A couple of years ago I discussed standing for election to a church governing body. This happened to be the Church Of England - but the same dynamics are at work everywhere in the West. Here's a bit of a manifesto with the Church Of England's 'General Synod' in mind!
RT Kendall famously observed 'God has an opinion about everything'. This is both challenging and comforting. It brings a sense of immediacy and concentrates the mind and heart on what God's opinion would be - for personal issues, for what our churches teach and of course at General Synod. I believe we have to start with the Bible, helped by the Holy Spirit, and refined in discussion with others.
JI Packer summarised it as: do you judge the Bible or let the Bible judge you. But more than this, it questions our desire for righteousness, to please the Author as best we can. No doubt all parties would say, and maybe feel, they are doing this, but that is why we have it written down - so feelings alone are not the arbiter.
We have the Canons and Formularies (or Confessions) to keep us on track.
General Synod's main roles are approving liturgy & doctrine changes, setting budgets and maintaining good relations with other churches. It also has influence, in different ways, over our church and country.
If elected, I'd join those who seek to follow the Church of England's orthodox biblical witness because God's way is always going to be best for us. His loving direction is sometimes a severe mercy but never to be scorned.
Liturgy & doctrine
The dominating issue is still a 7 year struggle to change doctrine in the area of who can marry who. In the new General Synod a return to orthodoxy is hoped for, but if not the main concern will be to put legal structures in place to support parishes that continue in orthodox faith. This could be a big change and some have already embarked on it. We then need to focus on our urgent responsibility to bring grace, repentance, hope and Godly wisdom to our nation!
What we spend money on
The Church's ample financial resources should be used principally to support parish ministry. We have to recognise that God is at work in the smallest gatherings as well as in festive crowds, so parishes need to be prioritised in financial support and in ministry resources. A strong long-term commitment to biblically-faithful parish communities will help restore confidence in those considering full-time ordained leadership. It will also encourage potential lay leaders to invest time and energy in training.
Many are aware of the huge costs of Project Spire, found to be historically inaccurate and opposed to Church of England charitable objectives. Likewise the expensive 'net-zero' requirements which feel more like false-virtue than true benefit. Both need to be stopped. The 'racial justice' programmes, which turn out to be the opposite, must also be dissolved.
External relationships
We also need to re-establish good relations with our fellow global majority Anglicans who no longer recognise the authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This will only happen if the liberal sexuality measures are reversed or a separate structure established.
Thankful
There is a lot to be thankful for in our churches - God's presence in our lives, joyful worship, welcoming strangers, great children and youth work, warm friendships, encouraging teaching, lives changed, support for those in need (
The recent CoE Youth Research report shows how authentic Christian friendship attracts people. It's also not schemes or projects that give hope but the discovery of Jesus as a person, 'the answers I was seeking are found in the church down the road…' Carl Willers
We need to nourish and build on this and see what God will do. This will not necessarily be a focus on numerical growth, though that will happen, but on building and strengthening us for the challenges to come.
Engaging Britain
It's also encouraging to see biblical principles for human flourishing being more confidently expressed in the wider media though often this is from other Christian groups. In the midst of many personal and collective challenges the words and grace of our Creator need to be heard. Thy will be done on earth…
Five priorities
I'd like the General Synod to encourage the following priorities for our churches:
- application - in sermons - more reference to God's work in the world. Not just what's there but what it's there-for. We should be asking - Lord what are you saying to us right now? And hearing His answer.
- prayer - for the nation - more focussed prayer for UK institutions/issues (examples). He cares for all of us and national decisions affect the people He loves. The Government is answerable to God so we need to advise it well. There is no left or right only up or down!
- history - draw more on our Christian history - how God has amazingly blessed us, and through Him Britain has been a blessing to others (answering the prayers of generations of Anglicans). We look to Him doing that again.
- practical theology - more organised, topic-based learning on key Christian themes, a similar role to catechisms - knowing what you believe. 'Bravo briefings' "In understanding be mature"
1 Cor 14:20 - information - more help on about how to handle the many vexing and divisive issues in our community, at work, with friends, for our nation, providing thoughtful Christian responses. Young people are asking - why we are so silent?
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
