Seminaries are generally introverted by temperament. Churches send their students to their denominational seminaries to be “formed” for ministry, and at the end of three years the students graduate, duly prepared (to some extent, at least) for the rigours of congregational leadership. But most of the formation happens behind closed doors—in classrooms, chapel, refectory, and […]
Turning Outwards to Serve the Church Read More »
Last November we reported that the five-part course, Reimagining Church, from the Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism, was available for free download from the Fresh Expressions Canada website. Since then, over 200 people from coast to coast have downloaded the materials free of charge, and churches of several denominations have begun to use it to
Reimagining spreads across the country Read More »
Two strategic conferences recently took place in the East and West of Canada. It’s always a risk running a conference at the beginning of February. Will there be a snowstorm? (There was.) Will people come? (They did.) How long will it take them to get home again? (That varied. The longest reported so far was
Two Vital Conferences: a Brief Report Read More »
The fourth annual Anglican church planting conference, hosted jointly by the Diocese of Toronto and the Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism, took place last week at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. Numbers at this conference have grown from 60 in 2007 to 180 this time. As one of my colleagues commented, “Aslan is on the move!”
“How Did it Go?” “Thanks for Asking!” – A Report from Vital Church Planting East 2010 Read More »
The quiz below is meant to help you assess your congregation, but also to show how the Institute can provide you with help. Make sure you click the submit button at the end to get suggestions on how the Institute can help in areas relevant to you. 1. In the past two years, the number
Is your congregation an evangelizing community? An Evangelism Assessment for Churches Read More »
Your answers indicate you are doing well as an evangelizing community. That\’s wonderful! We would be grateful if you would email the Institute and tell us some stories of what you are doing by way of evangelistic activities. We will then post your message on the website, so that others can learn from your experience.
Thriving as an Evangelistic Community Read More »
The Vision of the Wycliffe College Institute of Evangelism is “every church an evangelizing community.” But what exactly is an evangelizing community? If “Evangelism is co-operating with the Holy Spirit to help people take steps towards faith in Christ”, then an evangelizing community is one which allows for, encourages, and nurtures that process of people
What does an evangelizing community look like? Read More »
You’re thinking of inviting a friend to church? My first piece of advice: Don’t. At least, don’t do it on an average Sunday. Unless, of course, your friend has said, “You know what? I would just love to see how an Anglican church operates on a typical Sunday when you’re not making special allowances for
How to Invite a Friend to Church Read More »
What is evangelism? In one sense, evangelism is simply preaching the Gospel. That accurately pinpoints the responsibility of the preacher. But evangelism is not accomplished solely by a preacher with a message. Here is a fuller suggestion: Evangelism is co-operating with the Holy Spirit to help people take steps towards faith in Christ. That makes
What Is Evangelism? Read More »
Esquire magazine called The Truman Show the movie of the decade, and, in spite of the lack of Oscars it received, I can understand the claim. If you haven\’t seen it, it\’s the story of one man, Truman Burbank, who has been the central character in a 24-hour a day TV show since the day he was
The Gospel according to The Truman Show Read More »