A searchable, downloadable PDF of the original article appears below. J. Barry Forsyth is Pastor of St Andrew’s Church, Ganonoque, Ontario.
The renewal movement within the Presbyterian Church in Canada (P.C.C.) is not an isolated phenomenon. There are renewal groups, programs, fellowships, and ministries within all of the major mainline denominations in the United States and Canada. In addition, in our association and relationship with other evangelical bodies we are part of a world-wide movement of renewal. God’s Holy Spirit is active today, restoring and purifying the body of Christ everywhere. Also involved with this cosmic thrust of God’s Holy Spirit are the numerous charismatic renewal movements. God is at work wherever His Word is proclaimed in truth by authentic witnesses who are ready and willing to be energized and filled by His Spirit.
In March of this year, I represented the Renewal Fellowship at a meeting of renewal leaders in Washington D.C. It was a most interesting and stimulating experience. I met with representatives from fourteen renewal groups in the United States and Canada. We met at George Washington’s “hunting lodge”, a grand old Virginia mansion at Mt. Vernon, on the Potomac River. We are not alone in the Renewal Fellowship within the Presbyterian Church in Canada because we have many others with whom we can link hands and hearts in common calling, ministry and mission. It is easy to become discouraged as we labour away in our own denominations unaware that there are others fighting similar battles elsewhere. But as always, when problems and concerns are shared and when victories are acknowledged, God is honoured and we are given fresh determination to go home and take up the challenge of renewal once again.
Representatives at this year’s annual “renewalists” meeting were the following:
Good News – The United Methodist Church
Biblical Witness Fellowship – The United Church of Christ
Renewal Fellowship – The United Church of Canada
Brethren Revival Fellowship – Church of the Brethren
Conference On Spiritual Renewal – The Church of Christ
Stewardship Growth Center – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Presbyterians United For Biblical Concerns – P.C. U.S.A.
Covenant Fellowship of Presbyterians – P.C. U.S.A.
Episcopal Federation of Renewal Groups
Fellowship of Charismatic Christians – The United Church of Christ
Foundation For Church Renewal – Dr. Richard Lovelace
Prayer Summit Incorporated
Also in attendance was a visitor from Zimbabwe, Dr. F. Gonendo, President of the United Theological College there.
Amazingly, this diverse group of people, men and women evangelicals and charismatics, executives, clergy and lay people were quickly welded together into a sharing and working unity. It was heart-warming and encouraging to talk and pray together. It was a privilege for me to be there on behalf of our fellowship.
There are many ways in which I discovered that “we are not alone” as persons committed to spiritual renewal in the Church of Christ. In many of our sister denominations there is the same sort of apathy, indifference, and opposition which we often encounter. They, along with us are often branded as divisive and disloyal. They sometimes find, as we do, that ministers and lay people are reluctant to join the renewal movement for fear of criticism from others. Many of their opponents are entrenched in high places in the institutional churches and are suspicious of “renewalists”. To the south of us, many of our American friends are trying to influence the moderate center of their churches. With us, they are trying to avoid being seen as reactionary splinter groups. Instead, they are seeking to be a positive leavening force of light and love.
With us, they are trying to avoid being seen as reactionary splinter groups. Instead, they are seeking to be a positive leavening force of light and love.
As we examined the weather vane of the future it is obvious that many of the issues with which the Americans are struggling now will be ours to deal with in a few years. Whether we like it or not, or are prepared or not, we will be confronted inevitably, with the same problems. There is a form of continentalism in the religious sphere of North America as well as in the political and economic realms. Therefore, in the near or not so distant future, we as persons connected to renewal will have to address the following issues:
- – Homosexuality as an accepted lifestyle worthy of its own ordained clergy servants
- – Abortion in a final showdown between “pro-life” and “pro-choice” forces
- – Feminism and the whole question of the use of inclusive language in the hymns, liturgy and ministry (instead of Father, Son and Holy Spirit there is the Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer – God is prayed to not as Lord but as “God – our father and mother”)
- – Scriptural authority – there is an erosion of fidelity to the Word of God, particularly in religious “high places”
- – Basic Christian doctrine – It is essential that we determine what is essential and definitive in our reformed evangelical tradition
- – Ecclesiastical accountability – In some churches national decisions and policies must be adhered to by all. Opting out is not allowed. It is the old liberty of conscience issue resurfacing once again in a different form.
- – Liberation theology – its effect and pervasiveness is most significant in today’s world. To define our social conscience we must deal with this phenomenon. Where there is injustice, oppression, and tyranny, our voice must be heard. It is impossible to evangelize or do social action in a political or ideological vacuum.
- – Political involvement – governments and political leaders need our prayers and our input. In Canada, we can play our important role in shaping our national identity and in establishing national priorities.
There is much that can cause us to despair in our own lives, in our church, in our nation, and in the world. But, it is encouraging to know that many others are seeking to bring about spiritual renewal as well. It has been good for me to discover that “we are not alone”, humanly speaking. And, finally it needs to be said that in the life of faith we are never alone. Let’s remember that as we move forward in the work of renewal.