Pray Tell

Trevor Smale and Tyler Evans

A podcast about the Anglican tradition and the value it offers to the modern world, hosted by Parishioners at St. Matthew Anglican Church in Abbotsford.

  1. 5d ago

    Why This Anglican Priest Struggled With Infant Baptism

    Is baptism a conscious adult choice, or is it something deeper? For anyone coming from a tradition that emphasizes adult baptism, the practice of baptizing infants can feel incredibly difficult to accept. In this episode of Pray Tell, Trevor Smale and Al Carson tackle the complex, beautiful, and often controversial topic of baptism. Al shares his own personal journey of entering the Anglican tradition as an adult and wrestling with the theological shift from a "conscious decision" to a profound focus on God's preceding grace. // CHAPTERS // 0:00 - Introduction to Baptism 2:26 - Why do we baptize? 7:18 - The Debate: Infant vs. Adult Baptism 10:10 - Different views of baptism 14:59 - The Symbolism of the Sacrament 17:56 - The Role of the Church Community 24:48 - Christ's Baptism & Importance of Water 29:38 - Conclusion and Outro // JOIN US // If you’re in the Fraser Valley, we would love to see you on Sunday at 10am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. #Anglican #Sacrament #InfantBaptism #Theology #ChristianPodcast #GodsGrace #ChurchTradition #FaithJourney #PrayTell

    31 min
  2. Jun 4

    ⁠Is “Just Pray From the Heart" Enough? | Spontaneous VS Formal Prayer

    How should we pray?  Is structured prayer or spontaneous prayer better?  What is morning prayer? Is it enough for Christians to pray from their heart?  How can prayer books, specifically the Book of Common Prayer or Book of Alternative Services, help us in our prayer lives?  In this episode of Pray Tell, Trevor and Al discuss the importance of prayer, specifically structured prayer through the BCP and BAS in the Anglican church, as well as the role these prayer books can have in daily Christian life.   It's a BIG question, and one that many well-intentioned people disagree on.  So if you disagree with us, we would love to hear from you in the comments!   Enjoy the episode. // CHAPTERS  // 00:00 - Introduction: The Bathtub Method of Prayer  02:26 - Book of Common Prayer vs. Book of Alternative Services 06:21 - The Purpose of a Prayer Book: Rigid Structure or Helpful Guide?  07:59 - The Common Criticism: Repetition and Sincerity in Prayer  16:47 - Key Changes: From the Order of Service to the Lord’s Prayer  21:59 - Daily Devotional Practices: Useful Apps and Discipline 27:19 - How to access Prayer Books for free online // JOIN US // We would love to see you on Sunday at 10am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.

    29 min
  3. Apr 23

    Who Is Jesus, Really? | The Anglican Answer

    Who is Jesus really? In this episode, Trevor and Fr. Al explore Jesus in the Anglican tradition; fully God and fully human, revealed through Scripture, creeds, and liturgy.  They discuss everything from how Anglicans approach worship, to the Book of Common Prayer, the 39 Articles, personal and communal faith, doubts (like Doubting Thomas), and how to encounter the living Christ beyond mountaintop experiences. Whether you're new to church, exploring Anglicanism, or wrestling with faith, this episode invites you to experience Jesus through ancient-yet-living worship. // CHAPTERS // 00:00 - Who Is Jesus Really? Exploring the Riddle of Christ 02:07 - Jesus in the Anglican Tradition: Creeds, Liturgy & Worship 10:01 - Why Anglicans Don't Use a Statement of Faith (Come and Experience) 12:09 - Different Portraits of Jesus in the Gospels & Paul's Early Hymns 17:31 - Personal Savior vs. Communal Faith 26:01 - Final thoughts // JOIN US // We would love to see you on Sunday at 11am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.

    27 min
  4. Apr 2

    The Questions That Spark Faith Transformation | with Rev. Richard Leggett

    Join us for Part 2 of Pray Tell's conversation with Fr. Richard Leggett as we dive into Christian transformation in the Anglican Church. We explore how real relationships, asking the tough questions (transcultural, contextual, cross-cultural, and countercultural), and staying open to God’s presence can spark powerful personal and congregational change. From Indigenous theology to challenging Christian nationalism, you’ll find fresh hope for unity in the middle of cultural shifts. Perfect for Anglicans, growing Christians, and anyone new to church life. // CHAPTERS // 00:00 – What Is Transformation? 1:49 – Three Questions: Transcultural, Cross-Cultural & Countercultural 7:49 – A Personal Story: Women's Ordination & Changing Convictions 16:19 – Hospitality, Kenosis & Making Space for One Another 24:55 – Hope for the Church: From Institution Back to Movement // JOIN US // We would love to see you on Sunday at 11am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus.

