When it comes to ministry, the Rev. Andrew Kuhl believes in joy, first and foremost. Faith comes in many forms, but the ordinary ways that we worship in our day-to-day lives, and the subtle ways that God lifts us up, are often overlooked, he says.
He delights in the creative ways that we find to praise the Lord. Based in the Parish of Craighurst and Midhurst, Mr. Kuhl also serves as pastor to the Spanish-speaking congregation at St. Margaret, Barrie. He makes sure to emphasize the gifts of Latinx culture, as it’s part of who they are. He believes that culture is a blessing that each individual brings to the Church, and we should lift up and celebrate its joys and beauties. If you believe that family ties are important, he thinks, celebrate that. Love for family is love for community. Recognizing the good news in other people’s lives also helps to enliven his own faith.
The Rev. Andrew Kuhl
A Latinx priest that he’s seen online hosts youth events featuring a dance to a song called “The Praise of the Duck.” They have a little duck dance choreography and have recorded it for TikTok. It’s not just for the kids, either; folks of all ages join in on the fun. It’s a lighthearted, joyful way to offer praise, even for the elderly. And why not enjoy worship? All aspects of living can hold praise for the Lord.
Culture isn’t the only place where Mr. Kuhl finds beauty. Many of the short videos he records are out in the woods, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. David Paradis, ODT, a diocesan volunteer and member of St. Margaret’s who works with Mr. Kuhl, has affectionately named him the “guerilla priest” because he broadcasts and records in the neighbouring Springwater Provincial Park.
“God is in the rosy sunset glowing over golden autumn leaves, looking for fossils along a rocky beach, going skiing, hiking up a trail…,” says Mr. Kuhl. “Each a wonder of creation, just as every little joy of humanity has God within it.”
At first, he tried to do a series of 60-second sermons but eventually realized it wasn’t quite practical. Now, he tries to get a 10- to 15-minute sermon down to just three minutes. It’s an exercise in being more concise, while at the same time trying to improve himself as a preacher. These short, unscripted videos are all about inviting people to have a quiet, still moment as they scroll, and maybe stay for a chat. The importance of these little videos is much deeper, however: they’re the starting point to showing people who he is.
Mr. Kuhl doesn’t seem like your typical preacher. A young sort of “homebrewing eco-chaplain” with long hair and a beard, celebrating an everyday approach to worship, he wants to show his audience a truly authentic version of himself. He hopes that in this way, he can present himself as someone who isn’t a threat, someone who might be a safe person to bring tough questions to. He’s looking to help his community support and love each other through all of life’s events.
Being active in the comments section of his videos is a crucial aspect of making connections with people. Though 300 views isn’t staggering in modern social media terms, he’s content because in his day-to-day life he doesn’t interact with nearly that many people. Even though some of the comments can be harsh, he chooses to “engage with love to hostility.” Behind every comment is “a human, worthy of dignity,” and it’s to them he speaks, not to their aggression. Others are more open, and they can bless each other through the comments section. Not every person is willing to sit for a chat, but he continues to record his livestreams and tries to help people see where God is already at work in their lives.
The parish does a lot of physical community-building, too, he says. Some people can be intimidated by the idea of joining a church, so instead of trying to usher people directly through the doors, parishioners break it down into baby steps to soften the boundaries and make it feel less overwhelming. They do this through public events that extend invitation and hospitality to all, regardless of connection to the church. Parishioners have been thinking about creating a board game afternoon, open for everyone to come and bring snacks, play games and find other people who want to join in. All they hope to do is to provide community worth sharing and spark curiosity – the wondering thoughts of “why don’t we just come and see? What would it look like to be there?” Or perhaps even, “Is this maybe God, is this maybe holy?”
If folks do try it out but never want to join the parish, that’s perfectly fine, Mr. Kuhl says. They are each just as important and valued as the rest of the community and are more than welcome to continue to attend events and spend time with their friends and neighbours. All are offered grace, compassion and healing. Whether lonely or lost, content or at peace, each is received as a beloved child of God.
Lindsay Suba is a student and freelance writer based in Toronto. She is profiling hybrid ministry in the diocese for the Online Mission & Ministry Working Group. Although not an Anglican herself, she values the vast expanse of humanity’s faiths and is interested in learning more about Christian denominations outside of her own.
