parachurch
adj.— «hese factors are driving evangelical leaders into the arms of fellowship groups that exist outside the churches, often called “parachurch” organizations. The shift began in the 1950s, but it grew dramatically over the past 20 years as the parachurch sector became more professional and well-resourced. Nearly three-fourths of the leaders I interviewed serve on the board of at least one parachurch organization, such as the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. They prefer these groups because they have a broader reach and a bigger impact.» —“A gated community in the evangelical world” by D. Michael Lindsay USA Today: On Religion Feb. 11, 2008. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
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