Nov 11th, 2009 by David
Live from St. Catharines. My coverage of the Synod is going to be a little spotty because most of the activity here is being covered by Anglican TV and WiFi is only available outside of the gym where many of the sessions are taking place. I should be at least posting some photos this evening.
The meeting room is full and people are saying things like “isn’t it great being able to look forward to a Synod!”
Many of the sessions are split between clergy and lay delegates; this morning I attended part of Rev. Garth Hunt’s “Growing in intimacy with God and Prayer” – in a coffee break and about to go into Morning Prayer with Bishop Malcolm Harding. Also had an interview with Toronto Star – will post a link when it appears.
Great morning. Morning Prayer ended with “Onward Christian Soldiers”. Now listening to Bp. Keith Ackerman who, Bp. Don tells us, was deposed by KJS and then un-deposed by Abp. Rowan Williams and is now a bishop in good standing. Bp. Keith began his talk by asking everyone whether they believe that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life and no-one comes to the Father but through him”. Shouts of assent all round. A good start.
One of the advantages of being Anglican is the food: we were treated to a huge breakfast and lunch – and tonight there is a banquet (which I will have to miss 
).
The first session this afternoon is the Annual Plan for 2010 presented by Bishop Don:
Prayer. We are where we are today through prayer; we need to strengthen out prayer life as we grow.
Sacrament. All ANiC members should have the opportunity to receive Communion once a week on Sunday.
Youth. There are not many at this Synod registered in the youth category; youth should be encouraged to come and they will be listened to.
Money. We should tithe and this needs to be promoted at the parish level.
Theological education is critical. We must not slip back into our old ways. Theological colleges must live up to their mandate and not bow to cultural trends.
Session 2: Church Planting, Rev. Ray David Glenn.
Biblical model for mission. Important because it’s true to the biblical mandate – go out, make disciples and baptise them.
True to the Great Commission – go to all nations. New churches reach out to new congregations, the unchurched (old churches cater to existing congregations).
Exercise in being Kingdom-minded. It is costly and requires self-sacrifice.
Fosters church renewal; demands creativity. Forces existing churches to re-examine themselves.
Bishop John Guernsey. ACNA has been challenged to plant 1000 churches in 5 years.
In Canada, as of Nov 2009, 10 Projects; 6 Plants; 26 Parishes.
Nowhere in the bible does the word “church” mean “church building”.
In Canada, the 5 year plan has 2 streams: 1, new small groups forming churches and joining ANiC. 2, strategic planning by identifying 6 major urban centres, finding core groups and planting churches.
Develop a Church Plant Summit late 2010 – CP basics, generate a pool of interested candidates and increase understanding of CP. Recruiting Tour to seminaries, schools, churches, cross denominational; praying for 20 people.
Bishop Doc Loomis.. Has a heart for church planting; but it’s hard work.
Church planting “has to happen” – it’s how we will evangelise.
Can’t use old models. In order to exponentially grow need lay pastors for lay-led church plants.
Luke 10:2 “The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few, therefore pray……”