Anglican Mission Focuses on “New Things” at Winter Conference 2008

The Anglican Mission in the Americas’ Winter Conference 2008, held January 23-26 in Dallas, Texas, was highlighted by Spirit-filled worship and inspirational teaching.  The gathering drew close to 1300 registered participants representing 37 states and 13 countries, and the congregation swelled to nearly 1700 for the opening service on Wednesday, January 23.  Bishops of the Province of the Anglican Church of Rwanda (PEAR) attended and were joined by over 80 other international guests.  The event concluded with the consecration of three new missionary bishops to serve in the Anglican Mission.

This year’s theme, drawn from Isaiah 42, focused on a call to embrace the “new things” God has in store: “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing to the LORD a new song…”  (Isaiah 42:9-10a). Plenary sessions presented by internationally acclaimed speakers included: “Can These Bones Live?” by the Rt. Rev. Sandy Millar; “When the Spirit Comes with Power: The Way to End the Cultural Captivity of the North American Church” by the Rev. Dr. John H. Armstrong; “1st Century Church for Our 21st Century America” by the Rev. Leith Anderson; and “Healing Our Image of God” by Mrs. Judith MacNutt.  In addition, the Rt. Rev. Charles H. Murphy, III, Chairman of the Anglican Mission, presented his “Chairman’s Address” outlining growth and ministry over the past year and looking forward to the plans and purposes God has for the Mission in 2008.

Dr. J. I. Packer offered a daily Bible study, and Andy Piercy along with a team from across the Anglican Mission, led worship for the conference. Twenty-seven practical and interactive workshops designed to strengthen and enhance gifts, skills and ministries for clergy and laity addressed a wide variety of topics including healing, effective preaching, prayer, leadership, youth ministry, lay ministry, the Anglican tradition, worship and children’s ministry. Special presentations on Ministry Among Hispanics, the Asian Initiative, creative outreach, a documentary on reconciliation in Rwanda, new works in Tennessee, the Anglican Initiative for Mission and a capital funds campaign demonstrated the momentum and entrepreneurial ministry generated by Anglican Mission leaders.

Two special worship services featured Bishop Millar who taught on being “Empowered for Mission, Equipped for Service” and Mrs. MacNutt who presented a teaching on “The Healing Power of Forgiveness.” 

Chairman’s Address:

In his Chairman’s Address, Bishop Murphy highlighted the sovereign movement of God at work in the Anglican Mission. He noted that twenty-five new congregations were added in 2007 bringing the total number of churches to 133 with another 62 in various stages of development.

“We now have churches or works in progress in 30 states as well as Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Portugal,” said Bishop Murphy. “God alone has made this happen and has given this growth. God alone has generated one new congregation every three weeks for the past seven and a half years.”

Bishop Murphy outlined other significant developments in the Mission:
• Continued development of Anglican Mission’s “Ministry Among Hispanics” and “Asian Initiative”
• Launch of the Anglican Initiative for Mission (AIM)
• The installation the Rev. Doc Loomis and the Rev. Mike Murphy as Canon Missioners 
• The election of three new bishops-elect: the Rev. Terrell Glenn, the Rev. Philip Jones, and the Rev. John Miller (consecrated in a service on Saturday, January 26)

“God in our history has demonstrated His grace,” said Bishop Murphy. “And God in our history has demonstrated His purpose from a dream to an unfolding reality. God has brought this to pass—and we can expect a lot more in the days to come.”

Looking forward to 2008 Bishop Murphy spoke of:
• The first printing of a Contemporary 1662 Prayer Book which updates the 1662 Book of Common Prayer into modern language,
• Parish-based theological education that complements seminary education by providing an alternative to traditional residential programs,
• A new capital campaign, “Living with Mission”, that will focus on investing in Land, Leadership and Legacy.

Drawing a parallel between the Anglican Mission and the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis, Bishop Murphy concluded by saying, “We’ve been part of something absolutely sovereign. God has led us, like Joseph, in ways we have not always understood. But we can look back at the former things and celebrate. We can look ahead and see the new things God now declares. We are driven by a dream, and we must continue to dream big. Our God is on the move!”

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