Q: You have been one of the area’s more visible and respected church leaders, and now you’re taking on more responsibility. But you’re also a family man with a wife, Jacqui, four sons and interests in sports, music, travel and more. Your life must be a constant balancing act. How do you manage it?
A: You forgot a daughter-in-law and a grandson! I think, fundamentally, that I’ve discovered a heavenly Father who has reliably and consistently communicated himself to me, thereby shaping and imparting my self-understanding and my self-identity.
I’ve defined, a very long time ago, what success looks like to me. I’ve found satisfaction in Christ and, possessing him, I find satisfaction in life. Also, fortunately, my family enjoys many of the same things, so spending time together, praying, enjoying the outdoors, traveling ”” all of these things are things we enjoy together and that help us to stay connected.
At the beginning and end of the day, though, my life, my family’s life, are in the hands of the Lord. I have great confidence in his desire and ability to see us through the sorrows and joys of this life.
[blockquote] “A: The responsibilities of a bishop are fairly clearly spelled out in both Scripture and in our Prayer Book. The bishop is meant to proclaim the Word of God; guard the faith, unity and discipline of the whole Church; and to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up the of Church. A fairly sobering charge. I’d welcome your prayers!” [/blockquote]
This is a pretty basic and accurate statement of a bishop’s duties, yet it seems so radical in the current climate when large swathes of the church have been forgetting their fundamental traditions.
[blockquote] “As for St. Andrew’s, you know, this is an amazing congregation. They’ve been so generous with the spiritual and temporal treasure that the Lord has given them. Over the years we’ve had the privilege of planting new churches and coming alongside existing churches to help them develop and redevelop their sense of mission and ministry. It’s been a real joy and source of satisfaction for many in our congregation. I expect we’ll continue those same kinds of things except on a larger scale.” [/blockquote]
Good to see that ACNA is continuing its emphasis on church planting, and this extends to their choice of bishop.
[blockquote] “A: I’m sure folks have various opinions on this matter. From where I sit, the fundamental issue is a matter of revelation. I mean this: Has God fully, finally and perfectly revealed himself in Christ and is Scripture a faithful and trustworthy record of God’s self-disclosure? I believe he has, and Scripture is.” [/blockquote]
Amen!
Good to see a bishop of the church declaring the fundamental truths of the faith with clarity and conviction. And even better that the secular media give him a platform in which to do it.
Perhaps its just that its such a novelty for the media – so often when they ask a bishop for a statement they get something about climate change, or how the rights of left-handed Volvo salespersons have been infringed, or why we should emulate the apostle Buddha. To actually get a bishop who talks about real Christianity is something new and unusual!
[Disclosure: I am left-handed, but I do not sell Volvos]