Author Archives: Andrew Stephens-Rennie
About Andrew Stephens-Rennie
Andrew is an Anglican lay leader who loves pioneering responsive, contextual solutions to the challenge of being church in the 21st Century. He serves as an assistant to the rector for Evangelism and Christian Formation at Christ Church Cathedral Vancouver and is a founding member of the emerging St. Brigids community (www.stbrigid.ca).Troubled Waters :: Part 2
In this blog series, Christian and I will try to unpack some of the issues around short-term mission trips We’ll be using my experience as a trip organizer and leader as backdrop, and if he’s worth his salt, Christian will … Continue reading
Legal Age
Working. Driving. Voting. We have rules about these kinds of things. We have rules, and we attach age limits to them. Depending on your province, it might look something like this: 14, 16, 18. Now then. At what age does … Continue reading
Almost Christian
Have you noticed how passionate and articulate teenagers can be about anything except their faith? Eavesdrop on a conversation amongst teenagers and you’ll hear them talking passionately about many things: Friends. Video Games. Relationships. Celebrities. The Environment. School (well, scratch that). … Continue reading
Troubled Waters
In February 2009, and again in February 2010, I co-led two successive trips to New Orleans. Both times, we travelled during University reading week. Both times the trip closely coincided with Mardi Gras. I wonder why the students came. Was … Continue reading
Permission to Fail
It’s sad, but for many churches, the most referred-to youth ministry book is entitled “Single-Digit Youth Groups.” Perhaps it’s because all too often we can see ourselves in its title. It has clear and broad applicability for small churches like … Continue reading
Campus Ministry as Hospitality
“Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of a free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It … Continue reading
Short-Term Missions Revisited
On the last Saturday of August, I had the opportunity to visit with a group of young people in the Parish of March in Kanata, Ontario, along with their mentors. The group had just returned from Nicaragua where they had … Continue reading
A Tale of Two Tables
Growing up, my family and I would spend every Christmas Eve at my Aunt’s house. We’d pack up the car in the early evening and make the hour-or-so drive from Milton, Ontario to St. Catharines. St. Catharines was where my … Continue reading
The Beatbox Nativity
I wonder how many Canadian priests are now furiously preparing video responses to this. If you’ve got a rapping priest, or if you’ve got some rhythm in you, you might want to check out this article about Rev. TyTe, the beatbox vicar.
Wearing Faith on Your Sleeve
What does it mean to wear my faith on my sleeve? How is it that I live out my faith? (How) do I share my faith in Jesus with others? Sometimes we get uncomfortable when people talk about sharing their … Continue reading
