As seen in the July/August issue of The Southern Cross:

I had the occasion in recent weeks to offer some remarks at a celebratory 25th anniversary of a men’s Bible study group in one of our congregations.

The event reminded me that I was just really beginning to study the Bible at that point in my life, and I have not ceased. I have discovered what many people already knew. The Holy Scriptures are inexhaustible in its riches, and I expect to be learning from it and more about it for the rest of my earthly days.

Christians are expected to be intentional about spiritual growth and wisdom. The marriage service states that parents are to raise their children with God’s intention with “their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord.”

The only way that is possible is for the parents to live as Christians by purposeful and meaningful participation in the life of Christ.
We also pledge to do all in our power to assist others in living baptismally. That presumes our own personal intentionality. The canons of the Episcopal Church state “that all baptized persons are called to sustain their ministries through commitment of life-long Christian formation.”

Allow me to emphasize that expectation: Life-long Christian formation. Additionally, and clearly most importantly, our Lord speaks to the Church in saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” Christian learning and formation is inherent in our very identity as followers of Jesus Christ.

Please note the information on page 7 in this issue of The Southern Cross regarding the School for Ministry Development. This diocesan institution will serve as a resource within our diocese for congregations and individuals. I invite you to participate in its offerings.

I also want to acknowledge the tremendous work the clergy of this diocese do in offering beneficial and stimulating classes in their congregations. I do peruse the congregational newsletters from within the diocese and happily take note of congregational offerings on Bible studies, morals and ethics, contemporary issues, church history, social justice, personal piety and more.

I encourage each of you to participate in ongoing Christian formation activities in your local parish. Doing so will make your congregation stronger and will fortify you personally.

Lifelong Christian formation! It is what the baptized do.