Gareth Bezett

In an effort to be positive and "love the church I'm in", I'm working on a list of things to be grateful for:

• It's very hard to have a narrow theology. As I spend more time around the church, I'm exposed to different points of view. This might not be quite so likely in a smaller, independent church where the senior pastor dominates the discussion on theology. As I consequence, for example, I have a broader (and growing) understaning of salvation than just not going to hell.
• Standing in a liturgical tradition means there is base level of quality in worship. The Prayer Book is wonderful resource that provides a starting point for many types of private and communal worship and prayer. We don't have to fall back on trite prayers "from the heart" that always sound the same.
• We are free to embrace a breadth of Christian experience. Catholic forms of prayer and contemplation are just as valid as a Nooma from Rob Bell.

Feel free to tell me what you like about your church. It makes a nice change from complaining constantly.