More Than Meets the Ear: Vernacular Jargon's Contribution to the Ethos of Worship - a podcast by Jonathan Michael Jones

            The
ethos of the modern church, particularly in western society, seemingly involves
a catering to the culture for a plurality of underlying reasons. The strong
belief in the use of vernacular language stemming from the Reformation era has
drastically changed in its purpose. Where Reformers desired for communities of
God’s people to possess the ability to worship in their own language and, thus,
experience a greater effect in life-change, the tendency of modern churches’
use of vernacular language appears to be founded upon the desires of people
(lost or saved) rather than the worship of God.

            I
will discuss vernacular jargon, specifically lingo, and its contribution to the
ethos of worship in modern society. Worship leaders often see themselves as
indirect theologians and theological teachers when instead the view should foster
teaching in a direct manner, i.e. worship leaders should be intentional and
purposeful with the lingo they choose to use. Lingo teaches ideas, concepts,
and even theologies whether realized or not. One can certainly say, “Well, they
know what I mean.” I would, however, respond with, “Do they?” When worship
leaders use terms such as stage and setlist, many people’s minds automatically
create an association with worship. Since a worship leader’s context is the
local church (not a concert setting), jargon such as stage and setlist is
naturally associated with worship, although it should not be, which is why
leaders should be careful to be intentional, pointed, and clear with the lingo
used. Every single word used in the context of corporate worship (quite
literally) has an either intended or unintended implication.

            I
suggest here that lingo has become one of the most neglected aspects of
corporate worship. Even Reformation era theologians, in their desire to
cultivate communities of worship through understandable language,[1] had, at the center, a
desire to worship God rather than to cater to societal norms. Lingo then is
more than meets the ear. In fact, what is heard is surface level; what is
experienced and internalized both mentally and emotionally is at the root of
the issue. Lingo should not be neglected. We should not shift back to language
which is difficult to understand; yet, those who lead the church in worship
should take seriously their call to cultivate worshipers of God, not merely congregants
who understand theological concepts, albeit in an inaccurate frame. Lingo,
therefore, should not be neglected, negated, or de-emphasized but rather
intentional.

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