If you are new to St. Paul’s or
returning, be assured that you are welcome here. In Matthew’s Gospel it is
reported that Jesus commissioned his disciples to go “and make disciples of
all nations,” to baptize and teach. This is known as the Great Commission
and it is taken seriously by the Church over the years.
However, it is one of those things that can be easily
misunderstood. It doesn’t mean to baptize and teach at all cost. It doesn’t
mean forcing, tricking or lying to people to get them to join. It does mean
presenting the Gospel in all of its truth and glory, and praying that people
will eagerly join the Body of Christ, the Church.
The Anglican Church offers a particular expression of the
Christian faith. We do not claim to be in possession of the whole truth, only
that we do our best to represent the Gospel. The parish of St. Paul’s Church is
one of four Anglican churches in the greater Charlottetown area and if we are
not what you’re looking for, perhaps one of the others will be. We can put you
in touch with one of them. Perhaps the Anglican Church is not the style of
Christian faith you are looking for either. We are friends with our sister
churches and there are at least six other parishes within an easy walk of St.
Paul’s, and we would be happy to put you in touch with one of them too.
Our goal in honouring the Great Commission
(or whenever someone tries us out) is not to force, trick or lie to people to
get them to join us, but to bring people to an awareness of their relationship
with the Creator. It is not, for us, about people’s money or joining parish
committees, it is simply about creating opportunities for people to give praise
and thanks to God for all the blessings of life. The Great Commission is not
about increasing the churches membership list; it is about helping people begin,
continue or renew a relationship with God. If you are new to St. Paul’s or returning,
please come again or let us help you find a Church that suits you.
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