The Diversity of Unity: Is There Life in the Mainlines – w/ Bishop Todd Hunter

February 15, 2024

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Todd Hunter describes his journey from leading the Vineyard movement to becoming a bishop in the Anglican Church. He traces the Anglican influence on the Vineyard movement and evangelical churches more broadly through figures like John Stott and N.T. Wright. Hunter explores common misconceptions about mainline denominations, explaining that while there has been theological drift, mainline churches still contain devoted followers of Jesus. He observes a growing hunger amongst young Christians for historical groundedness leading them to traditions like Anglicanism, but cautions against overly formal or inaccessible liturgy. Hunter advocates doing liturgy in the “language of the people” to make it warm and welcoming while retaining historic structure.Key TakeawaysAnglicanism has deeply influenced evangelical figures and churches, from John Wimber to Alpha to many borrowing elements of the Book of Common PrayerMainline Protestant churches have declined but still contain millions of sincere, devoted ChristiansYounger generations are rediscovering groundedness, history, and liturgy amidst a trend of faith deconstructionLiturgy is inescapable; the key is making historically structured liturgy engaging and accessibleHelpful Bible ReferencesMatthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer as a model for structured, yet deeply personal prayer)Luke 1:38 – “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Mary’s humble, obedient faith)

KeywordsAnglican Church, liturgy, mainline denominations, Vineyard Church, Alpha, Book of Common Prayer, deconstruction, Church of England, traditionAbout Anchored & Reaching”Anchored & Reaching” is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.

Email: [email protected]: https://anchoredandreaching.com

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Annual Conference 2024 – Highlights
Annual Conference 2024 – Highlights

Experience the best moments from the 2024 Annual Conference of the Free Methodist Church in Southern California! This highlight video features inspiring interviews with attendees, showcasing their insights and experiences. Enjoy exciting footage from the event, capturing the essence of our theme, “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement.” See how our leaders and participants are embracing shared leadership, creative collaboration, and spiritual growth. Visit our website for more details: https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org.

#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Highlights #CommunityEngagement #FaithInAction

Annual Conference 2024 – Morning Devotional with Ann Hansen
Annual Conference 2024 – Morning Devotional with Ann Hansen

Ann Hansen from Centerpoint Church leads a morning devotional on wholeness, sharing her journey and reflections on finding joy in trials. She emphasizes embracing God’s Spirit for transformation and encourages hope and trust in God’s relentless pursuit of our growth and healing.

About Annual Conference 2024
Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

To find out more, visit us at:
https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org

Hashtags
#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Wholeness #MorningDevotional #SpiritualGrowth #FaithJourney #FreeMethodist #PCJC #CommunityEngagement #HopeInChrist

Annual Conference 2024 – Business Session Highlights
Annual Conference 2024 – Business Session Highlights

The Business Session highlights key moments from the 2024 Annual Conference, including reports, recommendations, and ordinations. Personal testimonies emphasize the importance of faith, social justice, and community service. The session concludes with the ordination of new elders, each expressing their commitment to serve within the Free Methodist Church.

About Annual Conference 2024
Annual Conference is a collaborative one-day gathering for Free Methodist leaders from the Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) and the Pacific Coast Japanese Conference (PCJC). This year, we will focus on the theme of “Wholeness: Fostering Community & Creative Engagement” as we nurture a thriving ecosystem for growth, shared leadership, and creative collaboration between our conferences and churches.

To find out more, visit us at:
https://ac24.pacificcoastnetwork.org

Hashtags
#FMCSC #AnnualConference2024 #Wholeness #CommunityEngagement #CreativeCollaboration #ChurchLeadership #FreeMethodist #PCJC #FaithInAction