Why I like Being an Episcopalian

I'm what you'd call a cradle Episcopalian. I was baptized in the Episcopal Church at an early age and attended church every Sunday, but gradually drifted away at adolescence. Unfortunately, I was put off of Christianity for awhile because of the un-Christlike behavior of kids in my public school who claimed to be Christian. I explored other faiths and the New Age Movement, but found was called back to the Christian faith. I started attending the Episcopal Church again on March 23, 1997 and was confirmed on April 25 (Feast of St. Mark) in 1998.

I've often been asked what it was that drew me to the Episcopal Church. While some of it is personal, much of it has to do with my church's approach to Scripture, evangelism, and worship. Here are some of my reasons for joining the Episcopal Church:

Diversity

A late rector of the parish I attended in Masachusetts once described the Episcopal Church as being like a big umbrella, and I think this was a good description. Catholic-inclined? There's something for you. Protestant-inclined? There's something for you, too. Charismatic, or liberal with a desire for more social justice? There's also something for you. Not only that, but there is a lot of ethnic and cultural diversity, too.

Scripture

One of the things that bothered me as a teen was the rigid, legalistic approach some literalists take to Scripture. I also had problems with the common New Age beliefs that the Bible was "only one of many inspired books" or was just a book of myths and fairy tales. The Episcopal Church accepts Scripture as the inspired Word of God and final authority on doctrine. However, there is room for difference in belief on things that are not essential to salvation.

Other Churches

One belief I have always struggled with is the teaching of some churches that you are only saved if you're a member of their church. As a Christian, I believe people are only saved through Jesus Christ, not by the church they attend. Episcopalians are generally accepting of people of other faiths, too, without compromising Christian beliefs. In general, we're good friendship evangelists.

Worship

Not everyone worships the same way, and the Episcopal Church is sensitive to this need. Unfortunately, many churches who say they're Spirit-led and do not have a restrictive service are, in fact, restricting their members to only one style of worship. Most Episcopal churches have more than one service on Sunday, and these services are often very different while still following our normal order of service. Some of the kinds of services you may find on any Sunday:

A traditional, family service with hymns, sermon, and Communion.

A "Solemn High Mass" with incense, beautiful music, bells, and sung Eucharist, often affectionately (or otherwise!) known as "Smells and Bells".

A contemporary service with a live band and praise music.

A Morning Prayer service with a lengthly sermon and Communion offered only once or twice a month.

These are just some of the things that drew me to this branch of Christ's Church.