church expectant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowformal, theological, literary
Quick answer
What does “church expectant” mean?
In Christian theology, refers to the church on earth—believers currently alive and waiting for Christ's return or for entry into heaven.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In Christian theology, refers to the church on earth—believers currently alive and waiting for Christ's return or for entry into heaven.
The concept that the earthly community of believers exists in a state of hopeful anticipation, in contrast to the 'church triumphant' (saints in heaven) and the 'church militant' (the church actively struggling against sin and evil on earth).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; the term is equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries formal, traditional Christian theological connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language; encountered almost solely in academic theology, high church liturgy, or classic Christian writings.
Grammar
How to Use “church expectant” in a Sentence
The [church expectant] + verb (awaits, prays, hopes)In [the church expectant], ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological papers or systematic theology discussions on ecclesiology.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used as a precise theological classification within Christian doctrine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “church expectant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “church expectant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “church expectant”
- Using it as a verb phrase (e.g., 'The church expects...').
- Confusing it with 'expectant church' in a non-technical sense (e.g., a church congregation that is hopeful about a new building).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, specialised term from Christian theology.
Not in a technical sense. 'Church expectant' is a fixed theological term; reversing the word order changes the meaning to a non-technical description.
It is most commonly found in Anglican, Catholic, and some Lutheran and Reformed theological traditions.
The 'church expectant' is the church on earth, waiting. The 'church militant' is the church on earth, actively struggling against sin and evil—a more active, combative metaphor.
In Christian theology, refers to the church on earth—believers currently alive and waiting for Christ's return or for entry into heaven.
Church expectant is usually formal, theological, literary in register.
Church expectant: in British English it is pronounced /tʃɜːtʃ ɪkˈspɛktənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /tʃɝːtʃ ɪkˈspɛktənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specifically for this fixed term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: The church that is 'expecting'—like someone expecting a baby—but here it's expecting Christ's return.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CHURCH IS A TRAVELLER AWAITING ITS DESTINATION.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct antonym for 'church expectant'?