What Can we Learn Today from the Preaching of John Stott?
Posted on May 3, 2021
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“John Stott visited Australia in January 1965, and this visit, one of many, had a profound effect on Australian preaching.
Stott gave Bible studies on 2 Corinthians at the Anglican Church Missionary Society Summer Schools in several states in Australia. Much Australian preaching at that time was on ‘a text’, that is, on an individual verse from the Bible, often without much regard to its context.
In his Bible studies John Stott was demonstrating the obvious value of preaching from passages of Scripture, and from consecutive passages of Scripture. His example had a profound impact on Australian preaching, initially transforming preaching in Anglican churches, but soon also in other churches as well. …
Under God, he was part of a revival of systematic expository preaching in the UK in the 20th Century, which was achieved through Willie Still in Aberdeen, and Martin Lloyd-Jones, John Stott and Dick Lucas in London, and has spread around the world.”
– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Peter Adam’s article is an encouragement for preachers and their hearers.
Image: An interview with Peter Adam at St. Helen’s Bishopsgate.
Outreach in Parkes
Posted on May 2, 2021
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“‘Why is there so much suffering?’ That is the question that popular Christian author and apologist, Kevin Simington, will be addressing in a seminar at St George’s Anglican Church on Wednesday, May 5 at 7.15pm.
Kevin is conducting a short-term ministry at St George’s during May and June as part of his position as Ministry Consultant within the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst. …”
– The Parkes Champion-Post has news about seminars to be run by Kevin Simington, who was ordained at Bathurst Cathedral last weekend.
In other news from Bathurst, Bishop Mark Calder is seeking financial support for a lay stipendiary worker in the parish of Blayney.
All this is a great reminder to pray for people across Bathurst Diocese to hear the amazingly good news about Jesus.
Police arrest London preacher for saying what the Bible says about marriage
Posted on May 2, 2021
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“Pastor John Sherwood was arrested in North West London on Friday 23 April 2021 and detained overnight – all for speaking about what the Bible says about marriage.
John, in his early 70s, is minister of a north London church, and was preaching with a colleague in the centre of Uxbridge on Friday, as he regularly does. After speaking on the final verses in Genesis 1, where it says that God created mankind in his own image, creating them male and female, a number of police officers appeared on the scene. …”
– Story from Christian Concern.
See an eyewitness account at The Conservative Woman.
Primates Council Communique, April 2021
Posted on May 1, 2021
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PRIMATES COUNCIL COMMUNIQUE 29 April 2021
The Gafcon Primates Council met on 21 & 22 April 2021 via Zoom.
We are thankful to God for the time we were able to spend together in discussing global and provincial matters especially mindful of those facing persecution for their Faith, the Covid- 19 pandemic and its challenges to health systems, economies, and the worship of Almighty God.
Our General Secretary, Archbishop Ben Kwashi, was with us for the duration of the Council’s meeting. Archbishop Ben’s clear gospel focus for Gafcon and the Diocese of Jos was evident each time he spoke. We are thankful to God for the medical treatment and the breadth of hospitality he has received in the USA over the past 6 months. His treatment is coming to an end and indications are the chemotherapy has stemmed the cancer in his body. Thank you to all who have prayed and supported Archbishop Ben and Mama Gloria through this difficult time.
Despite the effects of COVID affecting every region, there was overwhelming gratitude to God for the ongoing faithful proclamation of the Gospel. While church buildings may have been closed, congregations learned new skills and met virtually. This has resulted in lives being committed to Christ, discipleship being undertaken, new churches planted, baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and consecrations all being conducted in a COVID-safe environment. We praise God for the work of His Spirit in building His church.
Following a decision in 2020 to reconstitute the Missionary District in Europe, the Council was delighted to hear of the renewed ministry to the region with the launch of the Anglican Network in Europe with its two convocations-in-formation, the Anglican Mission in England and the Anglican Convocation in Europe. The work of the Holy Spirit was evident in bringing the Network together in such a short time with the need for separate constitutions and canons for each entity.
The Gafcon Branch in the UK has increased its vision as a result of requests for support from further afield than England, Scotland and Wales. This has resulted in the renaming of the branch to Gafcon GB & Europe, reflecting the breadth of its reach.
