Was wondering what PB members think of Bible Conferences?
I see them as just a way Christians entertain themselves. I known many who will run any where for a conference, but what ever they learn nothing improves. There is really no change in them, their families, cities, churches. But they get to meet the superstars christian's (the big name pastor's).
There is a Iron Sharpens Iron Confrence coming up in our city in October. Now it's for men only so I will not attend. My wife and I go just about every where together. Do men really need to go to these to learn how to be a man? Will not reading the bible and trying to follow its directions on living teach you how to be a man? Does one really need to go to a confrence to learn Eph. 2:5 Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
I would say it depends on the conference. Some are as you describe. Others are events where pastors and others can come together when they would otherwise be rather isolated, as in the case of smaller rural churches. But even those conferences do not always escape being somewhat personality driven. Of course, you find that with many local churches as well.
I known many who will run any where for a conference, but what ever they learn nothing improves. There is really no change in them, their families, cities, churches.
Was wondering what PB members think of Bible Conferences?
I see them as just a way Christians entertain themselves. I known many who will run any where for a conference, but what ever they learn nothing improves. There is really no change in them, their families, cities, churches. But they get to meet the superstars christian's (the big name pastor's).
There is a Iron Sharpens Iron Confrence coming up in our city in October. Now it's for men only so I will not attend. My wife and I go just about every where together. Do men really need to go to these to learn how to be a man? Will not reading the bible and trying to follow its directions on living teach you how to be a man? Does one really need to go to a confrence to learn Eph. 2:5 Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
Is the fault in the conferences or the conference-goers? A solid Reformed Conference can be a wonderful experience if you're going there for the meat of the word. Anyone can go to any conference and make it a sham by going for inappropriate reasons (i.e. seeking to bask in the glow of a 'superstar'). That doesn't mean we shouldn't hold such meetings.
Back on topic, it depends on the conference. A conference with solid doctrinal teaching and exposition (like Ligonier's conferences) is very good, and will deliver good material. A conference that turns into little more than a rah-rah moralistic diatribe (like Promise Keepers became) may incite moral behavior, but lacks a strong theological base of both doctrine and grace for that behavior.
True I do not know what is in their heart. But why are churches becoming more like the society they live in? I have read articles that the divorce rate is higher in the churches than in society, more people are living together and are church members.
I know of one pastor who went to a pastor's confrence and took to heart what he was taught. His church fired him a couple of months later. He had become like a dictator.
Was wondering what PB members think of Bible Conferences?
I see them as just a way Christians entertain themselves. I known many who will run any where for a conference, but what ever they learn nothing improves. There is really no change in them, their families, cities, churches. But they get to meet the superstars christian's (the big name
I think public doctrinal teaching should be under church/presbytery oversight, which may be uncommon for popular Reformed conferences, but if that condition is met, they are not inherently wrong. However, the universal statements above are bound to get your point misunderstood. At the very least, an interest in attending Christian conferences points to a desire to learn, which is a step above the curve.
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Also, if attending Reformed conferences is a form of entertainment, it sure is more profitable than most forms of entertainment. I don't have the time or money for conferences, and the superstar mentality irks me too, but I wouldn't assert that people don't learn anything valuable there.
If they are for edification, go for it. If it's merely an annual entertainment session, why bother? I have been to small gatherings of a few local congregations that were good. I have been to large ones that were somewhat more geared toward getting you to buy a speaker's latest book. Evaluate each one individually. If you believe it is worthwhile, go. If not, abstain.
One could argue that we shouldn't attend prayer meetings, because after all, a lot of Christians use those to gossip and speak ill of their families. Plus, why would you need to get together with others to pray? You can do that on your own.
I was just at a conference sponsered by Answers in Genesis with Ken Ham this weekend. I thought it greatly glorified God's work of creation, and built up the saint's faith in God's word. Although it was enjoyable, no part of it could be construed as "entertainment". You can't paint bible conferences with a broad brush as if they were all the same.
I don't know what some of them cost, but our church has two per year and they are free. Plus they feed you at them. The last one I went to at another church was two years ago, and it was also free.
The Answers in Genesis conference was about the price of a movie, and we travelled by car to Niagara Falls (8 hours) and stayed at a campground to defray the lodging cost. Not something I'd do every year, but it was a birthday present for my 13 year old son. I think a ministry like AIG serves a good purpose by holding conferences, not every church is gifted with Ph.D. scientists who can present creation the way they are able.
Like everything good, Bible conferences are tainted with sin. That's reason to step carefully when attending or organizing one, and to invest much prayer. But it isn't enough reason to pronounce them all bad.
Will not reading the bible and trying to follow its directions on living teach you how to be a man? Does one really need to go to a confrence to learn Eph. 2:5 Husbands love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.
I have only attended a handful of conferences. When I was younger I went to a Navigator Conference for the DelMarVa area. Jim Downing was the conference speaker. It was geared toward the Word of God and how God uses it in our lives. It had topics such as meditation on the word and 5 ways to get the word into your life. It was very profitable. I have attended a few other conferences that were topical and beneficial for my growing and understanding. I have attended marriage conferences that were very good and beneficial. I don't think I have been to a conference that was a waste of time. Especially when they have great book tables to buy books cheap!
