As both a therapist and a parishioner, I have watched many weary believers seek refuge in liturgical traditions—drawn by beauty, order, and a sense of rootedness after years of spiritual fatigue within politicized or performance-driven church cultures. I have seen institutions rise to moments of grace and stumble into failure. The difference often lies not…
Icons Over Idols: Heroes in an Age of Disillusionment
There is an overwhelming lack of trust in leadership and institutions, including religious leaders, in our day. I’ve had young men approach me privately within my parish, lamenting that they believe they cannot trust the actions or teachings of any religious leader or denomination. A perceived absence of trustworthy shepherds—dare I say heroes—plagues the Christian…
Reformed Episcopal Seminary: Occupying the ‘Center’ of Anglican Formation
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Matt Harrington, President and Dean, RES is seeking to re-envision itself as a leading seminary choice both in the ACNA and the broader Anglican world.
Five Duties of a Rector
The following overview of the duties of the rector comes from my years of experience as a rector and my observations from working with congregations.
Provincial Assembly: A Rookie Anglican Guide
The Provincial Assembly is a gathering of Anglicans from across the province. Its purpose is to conduct business under the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures, encourage one another in gospel mission, enjoy fellowship, and celebrate the Eucharist. In the Anglican Church of North America, the Provincial Assembly meets at least once every five years, at…
Is Your Church Suddenly Growing? (Suddenly Surging Part 1)
(Part one of five in David Roseberry’s Suddenly Surging series on church growth.) What is Going On? I first read a series of tweets from church leaders citing tremendous and unexpected growth in attendance in their congregations over the last few months. They were not commenting on Easter crowds but on Easter-like trends. Since their…
The Bishop as Grandfather
Anglican Compass is proud to publish the Rev. Canon David Roseberry’s new book, The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop. It is already getting widespread acclaim from rectors, vestry members, and bishops throughout the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Below is an excerpt from the book’s chapter “The Bishop as Grandfather.” Bishops are chiefly pastors…
The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop: A Foreword by Bob Duncan
Anglican Compass is proud to publish the Rev. Canon David Roseberry’s new book, The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop. It is already getting widespread acclaim from rectors, vestry members, and bishops throughout the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). Below is the forward to the book by none other than the founding Archbishop and…
Praise for The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop
Anglican Compass is excited to announce our publication of The Rector, the Vestry, and the Bishop by the Rev. Canon David Roseberry, now available in paperback and on Kindle. It is a second, significantly expanded edition of his book The Rector and the Vestry. The first edition has been used for teaching, training, and orientation…
Missional Leadership for the Ordinary Pastor: 3 Simple Steps
Missional leadership is not as mysterious or difficult as you might think. It is simply embodying the work of a missionary in your context—and teaching others to do the same. As the body of Christ, the Church is bearer of Divine blessing, and sign, foretaste and instrument of the Kingdom. Missional leadership articulates the vision…
Here’s How to Plant a Church as an Introvert
You can do this. It’s amazing to plant new churches, and Anglicans actively seek more of it. “But”—you might say—“I’m an introvert.” Me too. And I want to think with you about being an introvert and a church planter, with help from a few others who are like us. Whether you’re a pastor or a…
Why Collaborative Ministry? An Australian’s Story
In the early 2000’s, about four years into my ministry as an Anglican Priest, I started to seriously doubt my leadership capacities and probably came close to slipping into depression. I had been working in a series of financially struggling parishes with small congregations. Although I’d been given pretty good formation as a “minister of…
