The Accidental Anglican: The Surprising Appeal of the Liturgical Church

by Todd D. Hunter, J. I. Packer (Foreword by)

Overview

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 waiting for you there.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780830838394
Publisher:	InterVarsity Press
Publication date:	11/17/2010
Pages:	138
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

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.

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 Praying, A Quest for Godliness, Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God, and Rediscovering Holiness.

Table of Contents

Foreword J.I. Packer 9

Preface 13

Part 1 How I Became the Accidental Bishop

1 Life on My Own Terms 19

2 Liturgical Leanings 27

3 Accidental Connections 34

4 Shaping a Faith: J.I. Packer 40

5 What Is a Rector? The Influence of John Stott 46

6 Following the Holy Spirit in Anglicanism 55

7 Ordained a Deacon and Priest 59

8 Giving and Receiving the Eucharist 66

9 Consecrated as a Bishop 71

Part 2 What I Like About Anglicanism

10 A Story to Embody: N.T. Wright 83

11 Anglicanism and the Kingdom of God 90

12 The Anglican Evangelistic Tradition 94

13 Anglican Leadership: Emmanuel Kolini and John Rucyahana 104

14 The Spirit of Anglicanism: A Sweet Reasonableness 108

15 The Anglican Treasure Chest 113

Conclusion: From Accidental to Purposeful 120

Acknowledgments 127

A Word from the Author 131

Notes 133

What People are Saying About This

"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

"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."

David Neff

"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."

Right Reverend Prebendary J. A. K. Millar

"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."

From the foreword by J. I. Packer

"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."

The Right Reverend Chuck Murphy

"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."

Mark Russell

"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."

Editorial Reviews

"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

"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

"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

"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."

"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

"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

"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

"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."

J. I. Packer

"Todd's story is a fascinating, moving, honest and often very funny accountof what God can do with one of his servants committed to growing his kingdom today . . . very inspiring."

Right Reverend Prebendary - J.A.K. Millar

"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