The 99 and 1
A traditional Anglican bishop recently in a letter challenged his priests about their empty pews.
He told them that they should get out and get involved in evangelism, and other things in the
community. The bishop was pleased that most of those he addressed were enthusiastic about his
plan, but was surprised when one priest close to him simply wrote back that he would resign
because he could not do that. Perhaps there is more to the resignation, but it got me to thinking
of how we in the Anglican faith are not working the streets and neighborhoods again. We are
satisfied with the few we have and so be it.
The amazing story of the good shepherd should be a challenge to us. Jesus asked, "If a man
should have 100 sheep and one should stray should he leave the 99 and go after the 1 or should
he stay and let the one drown in his misery?
There is safety in numbers and practically within that 99 if there is teaching, praying and
fellowship they can look after each other. But the one who has left should be sought. He is out
there alone hungry, lost and needs attention.
I constantly wonder and write on the traditions of our faith. More are interested in getting the
mass right, wearing the right colors, correctly designating the Sunday or celebrating the birthday
of some saint who has been dead for 500 years. While there is nothing wrong in looking at past
leaders and celebrating them, we should be looking at future leaders getting them ready for the
future, who may possibly talk about us 100 years from now.
To put it simply, too many priests in the Anglican faith are persons who want ready made
ministries and are not willing to work for it. They would be happy if others go out and find folk
for them to preach to, but they, themselves, are not interested. Practically the trouble with this
is that when new people do come, those priests that want no part in evangelism, but want to show
off their new robes and= intellectual stances do not inspire new people. Their approach
sometimes runs new people away who just do not understand the worship.
Even in the mainstream Anglican faith, gone are the days when the bishop appointed a priest and
you could sit back and show up and Sundays and receive your check on Monday. There are many
other branches of the faith out there that are now competing to take from us that which we do
not take care about. We see a church beginning in 2005 with 4, and by the one year
anniversary, they have 300 members. And you ask yourself, "Why this is not prevalent within
the Anglican faith?"
Which gets me back to the 99 and 1. If that one goes astray and you go after him, you will find
that in so doing you might just meet another 99 (or 1 ) who might just return with you. There is a
message for all who seek God's grace. We should never squander the chance to meet and greet
the 99 or 1 to become apart of the church.
As the ACW goes after the 1 (or 99) in its annually pilgrimage, we have never found it easy,
neither do we think that one or two trips will fill our pews. It is a continuous work in motion that
we are trying to build. Along the way there will be setbacks and times that we just want to throw
our hands up in the air, but we must never give u., Jesus did not on us.
Let us remember theses 3 things
For every one that is brought to the church (not the faith) there is joy in heaven.
For every one that is reached out to maybe they are 10 around them that will follow their
example.
For every one that gives his or her life to Christ, there may be a 100 in his family worldwide that
will follow their example and spread the word, therein the church will be filled.
The church in the end is the only happy alternative to the violence, pain and lost hope in the
world. We should take every chance we get to reach out to the world and give counsel and aid
where we can. With the ACW (not yet) and hopefully not ever there will be no ready made
situations, even where there is a packed sanctuary there is room for one more. Not just the one
that has gone astray, but the one who sits on the curb and reads our motto "Reaching out to the
World...", and wonders, "Could it be me that they are thinking of?"
As we go these next 2 weeks on the mission of outreach, we invite you to seek out the 99 (or 1 ).
Watch how you go
+ Hartley
acwarchbishop@aol.com