Kitchen Table Theology
Where Coffee, Conversation, and Theology Meet. During my 40 years in ministry, I’ve developed an increasing burden for what I sense to be an increase in biblical illiteracy, not only among those in our churches, but also in the young men and women entering the ministry. Conversely, I am hopeful, because I also sense a hunger from people to learn and know biblical truth and the things of God has revealed to us in Scripture. Our Kitchen Table Theology team has developed a list of over 150 doctrinal topics which I, along with one of my cohosts, Jen Denton or Tiffany Coker, examine weekly. Our goal is to educate and share biblical truth on the same level as if we were sitting at your kitchen table with a Bible and a pot of southern pecan coffee in front of us. Welcome to the table!
Kitchen Table Theology
237 The Anglican Church: An Overview Pt. 3
The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Church share a common origin, but over time, differences in theology, practice, and leadership have led to a significant split. In this episode, Pastor Jeff and Tiffany revisit their recent conversation with Reverend Greg Kronz to debrief what makes these two denominations distinct and why thousands of churches chose to leave the Episcopal tradition and form the Anglican Church in North America.
🎉 By the way, Kitchen Table Theology has officially surpassed 100,000 downloads!
If you missed Part 1 and Part 2 of our conversation with Reverend Kronz, be sure to listen to episode 234 and 235.
Here’s What We Discussed:
03:09 – A Recap of Denominational Conversations
So far, we’ve heard from Baptist, Presbyterian, and Anglican pastors. We begin to notice the rich diversity in worship styles, theology, and church governance across Protestant denominations.
04:01 – Anglicanism’s Global Reach and History
The Anglican Communion is the third-largest Christian body worldwide. Pastor Jeff shares how it grew out of the English Reformation and spread through the British Empire.
06:15 – Anglican vs. Episcopalian: What Caused the Split?
Tensions arose due to theological liberalism in the Episcopal Church—especially over marriage, ordination, and biblical authority—leading to the formation of the Anglican Church in North America in 2009.
08:27 – Anglican Worship: Liturgy, Communion & The Book of Common Prayer
Anglican worship blends structure and depth. Services typically follow a liturgical pattern, center on the Word and the Eucharist, and are guided by the historic Book of Common Prayer.
10:53 – Church Architecture: What is Cruciform Design?
Many Anglican and Episcopalian churches are built in the shape of a cross. Pastor Jeff explains the symbolism behind the “nave,” “transept,” and tall vaulted ceilings often found in these sanctuaries.
14:26 – Anglican Church Governance
Unlike the Catholic Church, Anglicanism doesn’t have a pope. Instead, it follows a hierarchy of archbishops, bishops, rectors, and deacons—with the Archbishop as a “first among equals.”
15:56 – Sacraments and the Presence of Christ in Communion
Anglicans reject transubstantiation and view the bread and wine as symbolic. Christ is present in the heart of the believer through faith—not physically in the elements themselves.
17:28 – Scripture and the Separation from the Episcopal Church
Both denominations affirm the 66-book Protestant canon, but many Anglicans separated from the Episcopal Church over its progressive stance on issues like same-sex marriage and ordination.
Key Quotes:
“The Anglican Communion is the third-largest international Christian family of churches. They have congregations in more than 165 countries.” – Pastor Jeff Cranston
We love your feedback! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review. If you have any questions or comments on today's episode, email me at pastorjeff@lowcountrycc.org
Visit my website https://www.jeffcranston.com and subscribe to my newsletter. Join me on Sunday mornings at LowCountry Community Church.
Check-in with us on Facebook or Instagram @pastorjeffcranston
Remember, the real power of theology is not only knowing it but applying it. Thanks for listening!