Field of Dreams...

I was speaking to a friend on the eve of All Hallows, and we were discussing the state of Anglican orthodoxy in our town. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no truly conservative, non-ECUSA, Anglican presence in our town. In fact, the closest parish is a REC parish located approximately forty minutes away. I find myself of two minds on the matter of this REC parish.

I have spoken privately with the rector and listened to a couple of his sermons; and I find him much to my liking. They are a small but growing congregation with active children’s and youth programs. The rector leads a “prayer walk” through the neighborhood every Sunday afternoon. I see many good things in this parish’s future. Conversely, while some in the congregation have been quite gracious, I have encountered some who would be considered less than welcoming. Another point against is the fact that my wife is less than thrilled with the situation.

I have spent much time in prayer and contemplation on prospects for my family’s place of worship and learning; and the more I think on the subject, the more the thought comes back to me that what we, my family and another, are meant to do is plant a mission. This would, despite the obvious logistical obstacles, solve several problems, only one of which would be a lack of conservative, non-ECUSA Anglicanism.

One huge problem with this idea is the lack of potential parishioners. Our area is served by one Episcopal parish and one mission, of which most of the average Sunday communicants are unlikely to leave their comfortable pews.

Which brings us to the title of this post…a Field of Dreams. Yes, that’s right…the movie, or at least one specific line from it. “If you build it, they will come.” If it is truly meant to be, if it is God’s will, the presence of a new Anglican mission should bring disgruntled Anglicans out of the woodwork. We cannot be the only nine people in this town who are dissatisfied with the state of ECUSA. If we give them an alternative where the true Gospel is taught, won’t they come running? Won’t they come?

Am I completely convinced that this is the way to go? No, this is probably the second most difficult decision I’ve ever faced (the first is one for a later post). One thing of which I am absolutely certain in this question is that it would be easier said than done. I don’t know the first thing about building a mission, being a “founding father” as someone once said. Another is that, if it is His will, God will do all the work…all we have to do is let Him.

Pax
Jerry