Church Words

"Pastor Alex Chapman refused to retreat from the notion that for simplicity's sake the church should abandon the biblical/theological terms at the heart of the church's message. Rather, in Church Words, he leads the charge by explaining and applying these concepts in a clear and accessible manner, grounded in solidly evangelical scholarship. Read it and be informed; meditate on it and be blessed."

-Dr. Walter Johnson, former Dean of the College of Christian Studies, North Greenville University 

"Like the indomitable Luther at Worms, Alex Chapman has firmly planted his feet, raised his finger in the air, and body declared, 'Here, I stand!' With this work, Alex has delivered a much-needed resource for the church. In an age where doctrine is often minimized or even disdained, he offers a guide that elevates the truth and reinforces Paul's timeless maxim in 2 Timothy 2:19: 'The firm foundation of God stands.' Every Sunday School class and small group would be well served by studying this book."

-Dr. Frankie Melton, Assistant Professor of Christian Studies, North Greenville University

"Pastors often assume all church people possess a basic theological vocabulary. After many years of ministry, I can assure you that isn't the case! Fortunately, Alex Chapman offers a solution. In a lighthearted spirit, sprinkled with humor, and a pastor's touch, Chapman offers some basic definitions and explanations of common "church words" that, unfortunately, aren't so common anymore! Great read and a must buy!

-Dr. J. Bradley Starnes, Senior Pastor, Cornerstone Baptist Church, Hartwell, Georgia

"In Church Words, author and pastor Alex Chapman breaks down the rich, often intimidating language of theology into clear, relatable truth for the everyday believer. With warmth and clarity, he unpacks these "church words" not just to explain them, but to show how they lead us to our highest purpose: to glorify God. Whether you're new to church or have been sitting in the pews for years, this book is a must-read. It's more than a glossary-it's a guide to understanding the faith you live out every day."

-Dr. Chris Jordan, Associational Mission Strategist, Piedmont Baptist Association 

"As people engage with the pastor's message, there are often words, ideas, and concepts that are new and unknown to them. These words and ideas are often essential for an accurate understanding of the text being preached, even for seasoned believers. And if this is true of seasoned believers, how much more is it the case for new believers? 

What is needed is a resource that addresses the words most important to biblical understanding. This resource needs to be written in "everyman" language, categorized for easy connection of words with their broader application, and complete enough to cover the bases of biblical interpretation and church usage. Alex Chapman has provided a resource that does all that and more. 

Church Words is a book that needs to be in the hands of every believer who is serious about going deeper in Scripture with a fuller understanding of its teachings. Pastors committed to expository preaching would do well to encourage every member of his congregation to secure a copy of Church Words and keep it near their notes taken in church. In fact, I believe churches would do well to budget enough funds to put a copy of this book in every member's hands. It will enhance the message from the pulpit with details that produce fuller understanding in the pew. Church Words is a work of immense value for anyone in the Christian family. I highly recommend it."

-Dr. Gerald Roe, former Program Chair, Intercultural Studies, North Greenville University