‘Guerilla priest’ invites viewers into quiet moments
When it comes to ministry, the Rev. Andrew Kuhl believes in joy, first and foremost. Faith comes in many forms, but the ordinary ways that we worship in our day-to-day lives, and the subtle ways that God lifts us up, are often overlooked, he says.
He delights in the creative ways that we find to praise the Lord. Based in the Parish of Craighurst and Midhurst, Mr. Kuhl also serves as pastor to the Spanish-speaking congregation at St. Margaret, Barrie. He makes sure to emphasize the gifts of Latinx culture, as it’s part of who they are. He believes that culture is a blessing that each individual brings to the Church, and we should lift up and celebrate its joys and beauties. If you believe that family ties are important, he thinks, celebrate that. Love for family is love for community. Recognizing the good news in other people’s lives also helps to enliven his own faith.
A Latinx priest that he’s seen online hosts youth events featuring a dance to a song called “The Praise of the Duck.” They have a little duck dance choreography and have recorded it for TikTok. It’s not just for the kids, either; folks of all ages join in on the fun. It’s a lighthearted, joyful way to offer praise, even for the elderly. And why not enjoy worship? All aspects of living can hold praise for the Lord.
Culture isn’t the only place where Mr. Kuhl finds beauty. Many of the short videos he records are out in the woods, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. David Paradis, ODT, a diocesan volunteer and member of St. Margaret’s who works with Mr. Kuhl, has affectionately named him the “guerilla priest” because he broadcasts and records in the neighbouring Springwater Provincial Park.
“God is in the rosy sunset glowing over golden autumn leaves, looking for fossils along a rocky beach, going skiing, hiking up a trail…,” says Mr. Kuhl. “Each a wonder of creation, just as every little joy of humanity has God within it.”
At first, he tried to do a series of 60-second sermons but eventually realized it wasn’t quite practical. Now, he tries to get a 10- to 15-minute sermon down to just three minutes. It’s an exercise in being more concise, while at the same time trying to improve himself as a preacher. These short, unscripted videos are all about inviting people to have a quiet, still moment as they scroll, and maybe stay for a chat. The importance of these little videos is much deeper, however: they’re the starting point to showing people who he is.
Mr. Kuhl doesn’t seem like your typical preacher. A young sort of “homebrewing eco-chaplain” with long hair and a beard, celebrating an everyday approach to worship, he wants to show his audience a truly authentic version of himself. He hopes that in this way, he can present himself as someone who isn’t a threat, someone who might be a safe person to bring tough questions to. He’s looking to help his community support and love each other through all of life’s events.
Being active in the comments section of his videos is a crucial aspect of making connections with people. Though 300 views isn’t staggering in modern social media terms, he’s content because in his day-to-day life he doesn’t interact with nearly that many people. Even though some of the comments can be harsh, he chooses to “engage with love to hostility.” Behind every comment is “a human, worthy of dignity,” and it’s to them he speaks, not to their aggression. Others are more open, and they can bless each other through the comments section. Not every person is willing to sit for a chat, but he continues to record his livestreams and tries to help people see where God is already at work in their lives.
The parish does a lot of physical community-building, too, he says. Some people can be intimidated by the idea of joining a church, so instead of trying to usher people directly through the doors, parishioners break it down into baby steps to soften the boundaries and make it feel less overwhelming. They do this through public events that extend invitation and hospitality to all, regardless of connection to the church. Parishioners have been thinking about creating a board game afternoon, open for everyone to come and bring snacks, play games and find other people who want to join in. All they hope to do is to provide community worth sharing and spark curiosity – the wondering thoughts of “why don’t we just come and see? What would it look like to be there?” Or perhaps even, “Is this maybe God, is this maybe holy?”
If folks do try it out but never want to join the parish, that’s perfectly fine, Mr. Kuhl says. They are each just as important and valued as the rest of the community and are more than welcome to continue to attend events and spend time with their friends and neighbours. All are offered grace, compassion and healing. Whether lonely or lost, content or at peace, each is received as a beloved child of God.
For more information on hybrid ministry, visit www.toronto.anglican.ca/parish-resources/hybrid-ministry or email [email protected].
Author
Lindsay Suba
Lindsay Suba is a student and freelance writer based in Toronto. She is profiling hybrid ministry in the diocese for the Online Mission & Ministry Working Group. Although not an Anglican herself, she values the vast expanse of humanity’s faiths and is interested in learning more about Christian denominations outside of her own.
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