Understanding the Church
Why is the Church as it is? What does it see as God's work? What is it doing now? Why so many questions?? Here's a spot for sharing about this stuff and seeking answers too.
To start, here's a series of videos featuring Archbishop Phillip Aspinall as he explores Anglican identity. We've edited a 45 minute speech into 5 segments, each with discussion questions. Archbishop Phillip does an excellent job of identifying who Anglicans are and how we came to be, suggesting strengths and the challenges we face.
Head here to see the whole series,or here for the individual bits
1. Exploring Anglican Identity: Anglicans before Henry VIII?
2. Exploring Anglican Identity: Reformation - Tradition & Order
3. Exploring Anglican Identity: The Scriptural Emphasis
4. Exploring Anglican Identity: Reason & Experience
5. Exploring Anglican Identity: The Middle Way
And what about the Eucharist itself? What exactly is going on there? Click here to learn about our booklet The Eucharist Explained which helps to demystify Anglican worship. A $5 donation gets you a copy (oh, and maybe some postage too, depending on how far way you are!)
News and Resources
Understanding the Church Events
Th Bible is the central text for Christians so its super important we have a working knowledge of this precious book.
The new short course from St Francis College, Exploring the Bible helps you begin the path to…
Controversy time! There’s no shortage of online discussion these days about what the current Covid-19 crisis will mean for the world of the future. Facebook is full of people discussing what we might learn from this time.
Want to join an open discussion about utilising online platforms to engage with parish communities? The session aims to provide tools to build relationships and strengthen social media engagement with existing and new audiences. This workshop is open to both social media novices and experts to share experiences and knowledge.
Imagine an open workshop at which people can share their stories and questions about how to grow faith online. It would include discussion around online streaming, recording services, sermons and kids talks, online bible study groups and resources, and whatever questions are brought to the group. Well it’s here!
There’s no doubt that the consensus in worship theology at the moment is that intergenerational approaches to church are the best path to thriving churches in the future. In a brilliant initiative, no matter where you are located, you will now be able to…
Join John Bell, an inspiring hymn writer, liturgist and author from the Iona Community and Wild Goose Resource Group as he explores the question 'Is there a future in tradition?'
You’re at a barbeque and conversation with some new friends takes an interesting turn. You mention you went to church that morning, an Anglican one in fact. The next question? “So what’s Anglican mean?”
And you’d say…?
The next St Francis College Short Course is taking shape: Facing Deep Questions! In order to work out what big questions we’ll explore, we’ve set up a short poll for you to spend two minutes with. Please take a moment or two to vote on the questions you’d like answered.
What if there were ways to pray that could fit into your daily/weekly routine without meaning that you had to drop something else. In fact, what if you could make use of time you already have to pray?
Parishes and agencies in the Anglican Diocese Southern Queensland can book in now for the wonders of the 360 Project, delivered to you in your place! Just book a seminar, round up at least 10 people and Jonathan and/or Fiona will head to anywhere in the diocese to facilitate your choice.
It’s only weeks away, a new St Francis College Short Course called Being Anglican.
Watch the teaser video here.
See Archbishop Phillip as he uses his wonderful teaching skills to unpack the distinctiveness of Anglican Christianity: the Middle Way through Scripture, Tradition and Reason.
Obviously flying cars as in The Jetsons and Blade Runner should be with us this year but before we see those, we here at FormedFaith are working on some other exciting projects.
Dr Stephen Harrison is bringing a tireless energy and laser-sharp focus to the PMC which we here at FormedFaith are really excited about. Back at his commissioning, Dr Harrison delivered his manifesto for the future of our Church. As is typical of Stephen, it was to the point and an inspirational read.
At our recent Synod here in the Anglican Diocese, Southern Queensland, we shared exciting stories of mission occurring in creative ways.
Imagine a locally-produced six-episode course with videos featuring faith experts and discussion questions designed to be used by you on your own or with a group. And it’s free! Click here to find out more…
Adolescent years are a challenge for the best of us. Questions about self-identity, our place in the world, who to love and how to express that swirl around as hormones surge and ebb.
The biggest opportunity for parish growth and learning is about to hit the diocese!
John Roberto, world renowned faith formation specialist, is coming to Brisbane and Lay People in our diocese have the chance to spend a day with him for only $15. Yes, only $15!!
It's Vocation month, as of course you knew. Our bishops have been talking about vocations and the cameras have been rolling. What does "vocation" mean? Are vocations only for priests?
What might yours be?