Morale Deficit among Faithful Ministers in the Church of England needs Tackling

Dec 12, 2017 by

by Julian Mann, Virtueonline:

The ordinations in east London last Thursday (December 7th) by the Anglican Mission in England were a wonderful occasion for the gospel. But it must be remembered that the main platform for orthodox Anglican ministry remains within the Church of England.

Nine men were ordained in the East London Tabernacle Baptist Church in Tower Hamlets, an area with a large Muslim population, to serve six churches – fine Bible-believing, gospel-proclaiming, people-loving men and fine new churches. But every day thousands of faithful orthodox Anglican ministers are proclaiming the saving truth of the Lord Jesus Christ in Church of England parishes across the nation.

In many cases, these ministers are serving in churches that are not altogether behind them theologically. And many of them are serving the Lord in dioceses that are going terribly astray spiritually and morally.

This inevitably takes its toll on clergy morale. Compared with the ministers in the uniformly orthodox Anglican Mission in England with a tremendous senior pastor in Bishop Andy Lines, who conducted the ordinations, and supportive, loving churches, many of these CofE ministers are suffering a morale deficit.

How can this be addressed? Clearly, local orthodox networks and friendship groups are vital. But senior pastors also have a vital role in encouraging clergy to persevere, reminding them of the eternal significance of what they are doing, providing wise personal counsel and practical support amidst the difficulties and setting an example of suffering for the gospel.

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