What is the state of conservative evangelicalism? Glen Scrivener has given us a challenging answer in his article in the July 2022 issue of en, ‘BWWs: the “Blokes Worth Watching” conveyor belt…’
His article is a strong critique, essentially arguing that we evangelicals are in something of a spiritual crisis. The strength of its criticisms invites a rejoinder. As a fellow pastor, I know Glen and have worked with him. He is a wonderful evangelist, a man of integrity and a very gifted preacher. Most importantly, he loves Jesus and cares for the abused. I think, though, there are some real problems with Glen’s take on our churches.
Of course, any response to critique may sound like a predictable ‘circling of the wagons’ and the ‘system working to defend itself.’ So, I should make clear that I’ve never been one of the elite BWWs (‘blokes worth watching’) Glen talks about. Indeed, my background is rather ordinary and uninspiring. I also confess to never having been to a camp as a youth or student – nor was I clever enough to go to Oxbridge! I didn’t even go to the College That Must Not Be Named (strangely, Glen, and others on social media, have chosen to speak of Oak Hill in sarcastic euphemisms). I am to all intents and purposes one who is ‘unnaturally born’ according to Glen’s schema. Despite my outsider status, his critique does not resonate with what I see around me.
Can the Church of England be revived?
It would be easy to answer that question with a quick ‘no’. After all, we Anglicans are facing huge problems: …