One of the best things about being a follower of Christ is that we have an opportunity to make the ordinary extraordinary. One of my firm beliefs is that many people profess Christianity but lose their impact on the people around them because they hide God's greatness. Are those around you becoming stronger, faithful people because of your influence? Are people growing spiritually because of your impact?“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 )
The goal of The Missionary Diocese of the Resurrection is to add reality to vision. I wrote in my blog last week, ‘We live in a fallen world; no vision or goal is self perpetuating. It must be nourished in God’s Word, sustained by his Grace, and fanned into flame again and again by the Holy Spirit operating in our lives. God’s glory can be seen in everything we do. That’s Original Anglicanism, that’s what being an Easter People means.’
We are to be in the business of building up and blessing others. The benefit of being Original Anglicans is that people can be refreshed because of our influence.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
This is one of my favorite passages of scripture as it is a perfect example of my vision for the local as well as the national church. We have to challenge ourselves daily, fanning the flames to keep the fire hot and the coals bright red.
The Protestant Episcopal Church, both locally and nationally, is here to fill an important gap. Original Anglicanism is a church dedicated to the Gospel and the challenges of remaining faithful to that Gospel. That is the value of our denomination. Adding a reality to our vision is also recognizing the need for solid leadership. Communities and denominations whose leadership builds a church on a message of what they are against is not a church that will stand the test of time. Original Anglicanism has always been about building on the message of what we are for, because that is what moves the kingdom forward.
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
My vision, and it’s a big one, is to start a capital campaign for a pro-cathedral, complete with a pre-school; eventually leading into K through 8 lower school programs. I want to accomplish this in five years. I firmly believe that a solid Christian school within every church we build is the key to securing the future of this denomination. I’m aggressively seeking out those displaced Protestant churchmen who represent a true reformed expression of the faith. Towards this goal, I have a generous $250,000 pledge for 4th quarter of 2011. I want to triple that amount in the same time period. Like I said, it’s a big goal – but one that we believe will further the Kingdom in a powerful way.
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)
Be a visionary,
Bishop Ian
