Rescue From Abbreviation "Hell"

If you’re hopelessly stumped like I am by abbreviations used in blog posts, websites, and forums, the cavalry has arrived. I’ve compiled a list of the more common, and some of the more arcane, churchly abbreviations. If you’re up for it, take the test and see how you fare. If not, click on "Read More..." for your rescue from abbreviation "hell." Feigned apologies in advance for the name of any pastor whose name happens to appear in the answers. I already know he’ll laugh.

Take the Test:

Instructions: Read through the list. Write down the abbreviations you know on a piece of paper. Then compare your answers with the correct answers by clicking on "Read More... ." Add up the number of correct answers, and see how you rank. When finished with the test, post answers on refrigerator door for future reference. For extra credit, leave me a list of your abbreviations.

Your score indicates:

If you got less than 10 right: Ignorance is bliss
10-23: A seasoned layperson
24-36: Church worker
37-43: What have you been readin’?
Above 43: You’re a synodocrat

AALC=
AFP=
ALOA=
BBOV=
BCS=
BHCM=
BOC=
BOD=
BRTFSSG=
CCM=
CECW=
CHI=
CID=
CLCC=
COP=
CPH=
CSE’s=
CTCR=
CUW=
DP=
EOC=
ESV=
ILC=
IMHO=
LAMP=
LCC=
LEA=
LFL=
LHM=
LLL=
LSB=
LSSDR=
LTSG=
LWML=
MLC=
MSP=
NIV=
NRM=
NT=
OT=
PIF=
PLI=
PLU=
RCM=
RIM=
RSO=
SELK=
SMO=
VBS=
VDMA=
VL=
WELS=
WT=
WWW=


Churchly Abbreviations – A Primer For Neophytes and Veterans Alike:

AALC= American Association of Lutheran Churches
AFP= Augsburg Fortress Publishers
ALOA= Association of Lutheran Older Adults
BBOV= Big Blogroll O’ Vark
BCS= Board for Communication Services
BHCM= Board for Human Care Ministries
BOC= Book of Concord
BOD= Board of Directors
BRTFSSG= Blue Ribbon Task Force on Synod Structure and Governance
CCM= Commission on Constitutional Matters or Called to Common Mission (extra credit if you get both)
CECW= Continuing Education for Called Workers
CHI= Concordia Historical Institute
CID= Central Illinois District
CLCC= Confessional Lutherans for Christ’s Commission
COP= Council of Presidents (Council of District Presidents counts too)
CPH= Concordia Publishing House
CSE’s= Corporate Synodical Executives
CTCR= Commission on Theology and Church Relations
CUW= Concordia University Wisconsin
DP= District President
EOC= Evangelism Outreach through Congregations
ESV= English Standard Version
ILC= International Lutheran Council
IMHO= In My Humble Opinion
LAMP= Lutheran Association of Missionary Pilots
LCC= Lutheran Church Canada
LEA= Lutheran Education Association
LFL= Lutherans for Life
LHM= Lutheran Hour Ministries
LLL= Lutheran Layman’s League
LSB= Lutheran Service Book
LSSDR= Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response
LTSG= Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
LWML= Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
MLC= Martin Luther College
MSP= Moved, Seconded, Passed
NIV= New International Version
NRM= New Religious Movement
NT= New Testament
OT= Old Testament
PIF= Personal Information Form
PLI= Pastoral Leadership Institute
PLU= Pacific Lutheran University
RCM= Regional Center for Mission
RIM= Renewal In Missouri
RSO= Recognized Service Organization
SELK= Selbständige Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche
SMO= Social Ministry Organization
VBS= Vacation Bible School
VDMA= Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum
VL= Voting Layperson
WELS= Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
WT= The Wittenberg Trail Online Community
WWW= Wee Willie Weedon