Bishop Andrew and Rev. Sean Norris Lead a Healing Conference at St. Michael’s Charleston, South Carolina
Bishop Andrew and Rev. Sean Norris were invited as the keynote speakers at the March Healing Conference at St. Michaels Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This was St. Michael’s 90th Healing Conference and Bishop Drew and Sean centered their teaching around the Lord’s desire to heal us of shame. Bishop Andrew commented, “Shame is merciless. It robs us of our relationship with God and each other. Shame steals our joy, physically and emotionally depletes us, and kills our hope. The truth, however, is that what we believe makes us least lovable causes the love of Jesus to embrace us hardest. The place of deepest pain, shame and regret in our lives is exactly the place in which Jesus’ love and mercy desires to heal and restore us. His promise remains. “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11).
Rev. Al Zadig, Rector of St. Michael’s
Over the course of the day Bishop Andrew and Sean taught and ministered together in partnership with St. Michael’s experienced and anointed prayer ministry team. “It felt like every conference guest was prayed with at least once!” said Bishop Andrew. The Rev. Al Zadig, Jr. (Rector of St. Michael’s Church since September 2007) commented, “It’s not often we spend a day unpacking and reflecting on the word shame. Personally, a breakthrough moment came when Bishop Williams said, ‘…sin requires forgiveness, but shame requires healing.’ I for one was changed that day.”
St. Michael’s Church is the oldest church edifice in the City of Charleston, standing on the site of the first Anglican Church built south of Virginia. The cornerstone of the current stately church building was laid in 1752 and in 1761 the church was opened for services. St. Michael’s is one of the few city churches in America that has retained its original design. The large, long double-pew in the center of the church, No. 43, originally known as “The Governor’s Pew,” is the one in which President George Washington worshipped on Sunday afternoon, May 8, 1791.
Bishop Andrew reflected, “This outstandingly beautiful and imposing church could so easily have become, over time, a museum piece; losing the Kingdom purpose for which it was constructed. Under the Godly leadership of many and, in particular, under the anointed and missional leadership of Rev. Al Zadig and his team, St. Michael’s is a beacon of Christ’s light for the city and the region.” Bishop Andrew added, “I was particularly struck by the creative use of the historic box pews. These might have been seen as an impediment in the free flow of a day of intimate healing prayer but instead, the smaller box pews that flanked the walls were creatively recast as prayer stations. All those seeking prayer ministry were shown into their own private “prayer box” where two ministers from the prayer team were able to listen and pray in a way that felt safe and yet at the same time was appropriately private; a suite of safe havens for the Lord to minister to His people. It strikes me that where there is a Godly will to make space for the Holy Spirit, there is always a godly way.”
Rev. Sean testified to the clear ministry of the Spirit, adding, “as people came to us to receive prayer I was struck by how clearly the Holy Spirit moved. He gave us words of comfort and knowledge for each one and many of our own experiences of His healing in our lives matched up with their need. It was a blessing and an honor to be part of His redemptive and healing work.”
Bishop Drew was invited to speak at Bishop Steve Wood’s church the following Sunday morning at St. Andrew’s Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Bishop Drew said, “It is always a joy to spend time with Bishop Steve. His passion for the Gospel and the mission of the church always brings me life.”
Rev. Al Zadog has invited Bishop Drew to return to St. Michael’s in January for their Mission Weekend where they will give a special focus on the ADNE’s mission to New England.