The Anglican Parish of Saint James

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Here’s why Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent

Should Your Church Live Stream?

Chances are, your church has either started live streaming recently or has considered it at some point. With equipment improvements, lower entry costs, and availability through the web and social media, live streaming is becoming more common in the church. If you are considering adding a streamed service or posting videos for replay viewing to …

How To Reach Unchurched People Who Don't Think They Need God

I read a survey the other day that made me literally sit up straight as I took notice. The number of people in Canada (my country) who profess “no religion” is now at 24%, up from 16.5% a decade earlier. That’s a massive shift in a mere ten years. As I reflect on it all,…

4 Ways to Balance Leading the Church and Loving the Community

How do we both lead our church and love our community well? And how does this calling inform a church leader's priorities and daily schedule?

What is baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Baptism in the Holy Spirit is the means by which God places new believers into the body of Christ. As the Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells our human spirits, bringing us new life and ensuring our everlasting fellowship with God, the Spirit also immerses us into the universal church.

Anglican Vestments: What Are They?

Anglican vestments can be confusing. Why do Anglican Christians wear strange garments during their worship services? Greg Goebel explains the basics.

ID Card Benefits for Religious Organizations

Find out how religious organizations and church groups are using ID card technology to help identify church members and keep them more secure.

Anglican Worship: Where Does It Say In the Bible to Do That?

As an Anglican Priest, I’m often asked where in the Bible some Anglican worship practice is commanded. The assumption is that we should only do what the Bible expressly commands us to do. The…

What They Are Saying About Advent

No doubt, you have plenty of resources for your church during Advent. Still, I thought you might benefit from this …

10 Tips for Creating Inclusive Religious Organizations

We are a stronger country when religious organizations of all faiths live up to our values -- when we are welcoming, diverse, moral, and respect one anot...

How to Receive Communion, Part 2: A Practical Guide

My last post discussed receiving communion by faith, and was more about our understanding of the spiritual aspects of communion. …

Tailored vs. Traditional: Why Not Do Your Own Thing for Lent?

I’m busy planning out my personalized Lent. I need to decide what to give up. I need to decide what to give away. I need to pick books to read and do things that are tailored to my own personal, spiritual needs. Lent arrives soon. Am I ready? There are so many choices to make. Or are there? A Traditional …

What TechSoup Offers Religious Organizations

This article provides an overview of the TechSoup product donations and learning resources that can help your religious nonprofit get the most out of its technology.

Does Anglicanism have a future? The priority of the local and the inevitability of conflict

Anglicans have long been committed to the local expression of the faith. The challenge before its as an international fellowship is not how to enforce uniformity, but how we can be known through our love of one another.

Religious Freedom as Freedom to Discriminate?

Removing religious exemptions will not promote tolerance or inclusiveness. It will forcibly strip religious organizations of their ability to operate as religious organizations.

What is All Souls Day?

Want ‘sustained happiness’? Get religion, study suggests

Researchers suggest that long-term happiness is more likely found more by joining a religious organization than volunteering or playing sports.