“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” — 1 Peter 2:9 (BSB)
“Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom… They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.” — Acts 6:3, 6 (BSB)
“If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble task… Deacons likewise must be dignified… holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.” — 1 Timothy 3:1, 8–9 (BSB)
Bishops are the successors of the apostles, entrusted with oversight of the Church, guarding doctrine, ordaining clergy, and shepherding the people of God. Priests (or presbyters) serve under bishops to preach the Gospel, celebrate the Sacraments, teach the faith, and care for souls. Deacons assist in service, compassion, and proclamation, modeling Christ’s servant-hearted ministry.
Canon Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “All ministry begins in baptism, but ordained ministers are entrusted with particular authority to serve, teach, and shepherd in the name of Christ and His Church.”
Bishop Stewart Ruch (Diocese of the Upper Midwest, ACNA) explains, “Ordained ministry is not about status—it’s about sacrifice. The minister leads by following Christ more deeply and serving more humbly.”
The 1662 Book of Common Prayer clearly defines these three orders in the Ordinal, describing bishops as “chief pastors,” priests as those who “preach the Word of God and administer the Holy Sacraments,” and deacons as those who “serve the poor and needy in the name of the Lord.”
J.C. Ryle, himself a bishop, wrote, “Ordained ministers are not mediators, but messengers. They are stewards of the Gospel, called to feed the flock, protect the truth, and bear witness to Christ with their lives.” (Knots Untied, 1874)
Archbishop Foley Beach (ACNA) has said, “The Church needs both faithful lay people and faithful ordained leaders. Each has a role in God’s mission—and when they work together, the Body of Christ thrives.”
The ministers of the Church glorify Christ by building up His Body, proclaiming His Word, and serving His people. Their calling is to reflect His truth, love, and holiness to the world.
St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 110 AD): “Where the bishop is, there is the Church. Let all respect the bishop, as Jesus Christ, and the presbyters as the apostles.” — Letter to the Smyrnaeans, 8
St. Cyprian of Carthage (c. 200–258 AD): “The bishop is in the Church, and the Church in the bishop. Let none think he stands apart who stands not with the bishop.” — Letter 66
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “Ministers are not masters, but servants. They must feed the sheep, not fleece them; preach Christ, not themselves.” — Sermon 46
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
PO Box 873
Abbotsford, BC,
V2T 7A2, Canada
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