(Mal 3:16) Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
They are great places to hook up and fellowship with people you wouldn't normally get to see. I have got to meet a few great people that have influenced my life through their books and writings. One was R. C. Sproul back in the 80's. I was working a book booth for Cal Thomas and R. C. was next to ours. He was a blast and a lot of fun. But one of my favorite times was meeting Dr. J. I. Packer.
We are excited to announce the details for our annual Fall Reformation Society of Indiana Seminar, “The God of Saving Grace” on Friday and Saturday, November 4-5, 2011 at Second Reformed Presbyterian Church (4800 N. Michigan Rd, Indianapolis 46228)! Rev. Richard Phillips is joining us these two days as our main speaker. As a well-known pastor, author, and theological teacher, he is most able to expound on this topic with depth and sound understanding. In our five sessions, he will present us with the triune God in all the glory of His salvation. Please join us as we worship and fill our hearts with the study of “The God of Saving Grace”!
As added bonuses, high school youth will have the unique opportunity to meet with Rev. Phillips on Friday evening following the last session to ask him hard and challenging questions. We will also have our usual bookstore stocked with valuable resources for your ministry and personal spiritual growth. And light refreshments will be provided both Friday evening and Saturday morning by our faithful hospitality staff.
For more information and registration details, see the attached brochure. All registrations must be sent to our office at [EMAIL="[email protected]"][email protected][/EMAIL]. If you would like a printed supply of seminar materials to share with your church and community, please contact us at [EMAIL="[email protected]"][email protected][/EMAIL]. Both brochures and posters are available. We need your help in spreading the word!
Let us know if you have questions. We look forward to seeing you, Lord-willing, in November!
Sincerely,
Richard Johnston
SEMINAR DETAILS
Seminar Speaker
REV. RICHARD PHILLIPS is the Bible teacher of God's Living Word broadcast, an Alliance Council Member, and chair of the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology. Rev. Phillips is senior minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Greenville, S.C., having served previously as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Coral Springs/Margate, Florida, and as minister of preaching at Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan, a master of business administration degree at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, and a master of divinity degree at Westminster Theological Seminary. Prior to entering the ministry, he commanded tank units as an officer in the U.S. Army and later served as an assistant professor of leadership at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Rev. Phillips is the author of numerous books, including Hebrews (part of the Reformed Expository Commentary series) and Holding Hands, Holding Hearts: Recovering a Biblical View of Christian Dating, co-written with his wife, Sharon. The Phillips family live in Greenville, S.C., with their five children, Hannah, Matthew, Jonathan, Helen, and Lydia. We are grateful that he has devoted his time and energy to be with us for this seminar!
WHERE:
Second Reformed Presbyterian Church
4800 N. Michigan Road
Indianapolis, IN 46228
(317) 255.7557
COST:
-$25 per attendee for all five sessions
-$10 per student for all five sessions
-$40 per family for all five sessions
(Children may attend with no additional charge.)
REGISTRATION:
Please register by calling or sending an email to Second Reformed
Presbyterian Church at (317) 255-7557 or [EMAIL="[email protected]"][email protected][/EMAIL].
*Note: Payment will be made at the registration table the evening of the seminar.
EXTRAS:
-The Bookstore and refreshments will be available for fellowship.
-A light breakfast will be served on Saturday from 7:15 - 8:15 a.m.
Reformation Society of Indiana
a ministry of
Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
[URL="http://www.alliancenet.org/"]Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, Inc
RSI SEMINAR
Friday - Saturday, November 4 - 5, 2011
Second Reformed Presbyterian Church
Indianapolis, IN
There is no greater need today than for people to understand
and believe the message that is found in the Apostle Paul’s
great letter to the Ephesians. In our five sessions, we will be
presented with the triune God in all the glory of His salvation.
Ephesians contains the gospel of grace in full orb, saving us
from our sin and transforming us into the image of God’s Holy
Son. To grasp the message of this book is to climb the peak of
apostolic teaching, where all the glorious lines of the gospel of
grace come together.
Our speaker, Rev. Richard Phillips, is a well-known pastor,
author, and theological teacher and most able to expound on
this topic with depth and sound understanding. Please join us
as we worship our triune God and fill our hearts with the study
of The God of Saving Grace!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011: EVENING SESSIONS
6:30 p.m. Registration, Refreshments, and Bookstore*
7:00 p.m. Welcome - Rich Johnston, Chairman of RSI
SESSION I
7:15 p.m. By Grace, Through Faith (Eph. 2:8-9) - Rev. Phillips
8:15 p.m. Break*
SESSION I I
8:30 p.m. The Grace of the Father (Eph. 1:4-6) - Rev. Phillips
9:30 p.m. Refreshments and Bookstore*
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2011: MORNING SESSIONS
7:15 a.m Registration, Refreshments, and Bookstore*
8:15 a.m. Welcome - Rich Johnston, Chairman of RSI
SESSION I I I
8:30 a.m. The Grace of the Son (Eph. 1:6-8) - Rev. Phillips
9:30 a.m. Break*
SESSION IV
9:45 a.m. The Grace of the Spirit (Eph. 3:14-17) - Rev. Phillips
10:45 a.m. Break*
SESSION V
11:00 a.m. The Covenant of Grace (Eph. 1:3) – Rev. Phillips
12:00 p.m. Prayer & Dismissal - Rich Johnston, Chairman of RSI
