Starting An Anglican Church Plant in Your Area?
The re-evangelisation (Matthew 4:19) of post Christian western culture is one of the mandates of St. Thomas Church. Join with us in the journey to be salt and light to a people who need to experience and know (John 17:3) the worship of the Triune God.
Liturgical Churches were the formation of Christian culture in the west with historical creeds of the Church. Many are looking for this substance and foundation of what early Christians believed and died for in the pre-Constantine era. This dependence on early Church disciplines and practices that have stood the test of time which have been carried on by Apostles and bishops gives us confidence that we are perpetuating the ancient faith (Jude 1:3).
As a Church planting movement we desire to see new historic Churches planted in areas where they do not exist. We are here to assist Anglican Churches in formation or help you plant an St. Thomas Church mission Church in your local area.
Join with a movement of spirit-filled liturgical mission parishes fulfilling the great commission! Keep reading, God could be calling you to be involved in His plan in your local area.
Here are is an extensive list of towns and cities with populations above 1000 people in North America. The staggering truth is over 90% of these cities have no Anglican or conservative historic Church presence, browse the list and pray, adopt areas to pray for:
Locations in Canada (1,703)
Locations in United States (31,076)
“Indeed, a house is a little church.” – St. John Chrysostom
“God’s plans for you are better than any plans you have for yourself. So don’t be afraid of God’s will, even if it’s different from yours.” – Greg Laurie
Virtually anyone can be used by God to start mission work in an area. A mission work is a gathering of two or more people who have the desire to see a Church established in the area. Most mission works begin in a home setting which is the most practical, accessible space. During the first three hundred years of Church history, the primary meeting place was also the home. This “little Church” model is something that is valid.
Our structure resembles the oratory style of ministry exemplified in many seasons of Church history (community and prayer based similar to St. Patricks evanglisation movement). The foundation of any Church is prayer and that is the first and main objective of an St. Thomas Mission Church are to be places of prayer and worship of the Triune God.
Our Church model is more in the line of sodality rather than modality. We offer the flexibility of a mission movement just like the book of Acts.
Below are summaries of establishing a mission, you can read this in more detail in the book: An Ancient Worship Movement.
STEP 1 - Setting Up an Home Altar Area
The first objective is to have a space in your home (preferably eastern facing wall) where an altar table can be established. This altar will have on it a white linen cloth, Holy Scriptures and cross either on the wall adjacent or table cross. This physical table is an emblem of the worship our Triune desires of us continually our Father “seeks” worshippers (St. John 4:23). The altar table also represents that worship is bigger than ourselves and we are joining with believers of 2000 years in the same style of worship. Yes, early believers in synagogue style worshipped the God liturgically.
The reason for the importance of setting up an altar area is that worship is not a Bible study but its focus and glorification of the Triune God. We must look away from ourselves to Him, the cross therefore becomes the focus of our worship to help us fix our eyes on Jesus alone!
Details on how to setup an altar area are detailed in the Ancient Worship Book Appendix. We are here to help answer questions and guide you along the way. Even a simple cross and Holy Scripture is a great start.
STEP 2 - A Basic Liturgical Prayer Service
The Church in the book of Acts began in a prayer meeting and this is how all St. Thomas Churches begin. You will start with prayer service that follows the historic hours of prayer that early believers followed in the temple worship and in New Testament house Churches. Though you can “individually” have this prayer service it is recommended to try and find one other person. You will follow a liturgical prayer service that is said by millions around the world. Mystically, we can also consider that as we pray, we are entering into those prayers and worship before the very throne of God (Revelation 5, Isaiah 6) and into the timeless worship of the Ever Living One.
You can simply use any Common Book of Prayer (Daily Office section) for these prayer services. We are here to answer questions and will provide online liturgical prayer service outlines for you to print.
STEP 3 - Catechesis Process
Discipleship (Catechesis) is the Ancient Church process of training people (catechumen) who are seeking to be water baptized and become a part of the Church. This process is always done with the guidance of a local parish Presbyter (priest, deacon, etc) and the Bishop would be the one to water baptize (in most cases) and give confirmation to individuals by the laying on of hands. Each situation is different and St. Thomas Church is seeking to serve everyone in their own context. This training period to help establish a mission Church can vary in length of time. The goal in the end would be to have clergy able to distribute Holy Communion and have Water Baptism administered.
Our encouraged first steps in this discipleship process is to:
1) Read the Ancient Worship Movement Book
2) Study questions in the Anglican Catechism (expanded)
3) Take the first 2 steps on this page, consistently (at least once a week prayer service).
4) Get in touch with us and we can explore and help you on your journey.
Next Step: Connecting
As St. Thomas Church connects with individuals and groups, we will prayerfully serve and find ways to connect you practically with a Presbyter (priest, deacon) or bishop so that you can continue your journey toward the Ancient Church and be a part of establishing a testimony of the Church in your area.
God could be calling you to start a mission in your area. Get in contact with us using the Contact Card page and we will be glad to discern and serve with you in your locality.
