One of the first things you notice about the world of sailing is that it has its own specialised vocabulary. Not content to use 'common' words, yachties adopt a whole language of their own to describe the boat and the related aspects of sailing.

Here's how a sailing instructor might explain it:

"Kids, this is a sailing boat. This rope in the middle is not called a 'rope'. It's called a 'sheet'. The front point of the boat is not called the 'front', it's called the 'bow'. The back of the boat is not called the 'back' it's called the 'stern'. The front half is called 'fore' and the rear is called 'aft'. The steel cables that hold up the big pole in the middle of the boat are not called 'cables', they are called 'stays'. The pulleys are not called 'pulleys', they are called 'blocks'. When we talk about the left side we call it 'port'. When we talk about the right side, we call it 'starboard'. Wind speed is measured in 'knots' not 'kilometers per hour'. Any questions?"

In order to be accepted into the sailing 'club', participants must learn to use the new language. Existing members are not willing to change the terminology to reflect modern usage, and furthermore, they take every opportunity to educate new members to use the correct names of objects and activities.

In many ways, church is like sailing. We have our own specialised vocabulary. We use special words to describe things that, in any other context, would have a 'normal' name. Not only do we like to use this special language, we feel obliged to correct others who use incorrect terminology.

Perhaps we should have a special introductory course on how to church? The opening spiel might go something like this:

"Hello everyone. Let's start at the front. This lectern isn't called a 'lectern', it's called a 'pulpit'. The address from this lectern isn't called a 'talk', it's called a 'sermon'. The chairs in the room aren't called 'seats', they are called 'pews'. The songs we sing aren't called 'songs', they're called 'hymns'. The bit where we collect the money isn't called a 'collection', it's called an 'offertory'. The weekend retreat isn't called a 'conference' it's called a 'houseparty'. The place that the minister lives isn't called a 'house' it's called a 'rectory', and the minister is often known as a 'rector'. Any questions?"

Unlike the orientation to sailing, we don't normally get an opportunity to explain to newcomers the special language of church before they join us.

So, why do we feel the need to hold on to our exclusive language? If we really want outsiders to feel comfortable, why do we insist they learn this vocabulary?