I was working with LN on our coaching website and the menu headers for various groups. I want to make this learning available for pastors and church leaders so we have a category called “churches”. LN and I have been going back and forth about terminology and my perception that while the model is completely transferable to multiple disciplines — including churches and non-profits — we will need to use different jargon so that these audiences understand that we understand them. He has been reluctant, or just not convinced.

Until he had a conversation with a pastor I know who is interested in coaching and who didn’t really know what a “360″ was. Of course he understood the concept, once explained, but as a pastor “360″ isn’t a commonly understood word.

So back to the website conversation. We’ve got some group learning events. We’ve called them workshops for corporate groups and that word would work for churches too but LN suggested “workshops and seminars.” I suggested “workshops and retreats” thinking of council/board retreats. He laughed and said “There’s another example of a word not translating. In business “retreat” is a bad thing.”

A rose by any other name.

BTW – our babysitting date with DGS1 was cancelled last night. Mom and Dad realized that the first day in daycare was kind of a big deal and they were worn out and just wanted to hang out at home. The boss will reschedule. So will Grandma and Grandpa. I’m glad they’re figuring this stuff out.