Official Diocesan Blog

Jenni Bartling

GAFCON: Conference, Family Reunion, or Taste of Heaven? When I returned home from attending GAFCON, my sister asked me if I had to “pinch [my] self” while I was in Jerusalem. I responded, “Are you kidding me? I am still pinching myself!”

I’d never even dared to dream my husband and I would have such an opportunity. And the experience exceeded my expectations. I’ve yet to wrap my head around all that took place during that one week in June, but I do know that a gathering of 1,950 Anglicans from 50 nations will always be more than just a conference!

One of the most powerful and symbolic moments of the most recent Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) in Jerusalem happened at the beginning of the first day. The conference MCs had us welcome each other by continent. They had those from Europe stand up (dozens stood) while the rest of the world said, “We welcome you in Jesus name.” Likewise, others stood: those from North America (a few hundred); Oceania (a few hundred); Asia (dozens); South America (dozens). But, when Africa was invited to stand, half (or more) of the 1,950 participants stood up.

Every year on the first weekend of November, certain members of the diocese gather together to conduct business required by the constitution and canons. This business meeting is called "Convention," and about 175 people, clergy and laity are "delegates" who attend.

As announced last month, Bishop Jim Hobby is implementing some changes to the Diocesan Staff that he believes will allow us to better serve the clergy and congregations of the diocese.

After a few days of recovery and reflection, here are some final thoughts about GAFCON 2018 in Jerusalem.

1. From the overall experience (worship, teaching, fellowship, networking, etc.), I believe that Gafcon is a vibrant, global missional movement. To see African, Asian, and Latin American leadership was thrilling. Colonialism is over and the fruit of sacrificial mission work has fully matured, producing more sacrificial mission. Awe-inspiring! God is using the crisis in the Anglican Communion to forge a missional movement led by the Global South.

Dear Friends,

Today was again filled with great teaching, inspiring worship, and encouraging fellowship.

Our Bible exposition focused on the story in Luke of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Our preacher exhorted us to preach Jesus in the Old Testament and to preach well.

Dear Co-heirs with Christ,

On this day at GAFCON we reflected on the biblical story of Jesus’ resurrection. While it is easy for its wonder to dissipate, the fact of the resurrection is a startling reality. Jesus actually rose from the dead and promised that we would join Him in His victory over death. Therefore, we should be the most joyful, most unflappable, most hopeful people in the world; not even death can beat us. Check out the GAFCON website to hear Bishop Tito Zavala, who is known by many in Pittsburgh, open the Scriptures (gafcon.org).

Dear Friends,

During the second day of GAFCON 2018, we continued to worship the Lord enthusiastically under the leadership of a Nigerian choir. We walked carefully through the trial and death of Jesus in our Bible exposition, seeing in them the heart of the Gospel, Jesus substitution for us. And, in our final morning session, we saw clearly God’s love for the Church and its mission in the world. Woven between the plenary presentations were opportunities to meet new friends from around the world and to rekindle old acquaintances.

Dear Partners in the Gospel,

What a privilege it is to be here at GAFCON 2018, gathered with almost 2,000 Anglican believers from around the world! As I share some of my impressions and highlights, you can follow what’s happening in Jerusalem though the GAFCON website (www.gafcon.org/events/jerusalem-2018).

Dear Members of the Diocese,

After 2 years of observing, listening, praying and testing lots of hypothesis, I'm making some changes to the Diocesan Staff that I believe will allow us to better serve the clergy and congregations of the Diocese.

Congregations (and even small groups within congregations) have 6 basic ministry dynamics: worship/prayer, evangelism/mission, discipleship, pastoral/mutual care, communication, and administration. Therefore, I am structuring diocesan staffing around these 6 ministry dynamics.