Category: Blog

Progressive Christians continue to react with shock and dismay over the decision by the United Methodist Church to uphold the traditional definition of marriage. It didn’t take long for those who are opposed to the decision by the worldwide body to declare their next move: to continue defying church law. “We are not going anywhere,” … Continue reading When Ordination Vows are Broken

As I write this, first responders and tow truck operators are untangling 70 vehicles from a massive chain-reaction pile-up on one of Canada’s busiest highways. Squalls and blowing snow warnings have been routine from coast to coast for what seems like a week. And our poor, desperate friends in the Prairie provinces are locked in … Continue reading Holy Koinonia!

The ability to receive seekers at our doorsteps is essential. “People, get ready!” is what I said in my last blog. I truly believe that because so many of us are inwardly focused — prepared to deal with potential abusers but woefully incapable of talking to skeptics — the Holy Spirit isn’t encouraging people to come our way. Prepare, and I honestly believe that they will come. Part of that is prepping our virtual entrances. … Read More

We Presbyterians are a careful bunch. We carefully follow legal process in our courts. We develop protocols when dealing with children and vulnerable adults. We study issues carefully and repeatedly, especially as they relate to doctrine. And for good reason: Insurance, due diligence, criminal record checks, The Barrier Act and guidelines for appropriate touch are … Continue reading People, Get Ready!

Years ago, I worked in a grocery store. Cleanup went with the job. Boxes and sacks would break open, jars would shatter, cans would dent and lose their labels. There wasn’t much we could do with the broken boxes or shattered jars but the unlabelled cans could be sold at a fraction of the price. … Continue reading We’re not cans of soup

As a deprecating remark aimed at those who puff themselves up, we make light of the term “God’s gift to the world”. Heaven help those who use it on themselves. In truth, God’s gift refers to His Son. And it’s the historic reason for Christmas gift giving, modeled on the Magi who presented gold, frankincense, … Continue reading Good News! Great Joy!

The Presbyterian Church in Canada doesn’t exactly have a reputation for evangelical church planting. It’s not like the folks at 50 Wynford haven’t tried. For years, Canadian Ministries had a coaching network that worked with church leaders who felt the call. Ongoing grants helped sustain several church communities. But the interest was hardly overwhelming. “I … Continue reading Cyclical Churches

The Oxford English Dictionary has chosen “toxic” as its word of the year for 2018. It’s derived from the Latin term for “poisoned.” The key consideration for the honour was how the word has been employed in many different ways. Oxford listed the top 10 contexts: chemical, masculinity, substance, gas, environment, relationship, culture, waste, algae … Continue reading Differences and Division

The more I read, think and pray over the paper, “On the Question of Unity and Diversity”, the more questions I have. For those unaware, this is the document that the 2018 General Assembly referred to the church for study and response in light of our deep division over the issue of same-gender attraction and … Continue reading Questions About the Question

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” I thought as I prepared an email to the synod clerk, offering to bring greetings to the court from the Renewal Fellowship. I’d been reminded of our age-old Renewal mission to be a praying presence in our courts. I was planning to attend anyway as moderator of my presbytery, so why … Continue reading Thirty Seconds Of Silence

Don’t let anyone convince you that history has no bearing on the future. While doing some research for my congregation’s anniversary service, I found out that there was once a Presbyterian church in a nearby hamlet. It had to have been torn down because there’s no sign of it today. What amazed me was that … Continue reading May the Living Stones Cry Out

All the articles published online as "Andy's Blog" by Executive Director, Rev. Andy Cornell, are listed on this page. … Read more

Has this ever happened to you? A family you’ve never seen before shows up at your summer VBS or midweek after-school program. They fill out the registration form as fast as possible, avoid meaningful conversation, wave bye and they’re outa there. Pickup is equally fast. Score points for efficiency, I suppose, but I can’t help … Continue reading Looking at VBS in a New Way

A very strange thing happened near my home a few weeks ago. It happened quickly, then was over in a few days and left me shell-shocked and amazed. At a busy country crossroads, a billboard was installed consisting of four separate statements, each in its own colourful box: “Bibles back in schools! Let the Bible … Continue reading Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

What’s in a name? If it’s an organization or business – plenty. Pick one, the first that comes to mind. In my head, it’s “Acme Corporation,” the fictitious company in the Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner cartoons. (Don’t ask.) Acme is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the point at which someone or something is best, … Continue reading Authentic, powerful & effective

I’ve had more than a month to process this year’s General Assembly (GA). While each annual gathering of commissioners representing every presbytery from coast to coast to coast is unique in that never do we get exactly the same people each time, it’s still a fairly accurate cross-section of our denomination. I think of it … Continue reading Don’t let it get you down

Aboard the Queen Of Cowichan – As I approach the bow on the outside deck, I am struck by a gale-force wind. I brace myself against the wall and reach out for the railing. The furious wind seemed to come out of nowhere, but that’s life on the open water of the Strait of Georgia. … Continue reading Shelter and Strength – Pray for General Assembly

Did you see the screaming headline? “Major Canadian Church Abandons the Gospel to appease LGBTQ lobby.” And with it, a photo of people marching in the Toronto Pride Parade holding signs saying “Presbyterian pride God’s love includes everyone.” What followed was a holy tirade of condemnation of a once-biblical denomination which has, apparently, fully accepted … Continue reading Showing Them Christ

I love following electoral politics: the leadership races, debates, speeches, campaigns, the who’s who, the cabinet and its rising stars, the leaders in waiting, and the has-beens who are hanging on. I’ve worked for candidates in municipal, provincial, and federal campaigns. I am a member of a national party. In my university days, I was … Continue reading Eyes Wide Open

We love what’s new – cars, homes, clothing, technology. It’s what fuels the entertainment industry and the news business. It explains the vast success of the Internet, social media, fashion and entertainment industries, and our appetite for news. It also (partially) explains why many in the church are so vocal in their campaigns to change … Continue reading When Reforming Isn’t Good