Christian faith and outreach glossary
Church language can feel like a secret code. Here is what the words we use actually mean, in one or two sentences, with a guide for going deeper.
- Baptism
- Baptism is a public act of obedience in which a follower of Jesus is immersed in (or washed with) water, picturing their death to an old life and new life in Christ. (Romans 6:4) What is baptism?
- Discipleship
- Discipleship is the lifelong process of learning to follow Jesus — knowing Him, obeying His teaching, and helping others do the same. Love on Hamilton follows up with everyone who says yes to Jesus so a decision can become a life. (Matthew 28:19–20) Your first 30 days
- Evangelism
- Evangelism is sharing the good news of Jesus with others — in words and in love — and inviting them to respond. Evangelism training
- Follow-up
- Follow-up is staying in touch with someone after a Gospel conversation or a decision for Jesus — praying, answering questions, and helping them take next steps. A simple follow-up guide
- The Gospel
- The Gospel is the good news that God loves us, that sin separates us from Him, that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, and that anyone who trusts Him is forgiven and made new. (1 Corinthians 15:3–4) The Gospel explained
- Grace
- Grace is God's undeserved kindness: forgiveness and new life given freely, not earned by good behaviour. (Ephesians 2:8–9) Know Jesus
- The Great Commission
- The Great Commission is Jesus' instruction to His followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them. It is the reason Love on Hamilton goes to the streets and helps start outreach groups in other cities. (Matthew 28:18–20) Start an outreach group
- Oikos
- Oikos is the Greek word for household. In evangelism it means the circle of people already in your life — family, friends, neighbours, co-workers — who are your most natural mission field. Who's in your oikos?
- Outreach
- Outreach is going to people where they are to serve their needs and share the hope of Jesus, rather than waiting for them to come to a church building. Join Tuesday outreach
- Prayer walk
- A prayer walk is praying on location — walking through a neighbourhood and praying for the people, places, and needs you pass. Hamilton prayer walk guide
- Repentance
- Repentance means turning: changing your mind about sin and turning toward God, trusting Him rather than yourself. (Acts 3:19) How to respond to Jesus
- Salvation
- Salvation is being rescued by God from sin and its consequences and brought into a restored relationship with Him, through faith in Jesus. (Romans 10:9) How to give your life to Jesus
- Street evangelism
- Street evangelism is sharing the love and message of Jesus with people in public spaces — streets, parks, and city centres — usually alongside practical care and prayer. Love on Hamilton has done this every Tuesday at 7:00 PM in downtown Hamilton since 2014. What is street evangelism?
- Testimony
- A testimony is your personal story of how Jesus has changed your life — usually what life was like before, how you met Him, and what is different now. Build your testimony