True North: A Simple Vision
As part of our True North Campaign, we are publishing articles highlighting the impact of the Anglican Compass. Here, we welcome Winfield Bevins, who shares why he writes for Anglican Compass and his vision for our future. Enjoy!
Our Focus
I began writing for Anglican Compass in 2014. I was originally compelled to write for Anglican Compass because it began with a simple vision: to introduce people to the riches and treasures of the Anglican tradition. While many Anglican websites and blogs focused on the latest news, drama, and divisions in the Anglican world, Anglican Compass simply focused on making Anglicanism accessible. I loved that approach, and I still do, and I believe it is especially needed in our moment.
Sponsored
We need to be authentically orthodox but not angry at each other. We need to introduce people to the riches and goodness of the Anglican tradition in a Trinitarian, gospel-centered way that is gracious and loving. This is very important.
The potential of Anglican Compass is to continue on that track, not getting sidetracked by secondary arguments but focusing on helpful resources to empower people. We can help people either embrace Anglicanism or use the riches of Anglicanism in their own context, whether Baptist, Methodist, or otherwise. Come and see and use our resources; let these be a blessing to you wherever you are.
Our Formation
A deep hunger exists for spiritual formation, drawing people to liturgy in general and to Anglicanism specifically. This is because our tradition is scriptural, deeply rooted in historic Christianity, and has many gifts that form us as disciples of Christ. I have written articles about many of them, including Anglican beliefs, the Church Year, family discipleship, fasting for Lent, Anglo-Catholic church planting, clergy health, and contemplative leadership.
I also wrote Simply Anglican, to answer questions from newcomers. It offers an introduction and an invitation to a rich and beautiful tradition that, at times, can be complex and hard to understand. And I write as someone who is somewhat new to Anglicanism myself. I’ve been a priest for a bit more than a decade. It’s long enough to know what I’m talking about but still fresh enough to know what the draw to liturgy is all about.
The Anglican tradition has enriched the faith of millions of Christians worldwide for hundreds of years and still has the power to offer a vibrant, healthy, life-giving faith for our generation and generations to come.
Our Future
I see a lot of potential for Anglican Compass’s future. It already serves thousands of readers by offering a robust, readable, accessible introduction to the Anglican tradition. This work is essential and very much needed.
I also see Anglican Compass providing essential resources to pastors and churches. Simply Anglican, for example, has been used in many churches around the country as part of Anglican 101 Classes. The Liturgical Home is developing books for each season of the year, beginning with Advent. We can do more, not only with books but also with videos, podcasts, and perhaps even a journal with a focus on theology for a more academic audience.
Finally, I see the need for a space to promote and encourage a renaissance of the arts in the church and world today. I think Anglican Compass can be a place that promotes the recovery of beauty, goodness, and truth to the world through the arts. Call me a dreamer, but these are only a few of the possibilities I see in the future of Anglican Compass!
Give now to the 2024 True North Giving Campaign.
Look for more by Winfield on liturgy, missions, and the arts. And please support the work of Anglican Compass, so we can continue to publish Simply Anglican and develop new resources to serve the whole church!
Image by JulieK, courtesy of Canva.
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