Within Anglicanism the revisionist agenda continues to be pushed globally and we have seen an increase in the number of requests for affiliation with Gafcon. The General Secretary and Regional Secretaries seek the best outcome for each request to provide God’s children with biblical teaching and pastoral care that is faithful and obedient to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Networks continue to draw together like-minded Anglican organisations in the Provinces and Branches. We were particularly encouraged by the progress being made in the Theological Education Network and the Church Planting Network.
We established working groups to thoroughly examine a number of current issues facing the communion and look forward to the results of their deliberations.
While our financial situation has suffered during the pandemic, our constituents were encouraged to provide the funding to ensure the mandate given to the Primates Council continues. A generous donor has provided a “matching grant” to match regular new donors and we encourage supporters to take advantage of this generous offer. We are hopeful for a fruitful result of our annual Gafcon Sunday scheduled for 27 June.
Gafcon continues to be focused on proclaiming Christ faithfully to the nations, covered with prayer, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, so that revival breaks out and people turn to living righteous lives to the glory of God.
Archbishop Foley Beach Chairman, Gafcon Primates Council
and
Archbishop Ben Kwashi, General Secretary Gafcon.
Australian Church Record Journal for Autumn 2021
Posted on April 30, 2021
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The latest Australian Church Record Journal (for Autumn 2021) has been posted on their website.
This issue focusses on topics relating to the election of the next Archbishop of Sydney.
(Note that the ACL does not have a preferred nominee but encourages continued prayer for the Election Synod and each of the Nominees.)
Engaging Preaching
Posted on April 30, 2021
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“In his substantial biography of J.I. Packer, Leland Ryken interviews Dr. Packer regarding his literary and spoken style and rhetoric:
Did Packer consciously cultivate the stylistic and rhetorical strategies that I have explored?
I asked him that question and he said yes. He followed that affirmation with the explanation, “One of the things I am is a communicator”.
Ryken highlights Packer’s anticipation of questions in his hearers, ‘but someone will say’, or, ‘but wait a minute’, or ‘you may still be wondering’, all of which serve clarity…”
– At The Expository Preaching Trust, David Cook shares encouragement for preachers.
Anglican Aid’s India COVID-19 Emergency Appeal
Posted on April 29, 2021
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“Anglican Aid is responding to the COVID-19 crisis in India by supporting Herbertpur Christian Hospital with essential supplies and equipment.
We have received urgent requests for help to provide equipment like ventilators, monitors, PPE (personal protective equipment) kits, and food for the COVID patients.
The hospital is being overwhelmed with cases after being designated a COVID hospital in response to the crisis. They currently have a total of 30 beds for COVID treatment and are working to bring that number up to 50. The hospital services an area with a population of 2 million people, serving anyone regardless of race, caste, creed, or religion.
It is the only COVID hospital in a 20km radius. …”
– Read more from Anglican Aid (Diocese of Sydney) and help as you are able.
Photo: Herbertpur Christian Hospital COVID beds, via Anglican Aid.
Love and Gospel in the Time of Corona
Posted on April 29, 2021
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“A bishop once said: ‘Everywhere St Paul went there was a riot; everywhere I go they serve tea.’ Our lives can get very comfortable, all too easily. Everything is predictable and orderly and follows a set pattern with little disturbance. That is how it is until God steps in. We often say that God is in control, but we lose sight of the fact that he doesn’t place at the top of his agenda that everyone should live comfortably and happily. …”
– On the website of George Whitefield College in Capetown, Principal Dr Mark Dickson observes that “the illness that has swept away millions and wreaked economic havoc is God’s reminder that this world cannot be all that there is”.
Read his article and watch the moving video.
Anglican Network in Europe Commissioning Service (updated with video links)
Posted on April 28, 2021
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The Anglican Network in Europe held a Commissioning Service with a difference on Monday evening 19th April European time.
Video greetings were sent to the Commissioning Service from around the world.
Related:
In this video recorded last month (March 2021), GAFCON’s Ernie Didot speaks with Bishop Andy Lines, Philip de Grey-Warter and Lee McNunn about the Anglican Network in Europe.
Things I have learned about coaching senior ministers – with Peter Mayrick
Posted on April 27, 2021
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From The Pastor’s Heart:
“Ministers have a crucial role as a source of guidance and authority in the church environment – but we also need coaching, guidance and support.
So how do we make sure that as spiritual leaders we are doing effective ministry? What heart issues and skills should we be focussing on to encourage sustainable and innovative service?
