Indiana Pastor: 'Saved' Should Be Removed From Church Vocabulary

Amen! We lose unbelievers most times (when we are talking to them) because they don't... understand our "Christianese" way of speaking. I say that humbly because I believe (as Christians) we spend too much time only talking to other Christians rather than to unbelievers. (I say this because) I didn't learn that till I started spending time at the women's jail (and they were asking me what I meant by this or that).

God bless,
Lisa

() and ... = edited for clarity.

PS: Zac Poonen uses the word 'converted' instead of saved. I don't think I've heard him use the word saved for being born again. Just a thought!

I don't think we should quit using the word, just explain it! Preach the gospel and then explain what it is, why, and how to be saved. I agree we need to be missional, or sensitive to seekers, or what ever you want to call it, but that, to me, is what good clear teaching and preaching is. Its understandable, thinking of the people who your talking too, because if they don't get it then you may as well sit down and be quiet.

I have heard the words "twice born" to describe being born again of Christ and I rather like it. It gets peoples attentions and gets them to ask questions which in turn allows for opportunity to share what ever God might place on your heart at the time to share with others.

But I also don't have an issue with saying that I am saved, because I was in need of a Savior, Jesus came and HE did save me so it works too. In my experience when a person does not understand something they ask questions(smile)

God Bless
mj

Amen martyr. Why not just remove the gospel? Since someone may not know what that means. Just like in the school textbood revisions. Might need to not talk about mountains, oceans, or Neptune, since kids may not have seen some of these. Wow! Why have education, if it isn't to teach someone something they do not know? The Word says to teach, exhort, line upon line..... Expound the Word so the world knows. Keep preaching and teaching till other believe the Gospel and are saved... oops, uh... converted, born again, regenerated, justified, peace with God, adopted, salvation. They may not know what these mean, so maybe they shouldn't be used also (even though they are biblical terms). No offense meant (Oh, the offense of the gospel!), but sometimes revisionists get confusing.

Hmmm...sounds like yet another good reason for using the word. It "confuses" them, they ask about it, and there's your golden opportunity for witnessing.

Hi everyone.

I think there have been several valid points made here.

One the one hand, it may be that the word saved isn't so much confusing as it is irritating; it's not that english speaking people do not understand what the basic meaning of the word saved is, but knowing what it means, hearing it implies some danger or threat. It may have been just as irritating for example, for the religous Jews to hear about being made' free'. Free? How dare you imply we are not free, we are afterall, Abraham's offspring.

The language of the Kingdom of Heaven is revolutionary, radical, and counter-culture wherever it is preached. It is shocking and sometimes irritating.

But words like salvation, righteousness, and forgiveness are like water to thrirsty souls and for people who are hungry for God and new life.

On the other hand it is right to say that sometimes translation is in order, especially in other cultures.

I believe we are the least effective in speaking to others(and I have spoken one to one with hundreds of people if not more) when we are simply repeating words and phrases that have been put in us, when we've been merely chatechised by a teacher or sermon rather than inspired by God. Repeating the same things over and over without inspiration and genuine passion can be deadening to the speaker and the hearer both.

The words and sermons recorded in the New Testament are words from the hearts of those that spoke them, unscripted, breathed upon and inspired by the Holy Spirit of God.

May we all be able to speak so fluently, from the heart, the things that are near and dear to the heart of God.

The irony of a mega-church leader being opposed to Christian-ese.

I am fascinated by how words and ideas seem connected when really they are two separate things. Sometimes the connections between words and ideas are helpful, and other times they aren't.

I'm not for "banning" words, but I think it's worthwhile to see if we can express the ideas behind our normal words. After all, a parrot can say words like "saved" and "free" but still cannot understand their meaning. Perhaps this pastor is simply observing that the word "saved" isn't always clear enough to convey the actual idea intended.

I really do not know where this pastor is coming from but the idea is not all that far off the wall.

We have talked a lot with Jehovah Witnesses. We used Christian jargon and they agreed with us many times. Then we were baffled until we learned they impose different meanings to these words then what evangelical Christianity does.

As a result of these conversations, I have learned to refrain from using theological terms in discussing theology or doctrine with those who may well impose radically different meanings to them. Since it is so important that we communicate one must use language that is clearly understood by both - even if it means using two dozen words to describe a concept when normally one word would do.

Quote by Compton:
"I'm not for "banning" words, but I think it's worthwhile to see if we can express the ideas behind our normal words. After all, a parrot can say words like "saved" and "free" but still cannot understand their meaning. Perhaps this pastor is simply observing that the word "saved" isn't always clear enough to convey the actual idea intended."

Well said.

"An Indiana megachurch pastor says he is annoyed at the word “saved,” especially when used among Christians to describe someone that has made a commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of their lives."

It sounds like he does not care whether the word is used among Christians or non-Christians. He seems to be against the word period. Can't say for sure it's the case with this pastor but many pastors these days want to get rid of words from the Bible because they feel they are offensive. Words or phrases like "the blood of Jesus", "hell", etc.

It's the same old liberal, seeker sensitive mentality which is prevalent in many churches.

The word saved appears in the Bible too many times to count, referring to salvation from sin and God's wrath.

I agree we should preach the words of the Bible and explain them. It's not that hard to explain what we mean by "saved". The first thing that comes to non-believers' minds is "saved from what?" We should not shy away from explaining to them what we are saved from. Too many Christians are afraid of offending non-Christians and therefore do not speak plainly to them about their need of forgiveness of sins through Christ.

I am seeing something very interesting now where I attend, its a mix of evangelism but at the same time I ask where does a line get drawn in the sand. I know that is asking a lot for anyone to cut straight through and call that which is Black, black and that which is white, white and to try and make the "Grey" area minimal.

I say the Word of God is our Line that we need to follow first and for most. I have seen services evolve and change simple to "bring in the Nonchristians" so the function of Sunday morning service was a gear of Evangelism, which I agree with we shoud share the Good news as often as possible.

Christianese is a funny language and just like English has words that simply mean something different based on the person. My problem with the word "saved" is not the fact that its used but the misuse of the word in and of itself. Ask the average Christian what they are saved from and they will likely tell you hell. But are we really saved from Hell? That wasn't the purpose of Christ at all, He came to save His People From their SINS. Ah now its appropriate to used the word saved.

So I could walk up to a Christian or NonChristian and say the Lord Jesus Christ SAVED me from my wicked life style. It was selfdestructive, selfish, and wrong on so many levels. Eureka now there is some clarity on Salvation, unfortunately the average Christian views themselves simply saved from Hell which we all deserve, which is a judgment coming not from the devil (common misconception) BUT a Just and Holy God. Satan isn't the ring leader of hell who will torture us forever NO he will join us in the flames should we go to Hell (a place we rightfully deserve)

This is what the average Christian doesn't know. Now back to my main point, if this pastors intent is simply to make people feel comfortable to increase his paycheck then he is wrong in that aspect. But we don't know his intention and everything is mear speculation. Remove the word? Nah but there definitely needs to be a clarification not only to NonChristians what Saved means but to Christians as well.

(P.S. Sorry this was kind of long)