This Sunday we will be welcoming Bishop Chris to Epiphany for his yearly visit. Bishop Chris will preach at both the 8 and 10:15am services. During the 10:15am service he will confirm, receive and also pray for those who are reaffirming their Christian faith. This is a special time for all of us not only to hear from our Bishop but also to support members of our church who are publicly taking these steps of faith.
If you are new to the Anglican Church, or just haven't thought a lot about it before, you may wonder what a bishop is and why we need them. After all, many Christian churches do not have bishops. Here are a few things to know as our bishop visits us:
Bishops are Biblical: Bishops are repeatedly mentioned in the Bible (1 Timothy 3, Titus 1.7, 1 Peter 2.25). But, depending on your English translation, they may be hiding in plain sight. For instance, 1st Timothy chapter 3 describes qualifications for being a bishop, but in our ESV translations calls them "overseers." That is a literal translation of the word "episkopos," or "bishop."
Bishops are Practical: Bishops provide two things every church needs. First they give a consistent outside perspective on the operations and ministry of individuals churches. This works to encourage us and also direct us where we need to grow. Second, bishops serve as pastors to the pastors of individual churches. Bishop Chris is a pastor to me, Mtr. Pamela, and Dcn. Sally, just as we serve as your pastors. Pastors need pastors too!
Bishops are Foundational: Along with overseeing individual churches and pastoring clergy, the job description of a bishop is to guard the faith. That is to preserve the Gospel as it was handed down to them, and also hand it on to the next generation. While any individual bishop can succeed or fail at this task, as a whole, bishops have a very good track record of fulfilling this essential part of their mission in the church over the last 2,000 years.
I am excited that we are able to welcome our bishop this Sunday.
God Bless,
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