You may think that worship in the Episcopalian church is mostly about ritual, but you'd be wrong—as it turns out!

My wife and I have been honored by the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas to give several of its leaders an introductory glimpse at the concepts of Conversational Evangelism (How to Listen and Speak So You Can Be Heard written by Norman Geisler & David Geisler). Our teaching is not connected to any national movement or organization. It’s merely a means by which people can explore the potential of honest and sincere story-sharing as a way of enriching the spiritual lives of others from a Christian perspective.

Frankly, I didn’t think Episcopalians were very interested in Evangelism except, perhaps, as a method of enlarging their declining ranks. I was once told by an Episcopal priest that it wasn’t his job to “recruit” believers. “That work,” he said, “is best done by the Holy Spirit.”

I actually resonated with what he said, though I, myself, come from a long line of “wahoo” Evangelicals who routinely beat the bushes to save souls. I thought it was refreshing not to be in the presence of a “clanging” Christian eager to pounce on my soul as a hungry lion might jump a bounding gazelle.  

He probably, however, was talking more about his priestly duties which largely consist of running the store and keeping the faith. A demanding job by any standard! There was a no-nonsense air about him and I admired his resolute position on doing the work of being a regular old priest over the pursuit of being a “star” priest who wins thousands to Christ.

At a recent ordination service for a friend who was becoming a freshly minted Episcopalian cleric, I was struck once again by the sheer beauty of the liturgy. Isaiah 6 was the hot-coal-placing Word of the day and, by the end, I wanted to jump to my feet and yell, “Send ME! Send ME!” It might have been the dizzying effects of the incense or the fact that the Scripture had been read by an engaging 12-year-old—but, when it was over, I was ready to go!

I was reminded of something I had learned when I attended the All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, California for a few years during a particularly tough patch in my life. Here is what they patiently taught me...

1. They view liturgy as a chance to refresh, renew, react, and reestablish a relationship to the church and Christ.

Dr. Darrell L. Guder of Princeton Theological Seminary once told me that liturgy was the mechanism by which we were allowed to “jump into” worship when we were able (or, perhaps, regained consciousness) because the predictability of it made that possible.

2. They tend to preach sermons (homilies) that seek to instruct and inspire, but not necessarily entertain. 

The Episcopal church I sometimes visit on Sunday evenings is led by a particularly winsome and refreshingly down to earth priest. He can tell a joke and we are allowed to enjoy it and respond appropriately, but in keeping with the general solemnity of the service, it’s never about his ability to tell a joke. He doesn’t keep pointing out how clever he is. As rectors go, maybe he’s the exception, but I don’t think so.

3. They have a need to both preserve rich tradition and move forward with the times. 

Many of us have been witnesses to the Evangelical church’s “throw the baby out with the bath water” disorder over the past few years. Maybe it’s just me, but Episcopalians seem to like bath water and, incredibly, the babies in them more than some of the rest of their counterparts. 

You might argue that their reluctance to let go of certain traditions is causing them to have decreasing numbers, but, despite the protestations supporting that position from growth gurus, I doubt it.  

If you want a really good example of a dedicated and intentional forward momentum go to my friend Chris Yaw’s website called ChurchNext and see what an Episcopalian really feels about growing the church. 

Blessings

Doug

Write me if you need some help, advice, or a kick in the pants... dlawrenceconsult@mac.com