    30 min
  5. Mar 12

    Belonging Before Agreement | The Anglican Secret to Unity with Ven. Richard Leggett

    Is doubt the opposite of faith? Anglicanism says no. In this episode of Pray Tell, Trevor and Al are joined by The Ven. Richard Leggett, a longtime Anglican priest and former Archdeacon with more than 40 years of ministry experience. Together they explore questions of faith, doubt, belonging, and the deeper question of unity within the Anglican tradition. The conversation challenges the common assumption in Christianity that faith means having certainty and why the Anglican tradition has long held space for unity without uniformity. If you’ve ever wrestled with doubt, wondered how Christians with different perspectives can remain united, or are curious about how Anglicanism approaches faith and community, this conversation offers a thoughtful and hopeful perspective. // JOIN US // We would love to see you on Sunday at 11am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

    29 min
  6. Feb 19

    Is Anglican Christianity Too Open? | Clearing Up the Misconceptions

    Is the Anglican Church still relevant in 2026? In this episode, we explore what it means to live out one's Christian faith daily and nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. We discuss how Anglicanism emphasizes these core beliefs, clarifying common misconceptions. This conversation aims to deepen understanding for those curious about Christianity and the Episcopal tradition. 🙏 // CHAPTERS // 00:00 Do We Just Believe Anything? 01:12 Why Be Anglican in 2025? 05:46 When Questions Are Not Welcome 10:18 The Three Legged Stool 18:42 Scripture and Cultural Bias 27:35 The Truth about Deconstruction 36:58 Power, Politics, and Jesus 45:14 A Church for the Burnt Out 53:02 Mystery and Control 59:21 Final Invitation // JOIN US // We would love to see you on Sunday at 11am.  YOU are welcome here. 2010 Guilford Drive Abbotsford, BC V2S 5R2 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZj Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglican Anglican Church of Canada https://www.anglican.ca/ Listen to the Podcast YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc // ABOUT ST. MATTHEW // St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small parish located in Abbotsford, BC. Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it does not have to be this way. Rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe that structure creates freedom. Scripture, tradition, and thoughtful reflection are not barriers to faith but tools that help us grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, you are welcome here.

    27 min
  7. Jan 8

    Is it Ok to Question Your Faith? | The Anglican Church Might Surprise You! (Season 2 begins...)

    Is it okay to question and doubt your faith in the Anglican Church? Welcome back to Pray Tell!! In this episode, Trevor Smale and our new co-host Al Carson sit down to discuss their personal journeys to the Anglican Church and the unique aspects that keep them grounded in this tradition. They delve into the historical depth of Anglicanism, its openness to questions and struggles, and the central role of the Eucharist in worship. The explore their diverse church backgrounds, the significance of liturgy, and why they believe the Anglican Church is a welcoming and safe space for all. Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes, and be sure to like, subscribe, and comment with your thoughts and questions! We would love to hear from you.// CHAPTERS //00:00 Coming up...00:33 Welcome Back! And introducing Al Carson05:08 Personal Stories: How we came to the Anglican Church15:45 The Value of Anglicanism26:42 Wrapping Up.// JOIN US! //WE would love to see you on Sunday at 11am! Our address is...2010 Guilford DriveAbbotsford, BC. V2S 5R2You are welcome here.👪 Learn more about St. Matthew Anglican Church on:Website: https://www.abbotsfordanglican.ca/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyanglican/profilecard/?igsh=OHp3eTJmZHJxcTZjFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyanglicanAnglican Church of Canada Website:https://www.anglican.ca/🎤 Listen to the Podcast:YouTube: @praytellthepod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pray-tell/id1718881539Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50P2r7jPZoynx9uCLDWc4J?si=e0d227f7f8d44bdc// ABOUT ST. MATTHEW //St. Matthew Anglican Church is a small Parish located in Abbotsford, BC.Far too many people have experienced Christianity as constricting. But it doesn't have to be this way.As a community rooted in the Anglican tradition, we believe church is all about exploring the grand mysteries of God. Like everything else in life - whether it's architecture, carpentry, music, or even worship - we believe it's through structure that we find the freedom to experience more!Recognizing that everyone has a unique and challenging journey, we want to be a safe, inclusive and welcoming community that embraces transformation while also maintaining the best that tradition has to offer.No matter where you are on your spiritual journey and in your relationship with God, you are welcome here.

    28 min

About

A podcast about the Anglican tradition and the value it offers to the modern world, hosted by Parishioners at St. Matthew Anglican Church in Abbotsford.

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