The Institute for New Anglicanism is the research and training unit in Anglican ministry formation within Bishopdale Theological College, and is the focus for ‘Anglican specific’ dimensions to the College’s activities.  Its main purpose is in promoting excellence and missional innovation in Anglican ministry.

New Anglicanism is a ‘mindset’ - an intentionally ‘missional’ mode of conceiving Anglican ministry for a new age and era, drawing on but re-contextualising distinctive Anglican ‘DNA’ that characterised and shaped the original Anglican innovations. The shifts in missional context and associated modes of church and ministry call for a significant change in thinking by all those engaged in or embarking upon ministry in an Anglican context. New skills are called for and leadership training needs to address the paradigm shifts we now move within. A clearly ‘missional’ mindset drawing on a wider range of skill-sets is vital for the future of ministry in an Anglican context. 

Sept 2011

Institute for New Anglicanism – 2011 School of Theology:

The annual School of Theology is open to the public and designed to be accessible to informed lay persons, while primarily presenting material of theological substance for those looking for greater depth.

It is an event which serves the mission of the College to engage theologically with the realities of being God’s Church in mission in this world, and also serves the purpose of the Institute for New Anglicanism in getting us thinking hard about the shape of our mission and work in the current time.

Determined Church

This year there was a strong emphasis on taking serious theological engagement with the reality of being God’s Church and getting very practical in our discussions.  Each presentation had two responses prepared, intended to emphasise the practical matters that arise.  The aim was very much to stimulate a significant conversation around the room in which we wrestle with our vision and work in the Church.

Speakers were:

Prof Chris Marshall – Head of School of Religious Studies, Victoria University, Wellington

Chris provided:

• a public lecture on Monday evening, Sept 19, and;
• a keynote presentation on Tuesday morning
  

‘Chris is a leading NT scholar with a very strong interest in the practical realities of living as Christ’s people in the community of the church and firmly embedded in the world.  He has a long history of engaging strongly with questions of the pursuit of God’s reign in justice and peace, all the while drawing upon a highly educated and strongly researched reading of the New Testament.’I know some of you studied under Chris at BCNZ, before his move to Victoria, and that you think very highly of him – as do I.

Rev Dr Christopher Holmes – Senior Lecturer in Theology, Otago University, Dunedin

Chris provided a keynote address on Monday.‘Chris is Senior Lecturer in Systematic Theology at the University of Otago and an ordained Anglican Priest with diverse parish experience.  He has a strong interest in the everyday outworking of faith in Christ, especially in the way Christians live in this world as members of Christ’s Church, and this interest is reflected in his research. His most recent book is Ethics in the Presence of Christ (London: T&T Clark, 2011). Drawing from John's Gospel, it explores the contemporary ministry of Jesus Christ and the difference this makes for moral life.’

Chris is new to many of you.  He is a younger theologian with strong roots in church ministry and an on-going involvement.  I am very glad he agreed to join us.

The BTC team filled out the list of presenters ...

Rev Dr Tim Harris – Dean of the College

Rev Dr Sue Patterson – Senior Lecturer and Registrar

Rev Dr Graham O’Brien – Lecturer

Rev Dr Andrew Burgess – Senior Lecturer

Don’t discount what this group have to offer!

Rev Dr Andrew Burgess.

School of Preaching - Paul Windsor, Associate Director of Langham Preaching

Sept/Oct 2010

The Institute for New Anglicanism inaugural 'School of Theology' - 30 Sept/1 Oct 2010

Fresh Mission: New Anglican Expressions of Church Conference

Links to Bishop Graham Cray's presentations  

(Used with permission from +Graham Cray, Fresh Expresssions, UK )

April 2010

The Institute for New Anglicanism 'School of Preaching'

The inaugural School of Preaching was held on the 16th April with session links below-

Preaching to the Imagination

Prayer Book Frame & Order

Quotes from Walter Brueggemann, ' Finally comes the poet'

Feb 2010

Launch of the Institute for New Anglicanism 

The launch event, held at the Nelson Cathedral 12th February, 2010 represented our hopes, prayers and dreams that new life will come to Anglican ministry throughout the diocese. We live in very challenging times, but firmly believe that in the midst of those challenges, God is at work, and in his grace calls us to be part of his great mission to this world.
How do the big issues and experiences of our day, whether global, local or personal, fit within the direction of history revealed within Scripture? The launch was not a normal ‘Anglican’ service, but an event creatively and evocatively reflecting on the theme: What on Earth is God Doing?
Guest speaker: John Harrower, Bishop of Tasmania

Notes: What on Earth is God Doing?

This was followed by a one day conference at Bishopdale Theological College -        

'A Vision for New Anglicanism: Context and Contours'
Sessions included:
Rev DrTim Harris  Session 1 : A Vision for New Anglicanism: Context & Contours

                              Session 2 : New Anglicanism and Mission-Shaped Ministry

Bp John Harrower: A New Openness to Change: The Tasmanian experience

Bp Richard: Deep Church in Nelson: paradigm shift or gentle tweak?

as well as plenary discussion and workshops, including one by Gayelene Harrower on ‘Learning from Donkeys: Creative Evangelism’

John and Gayelene Harrower come from a missionary background, serving for many years in Argentina. Upon their return in 1989, they transitioned into parish ministry at Glen Waverley in Melbourne, applying much of their missionary experience in approaching local church ministry. Elected Bishop of Tasmania in 2000, Bishop John and Gayelene have overseen a dramatic change in outlook within the diocese, with a new focus reflected in now being known as ‘The Missionary Diocese of Tasmania’, and the challenge that every Anglican live as a ‘missionary disciple’.
Tasmania has three main population centres, and is otherwise spread throughout many smaller towns in rural and coastal areas – not unlike the top of the south. The Diocese has gained a strong gospel focus, and rediscovered the language of mission and evangelism.
Gayelene Harrower trains donkeys for church and community events as a way of sharing the gospel. Her donkeys have appeared in Cathedrals, parishes, street parades and community events offering ‘living stables’ and rides explaining the cross on the donkey’s back and the One who rode them in love for us.