Joy in Jerusalem

Blogging is tricky without a PC and with limited wi-fi (spell-check just translated that to wi-if which is probably a better description!) in the hotel. But here goes...

It's hard to know where to begin to describe the last couple of days at Gafcon. 

I could start by describing it as a very large family gathering:

2,000 Anglican bishops, clergy and lay members have gathered from around the globe. It has been said on a couple of occasions today that it is the largest gathering of Anglicans for over 50 years (not sure how to check that out!).

This morning we heard Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali preach on 'God's Church', and were reminded that to come to faith in Christ is not just a private, personal matter - we become children of a Heavenly Father and members of the family of the church. As Anglicans we are part of that great family of God brought into existence by the preaching of the gospel, joined together by faith in Christ, and shaped by the teaching of the Bible. Church membership isn’t an optional extra for Christians - it’s a given!

It is also a very diverse family: 

There are 50 nations present, representing more tribes, languages and people groups than I'd care to count. Today I have spoken to people from Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Canada, USA and France. Tonight, at a meeting of the U.K. Delegates, we heard from bishops and clergy from Myanamar, Chile, New Zealand, Uganda, Scotland (!) and Kenya along with an interview with a Palestinian Christian.

It is a very resourceful family:

It is sobering and challenging to hear the very limited resources that some of our Christian brothers and sisters have at their disposal - and yet we have heard stories of how God is at work in bringing people to faith through the preaching of the gospel in these places. When we give what we can give to God, he increases it and brings great things from it. Resources for the training of clergy and church leaders is a big need in many parts of the church. 

It is a family with a big calling from God: 

The theme of Gafcon 3 (having also met in 2008 and 2013) is 'Proclaiming Christ Faithfully to the Nations', and there has been some great teaching from the Bible and encouragement from testimonies to encourage us to that end. But proclaiming Christ fully and faithfully in an increasingly secular world - and it isn't just in the West that this is the case - brings conflict with the world. Gafcon is keen to encourage Anglican churches to stand firm, to remain faithful in the mist of the temptation to change the message, and to keep the Bible at the center of our life and teaching.

And finally...It is a joyful family gathering! 

It has been incredibly moving to sing God's praise alongside Christian believers from such a mixture of cultures and backgrounds. When the Archbishop of Uganda spoke in the large meeting hall this morning, the Ugandans in the hall spontaneously led us in a joyful song of praise that was deeply moving to be part of. This week we are being led by a superb African choir and musicians that bring depth and joy to the worship. 

Being together to hear great bible teaching, to be encouraged by the faith of our fellow family members, and singing praise in response - what's not to like?

I’m reminded that, despite the excellent food being served in the hotel, 'The kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit'! (Romans 14:7)