The annual Catalyst conference just keeps getting better. Taking place at IPC Ealing church in West London, this year was a sell-out, as was the annual hog roast hosted by Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia.
There was a real mixture of denominations (not just Presbyterian), Ministers, elders and congregants, of all ages and backgrounds. Including a good number of students and young adults, many of whom were on the large volunteer team. The singing was extremely moving… and loud.
The theme was The Christian War: standing in Christ against the world, the flesh and the devil. Sinclair Ferguson spoke on the work of Christ, David Filson on the world, Matthew Mason the flesh, R Kent Hughes the Devil.
Sinclair and Kent’s talks were warm and encouraging from two older Saints. David’s was colourful and engaging (nearly as much as his suits). For many, Matthew’s talks still stood out. He tackled the controversial area of concupiscence, while on the one hand he raised the awkward issue of evangelical drift. He did so with much grace, Christ’s grace and mercy was extolled, which visibly and audibly moved both speaker and congregation.
