Graham Kings Vicar of St Mary Islington
and was the founding Director of the Henry Martyn Centre, for the study
of mission and world Christianity, in the Cambridge Theological Federation.
Canal, River and Rapids: Contemporary Evangelicalism in the Church
of England
Graham Kings maps out the shape of Evangelical Anglicanism
in England today. He uses the metaphor of watercourses - canal, river, rapids
- to describe conservative, open and charismatic evangelicals. For each
category he describes key theological and ecclesiological features, organisations
and people. He relates each evangelical type to its historical influences,
and so reveals both the strengths and weaknesses of the contribution of
each constituency today. Significant Anglican leaders can navigate more
than one watercourse, and he concludes with a plea for Anglican Evangelical
leaders to see NEAC 4 as an opportunity to reflect together on the challenges
of our times.
Vaughan Roberts Rector
of St Ebbe's, Oxford.
Our Mission in Britain I
Islington Conversations : Eclectics (ICE) was started in march 2003. Conservative,
open and charismatic Evangelical speakers were invited to address those
gathered on the theme 'Our Mission in Britain'. The addresses given by Vaughan
Roberts, Christian Baxter and Mark Stibbe are published here, together with
the summary address given by Philip Giddings. Vaughan Roberts defines evangelical
identity in this the first of the ICE addresses. He describes various evangelical
movements which had different emphases but shared common core beliefs. For
Evangelicals to be faithful to the commission to be God's witnesses they
must be committed to proclamation of the Gospel in Britain today. To carry
out the commission obediently might mean reforming denominational structures
that hinder the work of the Gospel.
Christina Baxter Principle of St John's
College, Nottingham and Chair of the House of Laity.
Our Mission in Britain II
Christina Baxter affirms key marks of Anglicanism. She defines an evangelicalism
which is open to ecumenism, renewal, insights from biblical scholarship,
full ministry of laity and women, and inter-faith dialogue. She suggests
that different and creative responses are resources that should be seen
as a blessing in mission.
Mark Stibbe Vicar of St Andrew's Church,
Chorley Wood.
Our Mission in Britain III
Mark Stibbe outlines an evangelical charismatic approach to mission. It
is described with reference to the apostle Paul's description of his ministry
amongst the Thessalonians 'not only with words but also with power'. This
partnership of word and power, logos and dunamis, is seen as a key feature
of the ministries of both Jesus and Paul. Evangelism that brings together
proclamation of the Gospel and a demonstration of God's power is appropriate
to the culture of our post-modern times.
Philip Giddings
Licensed Lay Minister, Greyfriars Church, Reading and a member of the
General Synod.
Our Mission in Britain - Summing Up
Philip Giddings summarises what he sees as
the key features of each ICE contribution, noting the questions asked in
response. The striking feature of the day was the shared understanding of
what it means to be evangelical, and the unity found in being centred on
mission. Dr Philip Giddings is a
Colin Patterson Adult Education Adviser
in the Diocese of Durham.
Dealing with conflict in the New Testament
Colin Patterson writes from his experience in sector ministry in the Diocese
of Durham. He notices that the presence of conflict seems to be a given
in the Church. He suggests that conflict can be managed rather than avoided,
and describes various approaches narrated in the New Testament. This is
the first of a pair of articles to be published in Anvil relating to conflict
in the Church of England.