Many are longing for historical connectedness and for theology that is "not tied to the whims of contemporary culture, but to apostolic-era understandings of Christian faith and practice." They also yearn for rhythms and routines that build spiritual health. Still others are responding to a call to participate in worship rather than merely sitting back and looking at a stage. Liturgy offers all of this and more. In this book Todd Hunter chronicles his journey from the Jesus People movement and national leadership in the Vineyard to eventually becoming an Anglican Bishop. Along the way he explains why an evangelical Christian might be drawn to the liturgical way. Curious about the meaning of liturgy? Come and discover what may be waitingfor you there.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by J. I. Packer
Preface
Part One: How I Became the Accidental Bishop
1 Life on My Own Terms
2 Liturgical Leanings
3 Accidental Connections
4 Shaping a Faith: J. I. Packer
5 What Is a Rector? The Influence of John Stott
6 Following the Holy Spirit in Anglicanism
7 Ordained a Deacon and Priest
8 Giving and Receiving the Eucharist
9 Consecrated as a Bishop
Part Two: What I Like About Anglicanism
10 A Story toEmbody: Bishop N. T. Wright
11 Anglicanism and the Kingdom of God
12 The Anglican Evangelistic Tradition
13 Anglican Leadership: Archbishop Kolini and Bishop Rucyahana
14 The Spirit of Anglicanism: A Sweet Reasonableness
15The Anglican Treasure Chest
Conclusion: From Accidental to Purposeful
Acknowledgments
A Word from the Author
Notes
About the Author :
J. I. Packer (1926–2020) is regarded as one of the most well-known theologians of our time. Once named to Time magazine's list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America, Packer served as Board of Governors' Professor of Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. His books include Knowing God, Praying, A Quest for Godliness, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and Rediscovering Holiness.
Bishop Todd D. Hunter leads Churches for the Sake of Others (C4SO), a diocese of the Anglican Church in North America. He is a past president of Alpha USA and former national director for the Association of Vineyard Churches. His books include Christianity Beyond Belief, The Accidental Anglican, and Deep Peace. Recently, he established The Center for Formation, Justice and Peace. Todd and his wife, Debbie, live in Franklin, Tennessee.
Review :
"Todd Hunter's passion for church growth—and his many insights into how it can be achieved—has had a profound influence on many church leaders around the world. His story is a fascinating one."
Nicky Gumbel, vicar of Holy Trinity Brompton Church and developer of The Alpha Course
"Todd Hunter's journey—unlike that of the 1980s 'evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail'—is a missional merging of Anglican resources and church-planting passion. Free of romanticized illusions, he offers a clear-eyed appreciation of the Anglican potential for mission after modernity."
David Neff, editor in chief and vice president, Christianity Today Media Group
"Hail to you, Bishop Mole! Ratty salutes you! Accidental Anglican you may be, but it is real, rich Anglicanism that you perceive and pursue. May your ministry among us be gloriously blessed."
From the foreword by J. I. Packer
"You hold in your hand a thoughtful and candid explanation of the many events and people that God used to draw a veteran evangelical church planter like Todd Hunter into the world and the witness of the Anglican church. One part autobiography and one part apologia, this book provides an 'outsider's' perspective on the richness of authentic Anglicanism, and the treasures of this particular branch of the Christian church that have captured his heart and made him, in his own words, an 'accidental Anglican.' In telling this story, Todd challenges us all to begin to connect the dots in our own lives and discover the powerful, if seemingly accidental, calling that God has for each of us."
The Right Reverend Chuck Murphy, chairman, The Anglican Mission
"Todd is a missionary and knows the attraction of 'ancient future' in today's culture. This remarkable book tells a remarkable story. A story of how Todd became an Anglican bishop. I was gripped as he uncovers the treasures of this ancient spiritual pipeline. So gripped, it reminded me why I'm an Anglican! This is a deeply personal story, written by an amazing man. It will challenge and inspire."
Mark Russell, CEO, Church Army, and member of the Archbishops' Council of the Church ofEngland
"Todd's story is a fascinating, moving, honest and often very funny account of what God can do with one of his servants committed to growing his kingdom today . . . very inspiring."
Right Reverend Prebendary J. A. K. Millar, vicar, Tollington Park, and assistant bishop, London
