s plan is for peace. Perfection This word means being fully developed or fully grown. It is a term we use as United Methodists because John Wesley talked about Christians going on to perfection. John Wesley used this term to mean that we are always growing and can grow to be fully governed in our lives by God s love. One who, with God s help, has achieved Christian perfection is so closely aligned with the will of God that he or she is without sin (though not necessarily without mistakes). Prevenient To go before. Prevenient grace is that love of God that precedes who we are, what we know, and what we do and that prepares our hearts and minds to be justified and sanctified. Reconciliation When two opposing parties or two opposing points of view are able to come together, we say they are reconciled. Christians talk about being reconciled to God by asking for and receiving forgiveness and vowing to live in harmony with God s laws. We talk about being reconciled to one another when we agree to work together and unite our beliefs. Redemption Literally, this word means to buy back. A phrase you may have heard is, Jesus Christ has come for the redemption of all humankind. We believe that through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus redeemed human beings so that they could be united with God. Therefore, we can confidently ask for God s forgiveness and be assured the God will grant forgiveness when we have done wrong. Repentance To repent is to change one s mind or change one s direction. When Christians ask to be forgiven, they tell to God what they have done wrong and promise to change the direction of the behavior, words, or actions that are not in harmony with what God would want. They repent. 9

10 Resurrection This means to be raised from the dead. We are a resurrection people. The New Testament gospels are told so that people will know God raised Jesus from the dead. Revelation Meaning, to show, we use this term to mean people or events that show God to us. Salvation The rescue from peril or deliverance from conflict, by God. A central saving act of the Old Testament is the Exodus experience, in which God, through Moses, confronted the Egyptian Pharaoh to demand the release of the enslaved Hebrews. The central saving act of the New Testament is the Crucifixion and Resurrection, in which Jesus, though put to death, transcended death to become the living sacrifice for all of the sins of humankind. Salvation restores persons to a right relationship with God and releases us from sin. Sanctification The process of being made holy. United Methodists understand God s sanctifying grace as the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling persons to grow deeper in their faith and more closely aligned with the will of God, ultimately to go on the Christian perfection. Trinity God as Three in One. The Persons of the Trinity are God as Father (or Creator), the Son (or Redeemer), and Holy Spirit (the Comforter or Advocate). God is one entity, though we know and experience God in various ways as God is revealed to us. Words About Worship For Christians, worship is a very important part of living the faith. Christianity is a communal religion. That means we gain strength and help by being part of a group of people. While there are some practices that we do individually, Christians believe that praying together, praising God together, studying together, and working together help us grow as disciples. Here are some of the words we use in worship. Amen So be it. How many ways have you heard amen used? You ve probably heard someone say, Amen Sister! In this way amen means we agree with what has been said. At the end of prayers we say amen. Used this way, amen means ending. Some people might say, Amen, we need to be out there witnessing. Used at the front of a sentence this way it serves to say to others, This is important so listen up. Baptism One of two sacraments, baptism is a symbol of God s claiming of an individual and as recognition that the person is a part of God s family. Historically it has been a symbol of inner cleansing and a mark of new life. In The United Methodist Church, any age person may be baptized. And in The United Methodist Church, a person may be baptized by immersion (being plunged under water); pouring (where water is poured over the head of the individual); or sprinkling (where water is sprinkled on the head of the individual.) Eucharist / Holy Communion One of two sacraments, Holy Communion is the ritual meal performed during worship that commemorates Jesus giving of himself. It may be called Holy Communion, Holy Eucharist, The Lord s Supper, or The Last Supper. During communion, the words that Jesus spoke at his last supper with his disciples are recalled as the people gathered drink juice and eat bread to remember Jesus. The elements (bread and juice or wine) are symbols of the body broken and blood shed in Jesus sacrifice in the Crucifixion. 10

11 Intercession A particular kind of prayer is called a prayer of intercession. To intercede is to speak or act for the goodness of another or on behalf of another. When we pray prayers of intercession we pray for others to add to their prayers or to pray for those who can t pray for themselves. Lectionary A calendar of Scripture readings used in worship in many congregations. The lectionary usually includes a reading from the Old Testament, from the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), from the Epistles (the letters of the New Testament or Acts) and the Psalms. Liturgy / Liturgist The order of worship, as participated in by the congregation. When you sit in church and look at a bulletin, you are looking at the printed liturgy for that service. A worship service helps us go through acts of praise, of prayer, of confession, of forgiveness, of hearing God s word and responding to God s word. The word liturgy means the work of the people. A liturgist is the person who assists the pastor or preacher in the conduct of the worship service by leading prayer, reading Scripture, and so on. Offering In worship, we use the word offering to signify the giving of money for the work of the church. Offering also means those things we give to God in addition to money. These may be talents, or service, or time for things the church needs. When the offering of money is called for, many pastors or liturgists will use the term "tithes and offerings." Paraments The clothes on the sanctuary furnishings, changed throughout the Christian year to reflect the liturgical symbols and colors of the season. The altar may have a cloth covering and a linen cloth (the fair linen) over it (symbolizing the linen burial shroud of Jesus). The pulpit and lectern may have an overhanging cloth or bookmark (on the lectern). Passing the Peace Because we believe that being hostile to others is contrary to God s laws, in worship we pass the peace to one another. This is saying we love and care for one another and will work together to show God s love to others. Pray When we communicate with God we call this praying. Christians believe prayer is a two-way communication with God. We speak aloud or silently to God and we listen to what God might want to say to us. Prayer includes praising God for joys, asking God for aid and help, and remembering others who need prayer. Through prayer, we are co-creators with God of the future. Sabbath In Hebrew, this means to rest. It is the day when we rest and praise God. In the story of Creation (see Genesis 1 2) God saw that all was good and rested on the seventh day. Because of this, people of the Jewish faith celebrate Sabbath on Saturday. For Christians, the Sabbath day, or the day for worship and rest, is Sunday (the Lord s Day, commemorating that Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week ). Sacrament The word sacrament comes from the Latin word, sacramentum, which is an oath of allegiance or an obligation. In The United Methodist Church we use the word sacrament to describe the two practices we believe Jesus asked all Christians to practice-- baptism and Holy Communion. They are also memorial acts, in that they are done in remembrance of the gracious things God has done for us. 11

12 Sermon The exposition on Scripture, sometimes called a homily. In worship, the service of the word, includes reading from the Bible and then preaching to explain or illuminate that passage. Thanksgiving Literally, this means to give thanks to God. We pray prayers of thanksgiving and sing songs of thanksgiving thanking God for life. Tithes In the Bible we read that we are to give to God one tenth of what we have. This is called a tithe. Vestments The ritual clothes worn by the worship leaders (pastor/preacher/liturgist). Vestments may consist of a robe or alb and a stole (worn around the neck or over the shoulder). They may be more elaborate, though most Protestants who use vestments keep the clerical garb simple. The pastor is the symbol bearer for the congregation and in wearing vestments, carries into worship the signs and symbols that refer back to God. The stole is a reminder that Jesus told his followers to take my yoke upon you. This pamphlet is prepared by the Faith Formation and Discipleship Groups at the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church and may be reprinted for use in the local church 2010 GBOD. For more information about the needs and requirements in specific ministry areas, see the leadership series Guidelines for Leading Your Congregation, which includes Christian Education Children s Ministries Youth Ministries Adult Ministries Family Ministries Small Group Ministry Go to or call Please also visit our website 12