Share

cover art for The Diversity of Unity: Is There Life in the Mainlines  - w/ Bishop Todd Hunter

Anchored & Reaching with Kavin Mannoia

The Diversity of Unity: Is There Life in the Mainlines - w/ Bishop Todd Hunter

Season 7, Ep. 5

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Todd Hunter describes his journey from leading the Vineyard movement to becoming a bishop in the Anglican Church. He traces the Anglican influence on the Vineyard movement and evangelical churches more broadly through figures like John Stott and N.T. Wright. Hunter explores common misconceptions about mainline denominations, explaining that while there has been theological drift, mainline churches still contain devoted followers of Jesus. He observes a growing hunger amongst young Christians for historical groundedness leading them to traditions like Anglicanism, but cautions against overly formal or inaccessible liturgy. Hunter advocates doing liturgy in the “language of the people” to make it warm and welcoming while retaining historic structure.


Key Takeaways
  • Anglicanism has deeply influenced evangelical figures and churches, from John Wimber to Alpha to many borrowing elements of the Book of Common Prayer
  • Mainline Protestant churches have declined but still contain millions of sincere, devoted Christians
  • Younger generations are rediscovering groundedness, history, and liturgy amidst a trend of faith deconstruction
  • Liturgy is inescapable; the key is making historically structured liturgy engaging and accessible

Helpful Bible References
  • Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord's Prayer as a model for structured, yet deeply personal prayer)
  • Luke 1:38 - “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Mary's humble, obedient faith)


Keywords

Anglican Church, liturgy, mainline denominations, Vineyard Church, Alpha, Book of Common Prayer, deconstruction, Church of England, tradition


About Anchored & Reaching

"Anchored & Reaching" is a thought-provoking weekly podcast designed for curious Christians who aspire to impact the world while remaining deeply rooted in their faith. Hosted by Kevin Mannoia, each episode features engaging conversations, practical insights, and diverse perspectives from Christian leaders who embody the dual values of being anchored in Christ and actively reaching out to the world. Join Kevin every week as he encourages you to live a dynamic Christian life, grounded in biblical truth and fueled by a passion for positive change.


Email: podcast@anchoredandreaching.com

Website: https://anchoredandreaching.com 


Todd Hunter's Book, What Jesus Intended: Finding True Faith in the Rubble of Bad Religion: https://a.co/d/6Zz2Y6B

Kevin’s website: https://kevinmannoia.com/ 

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 1. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Personal Identity

    16:21||Season 1, Ep. 1
    In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.In this episode Dr. Kevin Mannoia discusses the importance of recognizing that your identity goes deeper than what you do and asks us to consider what underlying factors drive our actions.
  • 2. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Personal Identity Discussion

    25:36||Season 1, Ep. 2
    Susanna and Kevin unpack the temptation to define yourself by what you do. They look at how, beneath the surface, your values and identity are much more important than you might imagine.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 3. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Ministry Identity Lesson

    20:47||Season 1, Ep. 3
    You’ve heard it before: you’re more than your job. But how do we parse that when it comes to ministry? The call to ministry isn’t just about the work you do; it’s about a formational process that anchors your character and values in the will of God.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 4. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Ministry Identity Discussion

    25:26||Season 1, Ep. 4
    Susanna and Kevin discuss how the call to ministry changes us: the way we view ourselves, our expectations, and how we relate to others. By definition, the call to ministry moors us in the values and will of the one who calls us.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 5. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Crisis Lesson

    17:19||Season 1, Ep. 5
    Crisis is an inevitable part of life. How you approach crises will determine whether or not the challenges you face bring spiritual growth or tear you down. With an identity grounded in values and character that come from God, crises can even become an opportunity.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 6. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Crisis Discussion

    26:13||Season 1, Ep. 6
    Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming unpack the idea of “identity in crisis” - how crisis is an inevitable (and often healthy) part of life. They discuss how knowing our identity in Christ, staying grounded through connection, and remembering our mission can give context to our crisis and provide opportunities for spiritual growth.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 7. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Mission Lesson

    18:09||Season 1, Ep. 7
    Kevin Mannoia talks about how salvation is the foundation from which we engage in the true end goal of the Gospel: the Kingdom of God being made manifest in our lives and the lives of people around the world.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 8. Your Identity is Your Anchor - Identity in Mission Discussion

    22:05||Season 1, Ep. 8
    If we are to be considered Christ followers, we have to be thinking about what it means to engage in the mission that Jesus outlined during his time on earth. Kevin Mannoia and Susanna Fleming discuss how we might better frame salvation as the method to fulfilling our broader mission as members of the Kingdom of God.In this 8 part series on “Your Identity is Your Anchor” we’ll discuss how every pastor and Christian leader will confront tough times. The best response is not just being skillful at handling pressure, but having a sound identity formed with intention over time. That’s where the power of Christian leadership and pastoral influence comes from.
  • 1. Generous Engagement - Why Engage?

    18:49||Season 2, Ep. 1
    Christians are called to engagement with the world. That’s what we mean when we say we are “the hands and feet of Jesus,” bringing the Kingdom of God wherever we go. Unfortunately, we often choose to engage in ways that can feel more like a sales pitch than real concern for the world in which we live and participate.Becoming generous in our engagement requires a mindset like that of Christ, where salvation isn’t giving up on the world but is instead redemption of God’s creation. “Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven,” wasn’t a platitude - it was the goal. Let’s consider what that looks like as we prepare ourselves for generous engagement.