It surprises many people entering Anglicanism from other Christian traditions that we use the term ‘parish’. They had always referred to their church as simply “church” or “congregation,” but now they hear the word “parish.” What is a parish? How is it different, and why? Let’s lay out two understandings of what defines a parish. The first is a canonical designation, or how…
On Hearing Confessions
Today, many Anglican priests receive little training in hearing confessions. Many attended seminaries rooted in evangelical or Reformed traditions, where the practice is unfamiliar. Others entered Anglicanism through churches that never emphasized it, so they have never really considered it. After my last article, I realized that it was perhaps a bit premature, for these…
Catechesis & the Benedict Option
In the last week, you may have heard the phrase “the Benedict Option.” The focus is on Benedictine principles, coined by the Christian commentator Rod Dreher. It is about Alasdair MacIntyre’s assertion in his seminal work, After Virtue. He suggests that during ideological and moral confusion, we need a new Saint Benedict to build communities…
Why Plant Churches Part 2: Worship
What Does a Church Do? There are many ideas prevalent today on what a church should do. Some will say that the church exists for social action, while others say it exists to proclaim the gospel or to worship. All of those are true. However, the church is, by her nature, a worshipping body before…
The Needy Pastor
One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received also left me damaged and wounded, but only for a time. “You come off as needy,” he said, “and people can smell it.” Yes, we all have needs, and none of us is self-sufficient. After the defensiveness wore off, I realized that person was referring…
Anglican Ash Wednesday: Catholic or Reformed?
I want to take you back to the year 1548. It is the year before the very first Book of Common Prayer, and it is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. For many centuries, you and your family came into the church the day before to have your confession heard. On this day, come to receive ashes…
