Saturday Lagniappe: 'The Church of England is one step closer to appointing first female Archbishop of Canterbury' And More

The Church of England is one step closer to appointing first female Archbishop of Canterbury
The Church of England is one step closer to appointing its first female Archbishop of Canterbury now that the Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, has ruled himself out. As a member of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for the See of Canterbury, which is due to have its first meeting in May, Bishop Usher is ineligible for the post. After an election by the House of Bishops, he joins the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, as the second episcopal member of the Canterbury CNC.

5 Years After COVID, How Have Churches Changed?
A consequence of closing United Methodist churches in 2020, to protect people from life-threatening COVID-19, was permanent loss of worshipers for many congregations. Despite the losses, some church leaders say the pandemic led them to develop new ways to reach their flocks and to reevaluate how they do ministry.

I have not yet run across any articles describing how Episcopal and Anglican churches in the United States and Canada have changed since COVID. In my own community some churches suspended public services of worship and other gatherings for a time; others did not, reflecting the division of opinion related to the seriousness of the virus evident in the community. People were hospitalized and people died. But the hospitalizations and deaths only changed a few people's minds. That division continues to this day.

Our Present Church Decline: Diagnosing and Prescribing
No one reading this article would question the fact that the church in the West is in decline and has been declining for a long time. Not only is it losing members, but the church’s influence on its culture has declined. For instance, during the middle of the 20th century, one could find Christian leaders, like Reinhold Niebuhr, giving considered opinions on national and world matters. writing articles for popular magazines and newspapers. How seriously are Christian leaders taken in today’s world?

According to Thom Rainer at Church Answers, only about 6% of US churches engage in evangelism. What church growth occurs is largely demographic growth--churchgoers moving to a community, and transfer growth--churchgoers living in the community switching churches. A shrinking churchgoing population limits these kinds of growth.

If You Bring a Problem Bring a Solution as Well
Church leaders are always dealing with problems, because problems abound. But Jim Ozier says the simple practice of insisting that anyone who points out a problem must also have a solution in mind can shift the dynamic from negativity to positive thinking.

Control or Generosity? Letting Go for the Sake of Church Growth
One of the tensions that a church leader must confront is the pull between generosity and control. We want the church to grow, thrive, and fulfill its mission, but too often, our desire for everything to be done right may lead us to hold on too tightly. We become gatekeepers instead of guides, and managers instead of ministers. And while control may offer the illusion of stability, both spiritual and numerical growth only happen when we learn to release our grip and trust in the abundance of God. Nobody (meaning me) said it is easy to do.

Why Are There Four Gospels?
Some people have wondered why we have four accounts of Jesus – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Others have been bothered that these accounts are so close (especially Matthew, Mark, and Luke), and yet there are important differences. Why four accounts and not just one?

What We Glean from 4 Ways of Celebrating the Lord’s Supper
One benefit of preaching in various churches across the continent and in other parts of the world is getting a glimpse of how different congregations worship and follow the Lord’s commands. Case in point? The variety of ways in which the Lord’s people celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Student Ministry Leaders and Parents Share Goals, Desire to Work Together
Student ministry leaders and parents emphasize the spiritual health of their students and want to work together to see them become disciples of Christ.

Four Reasons Your Church Might Fire Jesus
That’s right. I’m convinced that Jesus would be fired after a few months if He were hired on staff at a typical church today.

8 Easy Ways To Be Missional
Missional is not an event we tack onto our already busy lives. It is our life. Mission should be the way we live, not something we add onto life: “As you go, make disciples;” “Walk wisely toward outsiders;” “Let your speech always be seasoned with salt;” “Be prepared to give a defense for your hope.” There are easy ways to be missional everyday without overloading our schedules.