Considerations and Alternatives to Church-Specific Words

We sometimes use words or jargon that may convey meaning within Church culture but can be misunderstood by many people. Use words that are simple, clear, and doctrinally correct. This list clarifies some commonly used terms; additional terms and alternatives may be found at guide.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Brethren:Try Church leaders, prophets, Apostles, and so forth, or simply men or priesthood holders.

For example: “Several priesthood holders may participate in an ordinance.”

See also “priesthood” below.

Brother and Sister:These terms are appropriate for communication within Church organizations. However, we do not assume that people of other faiths want to be addressed with these terms or want to address us this way.

Convert:Consider using new member of the Church.

Fellowship:As a noun, consider using friendship. As a verb, consider get to know, become friends with, or associate with.

Inactive:Be cautious about categorizing people. If necessary, consider using less-engaged Church members, people who don’t currently participate in Church activities, and so on.

Investigator:The term investigator may feel impersonal, and in some cases it may imply secrecy or government action. Consider visitor, neighbor, friend, and so on.

Members:Avoid using member in a way that implies superiority or exclusive belonging. All people are children of heavenly parents, and Jesus Christ’s Church and gospel are for everyone. As appropriate in your context, consider words like congregation, baptized individuals, neighbors, people of our faith, and so on.

Nonmember:This term can sound negative and exclusive. Consider instead using all people, God’s children, people of other faiths, friends, and so on.

Names of Church Organizations:When addressing people who are not familiar with Church organizations, include simple explanations. For example: “Relief Society is the Church’s organization for women”; “Primary includes Sunday classes for children”; “Ministering is a way we care for each other.”

Preside:Be mindful of improper uses of preside that may suggest superiority or an incorrect presumption of authority. To preside means to serve and teach with gentleness, meekness, and Christlike love (see General Handbook, 4.2.4).

Priesthood:Priesthood authority is the authorization given by someone with priesthood keys to represent God and act in His name (see General Handbook, 3.4). Priesthood power is God’s power and flows to all Church members as they keep their covenants with Him (see General Handbook, 3.5).