A recent article I wrote for “Rainbow Connections Magazine” a publication of Anglican Cursillo Tasmania:
Extraverted Anglicans
Cursillo tells of Jesus Christ.
Without apology or hesitation Cursillo speaks of Jesus. What joy to speak and act for the One who is the centre of life; indeed who is Life itself! A transparent ‘living out’ of our trust in Jesus is what I am referring to as ‘extraverted Anglicanism’ or ‘extraverted Christian living’.
An ‘extravert’ is somebody who is sociable and self-confident. My idea of extraverted Anglicans is that we be just that: ‘sociable and self-confident’ in speaking and acting for Jesus.
We see this in the early Church. Lydia hears of Jesus while at a prayer gathering with woman by a river and she goes to her household and tells them of this marvellous news of Jesus and then they, with her, are baptised (Acts 16:11-15). What joy! Lydia: a ‘sociable and self-confident’ follower of Jesus! Praise the Lord!
Do you recall Nicodemus who comes at night to speak to Jesus? Nicodemus comes under cover of night to hear first hand of Jesus’ teaching and discover more about who he is. And discovering more of Jesus, Nicodemus undergoes a transformation from being with Jesus under cover of darkness to being with Jesus in the day. When Jesus is being questioned before the Jewish leaders (John 7:50-52) there is one voice that speaks up for Jesus. Who is it? Well, it’s Nicodemus who came at night to speak to Jesus. But now he is speaking openly of Jesus!
Nicodemus has moved from night to day, from darkness to light. And he continues in the light. When the body of Jesus is to be buried, Nicodemus goes and buys ointments and helps to care for Jesus. (John 19:38-40)
Nicodemus had encountered the Light, and in deciding to be a follower of the Light he was a light himself. He was living outwardly his faith in the One who is ‘the way, and the truth and the light’ (John 14:6).
Interestingly this idea of ‘extraverted Anglicans’ is clear also in Paul’s letters where he shares openly of his affection for the Christians and also his affection as expressed in his prayers for them. ‘In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.’ (Philippians 1:3-11)
It is this openness in sharing of our walk with Jesus that I find so heartening: extraverted Christians.
Cursillo encourages and equips ‘extraverted Anglicans’ – just look at the way out ‘gear’ that Cursillistas get about in! This brilliant flair of colour and joy is extraverted, unashamed and unapologetic joy in the Lord.
Cursillistas! Extraverted Anglicans! Dazzle the world with the light of Christ.
To God be the glory.
+John
Bishop John Harrower
