In a world of either/or, many of us are searching for a both/and faith.

Here in Lethbridge, we see it all the time: the believer who loves the quiet reverence of ancient liturgy but craves the Bible-teaching depth of an evangelical small group. The worshipper who longs for the spontaneous move of the Holy Spirit but doesn’t want to abandon the prayers that have sustained the church for two thousand years.

For too long, Christians have been told to choose.

Choose between high church and low church. Between Word and Spirit. Between structure and freedom.

But what if you didn’t have to?

The Vision of the Three Streams

I believe the fullest expression of Christian faith flows from three great streams, not competing, but converging.

Stream One: Tradition (The Liturgical/Episcopal Stream)

This is the stream of ancient rhythms: the church calendar, the daily office, the Eucharist as the center of worship. It’s the “smells and bells,” yes, but more deeply, it’s the wisdom of those who came before.

The liturgical stream reminds us that we are not the first generation to follow Jesus. The collects, creeds, and prayers of the people anchor us in something bigger than our feelings or our era. In a world of novelty addiction, tradition offers stability. The Book of Common Prayer isn’t a straitjacket, it’s a trellis for the vine of faith to grow.

From this stream, we learn reverence, patience, and the beauty of holy habits.

Stream Two: Scripture (The Evangelical Stream)

The evangelical stream holds the Bible as the supreme authority for faith and practice. No experience, no matter how powerful, contradicts the written Word. No tradition, no matter how ancient, supersedes the prophetic and apostolic witness.

This means expository preaching, personal Bible study, and a high view of God’s revelation. It means Scripture reading as the non-negotiable foundation for every Sunday gathering. It means loving the text enough to let it challenge us, correct us, and shape us.

From this stream, we learn truth, discipleship, and the courage to say, “It is written.”

Stream Three: Spirit (The Charismatic/Pneumatic Stream)

The charismatic stream opens the door to the active, present-tense work of the Holy Spirit. Not as an afterthought, but as the one who animates the whole body. This means expecting the Spirit to speak, heal, empower, and distribute gifts freely, without embarrassment or excess.

This stream doesn’t reject order, but it refuses to quench the Spirit. It makes space for prophecy, prayer for healing, spontaneous worship, and the joyful freedom of the children of God.

From this stream, we learn expectation, wonder, and the reality that God is not silent.

Why Lethbridge Needs a Three-Stream Faith

Our city is diverse, academics from the University of Lethbridge, farmers from the surrounding county, young families in new subdivisions, and longtime residents who remember when the bridge was just a bridge. In that mix, we need a faith broad enough to hold different temperaments and deep enough to challenge all of them.

A purely liturgical church can become a museum. A purely evangelical church can become a lecture hall. A purely charismatic church can become a fireworks display.

river flowing surrounded by trees

But the three streams together? That’s a river.

What This Looks Like on a Sunday Morning

Imagine a service that begins with ancient words of confession from the Book of Common Prayer, then transitions into a forty-minute verse-by-verse teaching from the Gospel of John. Imagine a Eucharist celebrated with reverence, followed by an open prayer time where anyone can share a word of prophecy or a testimony of healing. Imagine hymns from the fourth century and songs from Bethel Music in the same gathering.

Practical Ways We Live the Three Streams

  • Weekly Eucharist from the Anglican prayer tradition
  • Expository preaching that works through books of the Bible, not just topics
  • Prayer teams available after every service for Spirit-led ministry
  • Daily Scripture reading plans with ancient and modern readings combined
  • Sober charismatic expression, no chaos, no control; just freedom with order
  • Seasonal observances (Advent, Lent, Eastertide) alongside spontaneous revival gatherings

A Caution and an Invitation

Blending streams isn’t easy. The high-church person may find the Spirit-stream too emotional. The evangelical may find the liturgy too formal. The charismatic may find the Bible teaching too long.

But here’s the truth: discomfort is often the doorway to growth.

What we offer isn’t a perfect system. It’s a humble experiment in holding together what God never intended to be torn apart. Scripture, tradition, and Spirit are not enemies. They are gifts from the same hand.

For Lethbridge Newcomers and Longtimers Alike

Whether you grew up in a pew or have never owned a Bible, whether you speak in tongues or don’t know what that means, whether you love the smell of incense or prefer a guitar on a concrete floor, you are welcome here.

We don’t expect you to have it all figured out. We just expect you to show up thirsty.

Because the same Spirit who hovered over the waters in Genesis, who inspired the prophets, who filled the upper room at Pentecost, that Spirit is still flowing. And where He flows, dead things come alive.

Let the three streams become one river in your life.