Tradition doesn’t mean outdated. It means rooted.
When I first walked into an Anglican church, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Clergy in robes. Candles. Prayers from a book. It all felt very… old. And in some ways, it is.
So, are Anglicans old school? Too formal or structured for today’s world? I wondered that too—especially in Texas, where churches often lean casual and modern.
Anglican worship is rooted in the early Church. We follow the Church calendar, confess our faith through ancient creeds, and pray with the Book of Common Prayer (BCP)—words that have shaped generations of believers.
But here’s the surprising part: this tradition isn’t lifeless or outdated. It’s alive. Dr. Winfield Bevins writes in Simply Anglican:
“Far from being a faith of the past, Anglicanism presents a rich spiritual tradition that has matured into a worldwide movement of Christians on every continent... helping us reconnect to the historic Christian faith in a way that speaks to our present age.”
Bevins’ words ring true. Anglicanism isn’t stuck in the past—it’s a vibrant, gospel-centered way of following Jesus today.
Across the country, a new generation is discovering Anglicanism not in spite of its tradition—but because of it. In a time marked by burnout and distraction, people are longing for something deeper than performance-driven faith. In a world that constantly changes, the steady rhythm of liturgical worship offers peace.
Tradition doesn’t mean outdated. It means rooted. Grounded.
A way of worship that forms us—and holds us—over time.
So, are Anglicans old school? Maybe. But in the best kind of way.
🕊️ Words We’ve Inherited (BCP 2010, Collect for the Church)
“O God of unchangeable power and eternal light… let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new.”
This is typically prayed during services for the mission and unity of the Church, and most notably during ordinations or occasions of church renewal or recommitment.
🧭 A Question for the Journey
Where do you need stability or rootedness in your spiritual life? What traditions might actually offer freedom rather than restriction?
📚 For Further Exploration
A New Generation of Anglicans– Anglican Compass