I enjoy learning animal group names. The collective nouns illustrate the animals’ unique natures and God’s extravagant creativity. Examples include:

• Cats                             Clowder
• Crocodiles                   Float
• Elephants                    Parade
• Giraffes                       Tower
• Lemurs                        Conspiracy
• Leopards                     Leap
• Porcupines                  Prickle
• Squirrels                      Scurry
• Vultures                      Wake
• Zebras                         Dazzle

A group of alligators is called a . . . wait for it . . . wait for it . . . CONGREGATION! I will neither confirm not deny the accuracy of the name, but the collective noun makes me laugh as a pastor.

I HAVE encountered some ornery alligators over 40+ years of pastoral ministry. A few mean-spirited people tormented me like the crocodile pursuing Captain Hook. Some memories still evoke a low-order of PTSD.

But . . .

The vast majority of church members have loved and supported me over the years. I possess wonderful memories of saints who offered unconditional grace as the body of Christ. I speak their names, see their faces, and hear their voices whenever I think about that great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.  

A group of alligators is a congregation; but a group of Christians is called the church.