During our time together, I was approached by a number of clergy who had been reading some of the blogs which are deeply critical of the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). They came to me with this question: “Will we survive?” Their concern, even anxiety, has to do with the season of transition that is upon us as we prepare for the Provincial Assembly in June and the election of a new Archbishop.
And it was an epiphany to be able to realize, with them, that the same heart and skill set we have been seeking to impart to them as “change leaders” in their local churches ”“ the very same principles ”“ apply exactly to the transitions we are facing in the ACNA:
– Staying focused on Jesus and his Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20).
– Clear line of sight from the present reality to the God-given vision of “What God wants to do through my church in this community at this time.”
– Not personalizing inevitable resistances and conflicts but staying calm and maintaining a non-anxious presence.
– Above all, leading as Jesus would if he were in my shoes.
A parish church in ACNA [and anywhere!] has three primary missions: first, to worship God. Second, to evangelize, share/spread the Good News, and third, to minister to those whom God places before them.
By extension, these three elements really constitute the main mission of ACNA: to support all the parishes in their three missions. Over the last year or so, I would say ACNA has lost some of its focus toward this end.
And so the College of Bishops bear a very important and heavy burden. To prayerfully and spiritually select [elect] one diocesan bishop in their midst to be the new Archbishop of ACNA [and remain a diocesan bishop].
The man selected and called to this work should be fully focused on the true Mission, should be focused on working toward Unity, should be working toward empowering parishes in their work. Anything else that he chooses to work on is adiaphora.
As Fr. Ashey declares, ACNA will survive. The question is, will it thrive? God has provided, will we make best use of His provision?
Father Warren,
I agree and would say these three primary missions are important for all Christian groups/parishes regardless of denomination. These three primary missions really highlight the reasons for the decline of TEC in recent decades. Many in TEC leadership have forgotten these primary missions and have replaced them with other “goals”. Your two questions but especially the last one are very important for all Christians including all of us Anglicans. The health of God’s church depends on our willing participation.