There is great hope for the church. I see it in many places. Generally, where authentic believers and followers of Christ are gathered, we find peace, strength and spiritual growth. Therein lies the hope. In mathematical terms, this hope is directly proportional to the degree in which believers seek genuine and total submission to the … Read more
Author Archives: Andy Cornell
150th General Assembly Report
General Assembly Report Day 1 June 2 - 6:02 p.m. After the first day and a half, this has been the most collegial General Assembly I’ve attended. My experience goes back only a decade, mind you. Courtesy abounds. Part of the reason may be that there's been nothing theologically contentious so far. Opening worship was … Read more
A church for an extraordinary time
We do not live in interesting times. These are extraordinary times. Artificial Intelligence is taking the digital age to a new level. AI is either the saviour of humankind by allowing us to progress technologically at a lightning pace and potentially solve all kinds of problems. Or it's the advent of a super intelligence which … Read more
Now that the deadline has passed
Since Nov. 1, 2022, congregations displeased with the adoption of Remits ‘B’ and ‘C’ which approved parallel definitions of marriage have had the opportunity to embark on a journey toward Voluntary Withdrawal from The Presbyterian Church in Canada. It’s a time-limited offer which expired on May 31, 2024. Now that the deadline has passed . … Read more
Are we on the right track?
Until it was axed, Plugged In was one of two magazines I would literally read cover to cover. It was filled with reviews of TV shows and films from a Christian family perspective. It was well written and relevant and exactly what this young dad needed. The other was The Presbyterian Record – intelligent, newsy … Read more
Renewal renewal
RF proposes a new way forward. Faced with ongoing deficits and a declining bank balance, the Renewal Fellowship is proposing significant changes in the way it operates. Starting March 1, the Executive Director’s call will be cut in half as the Fellowship eliminates road trips and focuses mainly on online encouragement, support and advocacy for … Read more
Holy Imagination!
More than 40 pastors gathered for the 2023 PCC Pastors’ Retreat on November 6-8. Here are some comments from a few of the participants: “I was so blessed by the praise team and the prayer time. The praise worship this year exceeded my expectations. It was a time of renewal of my spirit.” “Rev. Dr. Richard Topping provided great lectures to inspire us to slow down and … Read more
What do you need right now?
Leafing through the fall 2023 edition of Presbyterian Connection, the denomination’s quarterly newsletter, I find plenty of stories about social justice and activism: racism, aboriginal rights, climate, poverty, hunger, sexuality and affordable housing. There’s content on church business: use of property, social media, travel tales, congregational renewal and stewardship. There’s the usual multi-page spread of … Read more
A new front emerges
Opposition to Physician Assisted Suicide/MAID. Like a typical town hall meeting, Renewal Cafés provide a glimpse into the mind of Christ within the evangelical wings of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. We send an invitation, accept RSVPs and open the door. The conversation then takes a life of its own. The invitation to the July … Read more
Christianity and Liberalism
Classic 1923 text by J. Gresham Machen comes to life again. In this diverse world of ours, we live side-by-side with colleagues, friends, neighbours and even family members who hold sometimes radically different political views, lifestyles and opinions about life. The Presbyterian Church in Canada has never been wholly unified. Progressives and traditionalists have been … Read more