In this episode, I talk to The Venerable Canon Justin Murff. Listen as he shares his journey from 18 years as a Southern Baptist—serving in a charismatic-leaning church, leading college ministry, working at a large Dallas church, and doing overseas missions focused on reaching people from the Middle East in Europe—to becoming an Anglican priest and Canon for the Middle East and North Africa with ACNA and Global Affairs with GAFCON.
We explore his growing attraction to historic liturgy, apostolic succession from St. Peter, the real presence in the Eucharist that shifted his understanding during communion, rich baptismal services that felt like community revivals, and Anglicanism as the beautiful intersection of charismatic, evangelical, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions.
Justin opens up about lost friendships and relationships after leaving Baptist circles, powerful Holy Spirit encounters (healings, tongues, miraculous moments, and salvations as a Baptist missionary), and the urgent need for Christians to collaborate across denominations—especially in the persecuted churches of the Middle East facing church burnings, assassinations, and apostasy laws—while emphasizing humility, a broader global perspective, and unwavering fidelity to Scripture.
He describes his unconventional priestly role ministering to bishops and archbishops around the world, bridging churches, NGOs, and governments, and recommends resources like Prayercast (daily nation-by-nation prayers), Mission Network News, "The Anglican Way" by Thomas McKenzie, and "Church History in Plain Language" by Bruce Shelley.
A must-listen for Baptist-to-Anglican testimonies, understanding the draw of liturgy over modern worship, the ongoing gifts of the Holy Spirit, Christian unity beyond borders, and standing firm amid global persecution.
Check out my interview with Justin's Wife:
https://youtu.be/DyIKATPNOBw?si=53eJw-z2DYaOaLmI