The level of denial within Evangelical Anglicanism is deeply distressing for all who are concerned for Christ’s bride and particulary those who respect and treasure this particular expression of the church. Sadly, one such example is offered by George Crowder’s article in Evangelicals Now “Four myths about contending for truth in the CofE”[1] The first… Continue reading The real mythology about contending in the Church of England
Category: Church life
Can the Church of England be reformed and revived
Linked to Simon Jenkins article in the Guardian, I’ve seen a number of people comment that they hope the Church of England might experience revival and recognition that this will require reformation. I’m sorry to pour cold water on the suggestion but I don’t think it is possible. Nor, frankly so I think it is… Continue reading Can the Church of England be reformed and revived
Disestablishing and re-establishing
Simon Jenkins wrote here in the Guardian recently about the sorry state of the Church of England. This has prompted some discussion about whether true reformation, renewal and revival of the Church of England (as opposed to within the Church) is possible. I may come back to talk about that specific subject but I want… Continue reading Disestablishing and re-establishing
We aren’t going anywhere!
The other day, our life group had a conversation about “Somewheres and anywheres”. We asked the question: “how best can our church serve those who consider themselves to be ‘somewhere’ people.” One person who would not say they are a Christian at the moment responded. “Give us time.” They encouragingly said that they felt they… Continue reading We aren’t going anywhere!
Means of Grace
You may have picked up on the peculiar debate within the Church of England over gluten free bread and non-alcoholic wine over the past few days. I’ve written a couple of articles linked to the topic. Stephen Kneale has also written, picking up helpfully on the missional aspect to our decisions about communion. We need… Continue reading Means of Grace
Well that clears that one up then … not
I don’t know if you’ve been following the story about gluten free bread and non alcoholic wine in CofE Communion. Well the Church of England have now issued a press release saying that it’s all okay because it is possible for churches to serve these alternatives. However, I am not convinced that this resolves things… Continue reading Well that clears that one up then … not
As often as you strain the gnats and swallow the camels …
Apparently, the Church of England are debating the use of gluten-free breand and non alcoholic wine again. It seems a far cry from our current experience of church. My wife became a Christian in an Anglican Church and because of allergies was unable to consume the bread and wine. Special permission from the bishop was… Continue reading As often as you strain the gnats and swallow the camels …
Have we given up on children and Church?
Matthew Roberts writes in The Critic Magazine “If there is one thing which has typified the collapse of confidence of Christian churches in Britain in the last century, it has been the strange assumption that Christian worship is not for children.” There are a few presumptions in that statement which I’m going to look at… Continue reading Have we given up on children and Church?
Church leadership should reflect not mitigate the home
I’m a complementarian in regard to church leadership because I believe two things, first that this label best describes the pattern for relationships between husbands and wives in the home. Secondly, that the local church is mean to function as an extended family. Let me expand on that a little. First, complementarianism is based on… Continue reading Church leadership should reflect not mitigate the home
Unexpected twists and turns in the baptism conversation
Someone has approached you about getting baptised. You sit down to talk to them about why they want to get baptised, what it means and to get a sense of their profession of faith. As the conversation goes on, it becomes clear that they are not there yet in terms of clear profession. They have… Continue reading Unexpected twists and turns in the baptism conversation