move the church forward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "move the church forward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing progress, development, or initiatives within a church or religious organization. Example: "Our goal this year is to move the church forward by implementing new community outreach programs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

We're looking to move the church forward, with gay marriage and women priests".

The New York Times

"They just say, 'Well, that's the way it is now.' " Even the Smiths, told later that they had been selected for their complexion, said they didn't mind too much, so long as it helped move the church forward.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Many mainline churches have stepped up in the past few years and embraced openly gay and lesbian members, leaders and clergy -- but that's only because our community has been successful in its "obsession" about moving the church forward.

Huffington Post

Move the crutch forward 6-12 inches ahead.

WikiHow

So he moved the church elsewhere".

The New York Times

The artillery commanders wanted to use the church tower of Radzymin as an observation post and to move the batteries forward, closer to the front line.

Wikipedia

Church during a Bible study as a conduit that might move the nation forward.

The New Yorker

We move the nation forward".

The Guardian

Move the conversation forward.

Forbes

Turner decided to move the idea forward.

Forbes

Move the ball forward.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "move the church forward" when discussing initiatives to modernize the church, address contemporary issues, or increase community engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "move the church forward" as a vague substitute for specific actions. Instead of saying "We need to move the church forward", specify how you plan to do so, such as "We need to update our outreach programs to attract younger members."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "move the church forward" functions as a call to action or a statement of intent, typically used to express a desire for progress, innovation, or positive change within a religious organization. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase often appears in discussions about modernizing or adapting church practices.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "move the church forward" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that advocates for progress and modernization within a religious institution. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is most commonly found in News & Media sources, and while not exceedingly frequent, it is used consistently to encourage positive change. When using this phrase, it's best to accompany it with specific actions or goals to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "advance the church" or "progress the church" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advance the church

Focuses on the act of making progress.

progress the church

Directly relates to the idea of improvement and development of the church.

propel the church ahead

Implies a strong and forceful movement towards advancement.

take the church to the next level

Indicates elevating the church to a higher stage of development or influence.

modernize the church

Highlights adapting the church to contemporary standards and practices.

innovate within the church

Stresses the introduction of new ideas and methods within the church setting.

revitalize the church

Suggests restoring energy and enthusiasm to the church community.

transform the church

Implies a fundamental change in the church's character or operation.

renovate the church's approach

Focuses on improving or updating the church's methods and strategies.

develop the church further

Highlights the ongoing process of growth and improvement.

FAQs

What does it mean to "move the church forward"?

To "move the church forward" generally means to advance its mission, modernize its practices, or increase its relevance and impact in the community. This can involve various initiatives, such as adopting new technologies, addressing social issues, or improving outreach efforts.

How can a church "move forward" in the 21st century?

Churches can "move forward" by embracing technology, fostering inclusivity, engaging in social justice initiatives, and creating meaningful connections with their communities. This involves adapting to changing societal needs while staying true to their core values.

What are some alternatives to saying "move the church forward"?

You can use alternatives like "advance the church", "progress the church", or "develop the church further" depending on the specific context.

Why is it important for the church to "move forward"?

It's important for the church to "move forward" to remain relevant and effective in a changing world. By adapting to new challenges and opportunities, the church can continue to serve its members and make a positive impact on society.