Use Simple Language
You don't need to be a seminary student or memorize complex theological terms to share your faith. In fact, using big, confusing words is one of the quickest ways to shut down a conversation.
The Bible tells us to speak the truth in love, but that truth must also be clear and simple. Your goal is to help people understand the good news, not to impress them with your vocabulary.
Avoid Church Jargon
Every group has its own specialized language, and Christianity is no different. We often use terms like "sanctification," "justified," or "flesh" without realizing that a person outside the church may have no idea what we're talking about.
When you feel yourself starting to use a church word, stop and replace it with a simple explanation.
Instead of saying someone is being "sanctified," say they are growing to become more like Jesus every day.
Instead of saying you are "justified," explain that you are made right with God, treated as if you never sinned.
Instead of talking about "fellowship," say you are spending time together and sharing your lives.
When you share, always put yourself in their shoes and ask: If I had never been to church, would this make sense?
Tell a Story, Don't Give a Lecture
Simple language means using examples that people can relate to. Jesus was the master of this! He explained the Kingdom of Heaven using simple, everyday things: seeds, fishing nets, sheep, and lost coins.
To keep things simple, focus on telling a story rather than giving a theological lecture. If you are talking about forgiveness, don't just use the word "atonement." Instead, talk about a financial debt that was completely erased, or a broken relationship that was fully restored. Your testimony is the perfect example of clear, simple language in action.
Effective ministry is simply this: sharing your simple, personal experience of Jesus's great love in a way that others can understand. Use short sentences, common words, and real-life examples, and you will connect far more effectively than any scholar.
