Shortly before Christmas, Cranmer's Curate received this gem of a four-page A5 leaflet in the post with his Reform newsletter. Having established that the Church of England has a sound Evangelical doctrinal basis in its Articles, Book of Common Prayer and Homilies as well as a glorious liturgy that provides a 'wonderful rhythm of Word and then response, Word and then response', Mr Fletcher argues that historically the Church of England 'has proved to have great strategic significance' (emphasis his):
In many places, especially in inner-city areas or country villages, where other denominations have had to close their churches, the Anglican parish church still stands. For varying reasons many still gather at their parish church, and we dare not leave them as sheep without a shepherd. Significant spiritual movements have occurred when the pulpits of our parishes have been occupied by faithful biblical preachers. In many, many places the Church of England is still the best boat to fish from. We shall be mocked for this idea, it can be overstated, and it is only valid in the light of our first reason (the clear doctrinal basis on which the Cof E is founded), but fishing, of course, is what we are about.
This is a much-needed corrective in our movement. 'Strategic' in Conservative Evangelical circles has traditionally meant the socially, educationally and financially elite. Based on his observation of recent trends, Mr Fletcher has become passionately convinced that the nation will not be reached for Christ through a string of yuppie churchplants.
Albeit Mr Fletcher has done it rather mischievously, it is so encouraging to be reminded that struggling parish churches in ordinary communities can still by God's grace play a vital part in Christ's mission to catch people for His eternal and glorious Kingdom.
Very nice, but two problems:
ReplyDelete1. In rural areas, the parish church is not the best boat to fish from. It is an active obstacle to the gospel. So much energy is taken up just keeping things going, that no Gospel ministry can be done, and wardens and PCCs are actively opposed to evangelism. A much better boat would be the church planting done by Rural Ministries.
2. The whole thing would be much more impressive if Jonathan would resign from Wimbledon, and take on a group of parishes in the back of beyond.
Stephen Walton, Marbury
Thank you Stephen - I'm sure not Jonathan Fletcher resigning from Wimbledon would help these very difficult situations with one minister having to looking after several churches.
ReplyDeleteAs we've discussed before, institutional changes are needed to allow mission blockers to be removed from PCCs and also to allow the minister to consolidate his position in the one or two churches that do have a chance of growing into sustainability, rather than having to keep all the balls in the air.
Your situation is very difficult and there needs to be much greater institutional recognition of that.
Warmly in Christ,
Julian
Julian- can I apologise for the tone of my remarks? I'd stand by what I said, but not the way I said it. That was rude and sarcastic. And Jonathan, if you're reading this, my apologies to you as well. I know that many people are unaware of what you and Emmanuel do for the gospel outside your immediate area, but many of us are very grateful to God for you.
ReplyDeleteYours in Christ
Stephen Walton Marbury