What does it take to grow a healthy parish? Lots of things: firm leadership, clear vision, and a strong sense of mission for a start. But one thing that is often overlooked is the influence of outsiders with a message. Ralph Winter wrote an influential article a few years ago, entitled The Two […]
Parish Missions: A Catalyst for Evangelism Read More »
Every year, the Diocese of Huron organizes a weekend of spiritual refreshment for those who spend 52 weeks of their year serving in their parish churches. Naturally, they call it \”The 53rd Weekend.\” In 2006, John Bowen, Director of the Institute of Evangelism, was the theme speaker. Here are the talks he gave. Listen Here
John Bowen Speaking at The Diocese of Huron\’s \”53rd Weekend\” Read More »
What do you think of garbage collectors? Or architects? Or farmers? Not whether they are nice or nasty (though that might be important): but what do you think of them theologically? The reason I ask is this: I find that in seminaries we do not always place a high value on the career theology students
Adam was a Gardener Read More »
Most churches identify themselves as friendly communities. Yet the experience of a first-time visitor is often one of confusion, embarrassment and even alienation. John Bowen helps us think through the steps by which we can make that first visit a positive one, so that a visitor will feel confidence to return, to explore the reality
From Visitor to Disciple: Eight Ways Your Church Can Help Read More »
Christian discipleship is no picnic. There are picnics on the way, of course—and parties an festivals and celebrations and holidays. But discipleship is hard work, and Jesus wasn’t afraid to make that clear, even if it meant having fewer disciples. Now evangelism can be incredible joy, almost intoxicating—when you see a person responding to the
The High Price of Evangelism Read More »
One of the things that we expect in a postmodern world, and rightly so, is that people will be upfront about where they are coming from, about what their story is and about their biases, so that they don’t pretend to an objectivity they don’t have, and so that we can have honest conversation. This
Does the Anglican Church have a Future? Read More »
Many church members are not enthusiastic about outreach and evangelism simply because they do not understand the nature and calling of the church. This booklet offers 14 sermon outlines and two sample sermons on different aspects of the church, from the origins of the church in the Old Testament via leadership, gifts, community, sacraments, mission,
Preaching the Church\’s Mission Read More »
G.K.Chesterton once contributed to a correspondence in The Times on what is wrong with the world by writing, “What is the wrong with the world? I am. Yours sincerely, G.K.Chesterton.” By analogy, when I am asked, what is an Anglican Evangelical? I am tempted to reply, Well, I am. So, at the risk of seeming
What is an Anglican Evangelical? Read More »
Once upon a time there were five nice Christians who lived in the same city but had never met one another. Let me introduce you to them. I\’ll tell you a little about each, and then I have three questions to ask of each one. 1. Colin Contemplative Even as a child, Colin loved to
Christian Spirituality Part I: FIVE STREAMS Read More »
Jesus went to a lot of parties. In fact, he went to too many of them–at least, according to the religious people. Yet for him, far from being an excuse to eat too much and drink too much–though that was the accusation–parties made a crucial theological point. His point? The kingdom of God is like
Towards A Theology of Parties Read More »