Clarity for a New Anglican
When I was first getting my feet under me as a new Anglican, exploring what ordination could look like, it was tough to get my bearings. Sometimes it could feel as if the deeper I got into Anglicanism, the more confusing it was!
Clarity & Charity
My immediate context practiced a particular form of churchmanship and embraced certain convictions that I was shocked to find weren’t shared everywhere! Moreover, I found that clarity and charity regarding the the various streams and sensibilities within the church were hard to come by on the Internet.
Sponsored
When I found Anglican Compass (then Anglican Pastor), I found writers who provided insight on various issues in a way that allowed me to catch a glimpse of what it meant to navigate the complexities of the global Anglican situation with truth and grace. I began to understand a bit more about the diversity of Anglicanism, and I began to catch a certain vision of unity in essentials, liberty in non-essentials, and love in all things. This vision was and is a gift to a church that—like most churches—often struggles to maintain the bonds of love and affection.
Answering Questions
Of course, I had questions. Lots of them. And with every new article I found answers and perspectives that helped shape me in positive ways on my spiritual journey within the Anglican tradition. I gratefully received articles on basic stuff, like how to make the sign of the cross. I was especially grateful to hear helpful and balanced views across the spectrum of Anglican conviction and practice—from Evangelical Reformation Anglican types to more Anglo-Catholic friends. While the Anglican world can often be contentious, I was immediately drawn to the irenic spirit of the site.
As a newbie Anglican—and even now as an Anglican priest of 7+ years—Anglican Compass’ many articles provided a ministry tool not only to answer my own questions about Anglicanism, but to help other people too!
For instance, I just recently reviewed the article of Anglican vestments (liturgical dress for the service) as starting point for thinking about switching from one kind to another. Exciting stuff, I know! Seriously though, while certainly not the most important thing in regards to Anglican worship, vestments do matter (because they communicate something) and are worth carefully considering.
For this Anglican priest, it was such a blessing instantly know I had a well thought-out resource that would give me a launch pad for further reflection with clarity and charity. Since Anglican Compass has always been intentional about “majoring in the majors,” I’m also glad to share articles like the one on vestments with others that are new to Anglicanism, without worrying about overwhelming them with all the particulars of the various strands of churchmanship and conviction within the tradition.
Coming Back
Anglican Compass has been (and continues to be) a uniquely helpful educational and equipping resource, especially for those that are exploring our world for the first time. Yet, even though I’ve now been an Anglican for over a decade, and a priest for a while, I still find myself coming back. Why? Because Anglican Compass is also a continual encouragement.
Not only do I find inspiration and help for walking alongside “rookie Anglicans,” I find resources that are produced with a spirit of excitement for and appreciation of the beauty of the Anglican tradition and what it offers those that are responding to the call of God in Jesus Christ. Whether we’re talking about books like Winfield Bevins Simply Anglican, or helpful guides to the liturgical seasons (for instance, this one on Lent), or even tackling hot-button issues, Anglican Compass publishes content that paints a hopeful, positive, realistic, and faithful vision of what the Anglican Church is and can be.
Continuing For Years to Come
When I was given the opportunity to contribute to the Truth North campaign here at Anglican Compass, I jumped on it with gratitude and enthusiasm. Why? Because throughout the bulk of my Anglican journey, Anglican Compass has been there to educate, equip, and encourage me. I think it’s done the same thing for a whole lot of people, and I’d like to help make sure it keeps on doing it for a long time.
I give thanks to God for the ministry of Anglican Compass. In today’s confusing world (especially on the Internet!) a trusted starting point for a deep and wide tradition like Anglicanism is more needed, and more helpful, than ever. I look forward to many more years of spending time in holy and helpful conversations on this “digital front porch” of Anglicanism.
Published on
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We’re Expanding Anglican Pastor into a New Family of Resources Called Anglican Compass!
Announcing Anglican Compass: Your Guide to Anglican Life! In order to better meet the needs of our growing audience, we are expanding Anglican Pastor into a new family of resources called Anglican Compass. We’re not losing anything in this transition, we’re expanding! Anglican Compass will be the go-to resource for everyone who’s interested in Anglicanism…
