church work
/ˈtʃəːtʃ wəːk/noun
1Work on the construction or repair of a church; †a fund set aside for this (obsolete ).
- Formerly used proverbially for work or an undertaking that proceeds slowly..
2Work undertaken on a paid or voluntary basis on behalf of the Church or a church, especially evangelical or charitable work.
Origin
Middle English; earliest use found in Lambeth Manuscript. From church + work.