Over a hundred gathered for this year’s ‘Connected’ leadership conference at Dewsbury Evangelical Church, drawing in (mostly) men from the North of England.
In a period of profound changes in our culture, the theme of this year’s conference was ‘Things we dare not forget’. John Benton was the main speaker, giving two papers and sharing an afternoon Q & A platform with Luke Jenner (Pastor, Grace Baptist Church Halifax). There was also an informative and encouraging church reports session with six ‘messengers’ from across the footprint of the conference.
In his first message, John focussed on the great need for the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in the church. In Acts, we see that the sovereign Spirit is the initiator of mission. The church runs to keep up with what the Lord is doing. In contrast, the modern church often seems to make plans and then prays for the Spirit to bless them. There is a great need for the church to wait upon God - in urgent prayer - for the Spirit.
Seeing God
In the second paper we were directed to two texts - John 1.18 and 1 John 4.12 and asked the question, ‘How do people see God?’ The Lord Jesus is in heaven – so how do people see God now? The apostle John’s startling answer is that people see God as his love is perfected in the church. The church is meant to showcase the gospel. We are to be a people transformed by the love of God in Christ. This is so important it ought to be the aim of pastoral ministry. Where churches demonstrate this love of God time and again we hear of its powerful influence in conversion.
Majesty of God
Following a lively Q & A, Luke Jenner preached the closing sermon on the majesty of God, exhorting us to meditate on God’s greatness. This is a powerful antidote to personal sin, apathy and discouragement.
The day was really most encouraging. Scripture is full of ‘reminders’ and it was very helpful to be reminded of things of first importance. Next year’s conference is scheduled for 2 March with the main speaker Dr. Dan Strange (Oak Hill College).
