Among the notable features of orthodoxy is the belief that God is always at work. He didn’t create the universe and walk away, nor does He just show up from time to time. Our triune God’s hands are in this world, constantly. In that light, what are we to make of the unprecedented reaction to COVID-19, the latest coronavirus that – we are told – is about to infect millions? We can immediately ... Read more
Author Archives: Andy Cornell
Orthodoxy in the PCC – Where It’s At
In February 2020, The Renewal Fellowship convened three online gatherings of ministers, elders and congregants who adhere to a traditional view of doctrine and theology in The Presbyterian Church in Canada. The participants were, generally speaking, opposed to the remits (proposals) before our church courts to redefine marriage in order to create equal space for … Read more
To the Life and Mission Agency
In June 2019, General Assembly approved the following recommendation regarding Remits B and C – “That as a matter of urgency, the Life and Mission Agency provide a means for those affected by this decision to express their concerns, views and pain in a safe environment and that the concerns be reported back to the 2020 General Assembly before the report on remits is received and its recommendations considered.” While the Feb. 15 deadline to file these expressions has passed, I am sharing my statement in an effort to encourage prayer ... Read more
A Fresh Round of Overtures
As the March 31st deadline for presbyteries to consider the Remits draws closer, there’s renewed anticipation of what new proposals might be in the wings. Not content with pledges of “liberty of conscience and action” in either Remit, several courts are asking General Assembly for something more concrete ... Read more
Theology Matters
Theology matters – more than you might think. In 2016, a group of university professors published a groundbreaking study which linked mainline congregation growth to traditional, conservative theology. It compared the demographic and religious characteristics of ministers and attendees of growing mainline Protestant churches in southern Ontario with those of declining churches from the same … Read more
소그룹 기도 가이드
사랑하는 친구 여러분, 끊임없이 변하고 있는 이 세상에서 하나님이 세우신 가치질서를 지키며 살아가려는 사람들에게는 종종 “거꾸로” 가는 사람이란 꼬리표가 붙게 됩니다. 좀 너그럽게 비판하는 사람들은 우리들을 “고리타분” 하다고 말할 것입니다. 하지만 이것은 중요한 사실을 간과하는 것입니다. 우리의 삶이 우리가 믿는 가치들을 따르지 않는 것이라면 우리들은 허공에 매달려 바람에 흔들리는 가지에 불과하다는 사실입니다. 폭풍의 계절을 지나고 … Read more
Small Group Prayer Guide
Dear friends, In an ever-changing world, those of us who adhere to established practices are sometimes branded as “backward.” More-gracious critics might just say we’re “old school.” But that’s missing the point, which is that practice must follow principle, otherwise we are just branches swaying in the wind. In this stormy season, our presbyteries are … Read more
Remarks to Essex-Kent Presbytery on the Remits
Moderator, in my brief time before the court, I will provide several reasons to vote against these remits. I will demonstrate that they will not bring peace to our divided denomination. They will not advance the Kingdom. And they are not in God’s will. I will approach this from three points of view: theological, practical, … Read more
Share the Pain
The court rendered its decision. Before sentencing, the victims were allowed to speak. One by one, they opened their hearts and bared their souls, sharing how the decision had impacted them. Many prepared carefully-worded statements. A few were off the cuff. All were spoken from the heart and testified to something which had changed their lives – and the lives of those around them ... Read more
Remarks to “A Place to Stand”
Since the early 1980s, The Renewal Fellowship has striven to be a voice of encouragement to those who stand for orthodoxy. Our vision has been the renewal of the Presbyterian Church in Canada by adhering to authentic Reformed hermeneutic, Spirit-led prayer and effective Gospel witness. That dream remains – even though some tell us ... Read more