Do you think Jesus feels invisible in today’s churches, like a guest at a party with whom no one chooses to converse? I mean, sure he was invited. We acknowledge his presence as a point of doctrine. We may even state that the gathering is held in his honor. However, is that where it ends? … Continue reading Bonhoeffer, Statistics, and the True Focus of the Church.
Church
An appeal for Church unity with reflections from the Parable of the Good Samaritan: My response to General Synod.
Last week was the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. It is the church that I have belonged to since as long as I can remember. It is the church that I was ordained in 16 years ago, and it is the church that I love. For a good several months, however, I … Continue reading An appeal for Church unity with reflections from the Parable of the Good Samaritan: My response to General Synod.
Individualism: The scourge of the Church.
We all know that the church today is getting smaller. Denominations are dwindling; churches around the country are closing their doors; more and more people live without any discernible church connection. Sure, there is a rise of spirituality, but that rarely translates into involvement in a faith community. When someone describes themselves as ‘spiritual not … Continue reading Individualism: The scourge of the Church.
7 Habits of Effective Churches – A Rebuttal
Every once and while, I read a blog or article that demands I write a response. This is one of those occasions. The blog in question was posted on the MINISTRY MATTERS forum (The blog-arm of the Anglican Church of Canada), entitled ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective Churches.’ (https://medium.com/ministrymatters/the-seven-habits-of-highly-effective-parishes-5dee9709fdce). Before I go further, let me … Continue reading 7 Habits of Effective Churches – A Rebuttal
In Praise of the Church
When was the last time that we praised our congregations? When have we communicated that participation in our local church has been a blessing to us? How often do we thank God for the community in which we are surrounded? When was the last time that we rejoiced because we belong to this church? As … Continue reading In Praise of the Church
Have we misunderstood the Church?
Let me begin with a question: What is the goal of the Christian life? What does committing one’s self to Jesus point us toward? The possible answers are numerous. Some could say ‘Worship’; the Christian life is to be a life of perpetual praise to God. Others might say ‘Heaven’; the Christian life here on … Continue reading Have we misunderstood the Church?
Spirit-Filled decision-making: the way of discernment for individuals, councils, and communities.
Life can be messy. The path ahead is not always clear. In such moments, we can be left with the daunting task of having to decide what course of action to engage in, which path to follow. Sometimes it’s a decision between A and B. Sometimes it’s a decision to act or not act. Sometimes … Continue reading Spirit-Filled decision-making: the way of discernment for individuals, councils, and communities.
Leaping wombs: Does Elizabeth hold the key to being church?
For liturgical churches, such as my own, May 31st celebrates The Visit of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth. It is not a celebration we normally think about, except maybe as a forerunner to the Magnificat as the Gospel of the day includes Mary’s exultant song. Obviously, thoughts and reflections normally reside here. And why … Continue reading Leaping wombs: Does Elizabeth hold the key to being church?
Many grapes or healthy grapes?
A few weeks back, my wife and I journeyed to BC wine country for a few days of rest and vacation. For four days we lounged by the pool, walked amidst the vineyards, and visited wineries. The highlight of our trip was a private tour of the winery where we were staying. Our guide, Sophie, … Continue reading Many grapes or healthy grapes?
Living the Beatitudes
Does anyone else feel that the world is spinning out of control? The inauguration of the US president, and the opening days of his rule, has turned the world on its head – or perhaps it is better to say that what used to lie simmering beneath the surface of contemporary life has now broken … Continue reading Living the Beatitudes
Reverend Kyle Norman 