This week we’re speaking to an expert on the topic of ministry training, Peter Mayrick. As the co-director of the Centre for Ministry Development at Moore College, his key area of responsibility is supporting pastors and churches. Peter shares his wealth of experience with us as we discuss what’s helpful for coaching those who will shoulder the most responsibility for the health and growth of a church.”
Giving thanks for John Stott on the Centenary of his birth
Posted on April 27, 2021
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John Stott was born in London one hundred years ago today, on 27 April 1921.
In the above video Chris Wright speaks of the centenary and the John Stott website has links to various resources.
Related:
Sydney Church History – David Cook.
ACL tribute to John Stott – Dr Mark Thompson, July 2011.
John Stott – a tribute – Bishop Paul Barnett, August 2011.
DISCOVER Diocese of Kilimanjaro
Posted on April 25, 2021
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GAFCON has posted this encouraging video from the Diocese of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania.
Common Prayer for Homes — a new resource
Posted on April 23, 2021
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Repost: Originally posted 04 April 2020 – a reminder of this locally produced resource:
From the Better Gatherings website (an initiative of the Diocese of Sydney), here is a very helpful addition to use when you can’t meet in church.
“A new liturgical resource has been completed which provides flexible forms of household worship to serve the churches, by complementing the spiritual resources already being offered during this difficult period: Common Prayer for Homes: Resources for Family Worship.
We trust it will be of some assistance to the ministry already taking place in homes, and ultimately we hope that it provides some good benefit to the spiritual lives of Christ’s flock.”
“Common Prayer for Homes” contains:
- HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP – 1ST ORDER
a classic approach to Christian worship, easily modified for any household - HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP – 2ND ORDER
another classic approach to Christian worship, with various options to suit many households - HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP WITH KIDS
a simple approach to Christian worship which is suitable and easily adaptable for young children - MORNING PRAYERS FOR EVERY DAY
an all-in-one guide to morning prayers for each day of the week, for group or individual use - VARIOUS PRAYERS FOR THE HOME
a short collection of prayers which can be prayed in our homes - COLLECTS
this traditional name is given to short and beautiful prayers which cover the whole year, and special occasions.
Download “Common Prayer for Homes” from Better Gatherings. – and do share widely.
Here is some encouragement from the back cover:
Read the Holy Scriptures humbly with a meek and lowly heart, to the intent that you may glorify God, and not yourself, with the knowledge of it. And read it not without daily praying to God, that he would direct your reading to good effect.
– Archbishop Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)
Therefore, confident in your holy teaching and promises, and all the more since we are gathered here in your presence and in the name of your Son our Lord Jesus; we fondly plead with you, our good God and Father, that in the name of our only Saviour and Mediator, by your infinite mercy, you would freely forgive our transgressions and so draw and lift our thoughts and desires to you, that from our whole heart we may seek you, and that according to your good pleasure and will, which alone is reasonable.
– John Calvin (1509-1564)
The Almighty Lord, which is a most strong tower to all that put their trust in him, to whom all things in heaven, in earth, and under earth, do bow and obey: be now and evermore your defence, and make you know and feel, that there is no other name under heaven given to man, in whom, and through whom, you may receive health and salvation, but only the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
– from the Book of Common Prayer (1549)
Related:
We ask Mark Earngey about ‘Common Prayer for Homes’
Resources for ANZAC Day
Posted on April 22, 2021
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This Sunday is ANZAC Day – These resources from Defence Anglicans (including audio of the Last Post) might come in handy for use in your regular church service or for a special gathering.
Related: What to preach on for Anzac Day? – David Cook.
Freedom and faith: Scotland’s lockdown
Posted on April 21, 2021
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“This has been a difficult year for Christians in Scotland, but one in which our convictions have been sharpened, our unity stretched, and the historic constitutional settlement in which we worship called into question.
Our family moved from Sydney to Scotland in August 2018 so that I could complete a PhD in Systematic Theology at the University of Edinburgh. We have stayed in Edinburgh the entire time since the SARS-CoV-2 virus spread across the globe. I’m due to finish my PhD in 2022, and we have never given any serious consideration to returning to Australia early. The fact that Australia has closed its borders so tightly—even to its own citizens—has been a stark reminder that ultimately our citizenship is not of this world. …”
– Matthew Baines writes from Scotland for The Australian Church Record.
What we believe
The message at the heart of Christianity is really quite simple…