A refreshing word from John Dickson

At A Fresh Look at Mission, John Dickson outlined a thrilling vision for his church (MP3 link), and suggested that elements of it might be taken up in the diocese more broadly.

Drawing on the picture of the church in Acts 2, he says he wants his church to be:

• apostolic — devoted to the Apostles' teaching;
• pious — open to emotion;
• communal — a 'social movement' involving fellowship, breaking bread, and giving to those in need. The church should be committed to the good of the local community;
• increasing — growing numerically (and planning accordingly);
• favoured — winning the approval of the broader society because of its good deeds and generous engagement in the public sphere (instead of, say, a bunker or victim mentality).

His focus on doing both creation and redemption work well was very heartening, as was his generosity towards those outside his Anglican tradition. This is a call back beyond denominational distinctives to a vibrant, evangelical life. It sounds like the kind of church — and the kind of church movement — I want to be part of.