The Reformation and Revival Fellowship Conference can be traced back many years. It has survived whereas others have simply disappeared, but why is that?
In a paper he wrote in 2003, Geoff Thomas concluded: “If the Lord is the God who delights to revive his people then we are obliged to seek him, pursuing him and pleading with him to revive us again. What else does the church believe it needs for the future? We ought to give God no rest until he makes his name a praise in all the earth.”
Our speakers this year have acquitted themselves well and certainly stimulated our concern in the need for revival once again!
Bill Bygroves' sessions were titled: The call; The warrior; and Emmanuel. Using Scripture, and various quotes, a clear reminder was given that the Bible has one main theme: the gospel of God. In order to live in the world, there is a need to pray for a Christlike mind and to offer ourselves to God every day. The life of Caleb the warrior was reviewed; he had resolved to follow the Lord at all costs. He saw his purpose in serving God unflinchingly and stuck to the task of praying and taking the allotted land, despising the enemies before him. His faith was rewarded by Joshua. We were finally reminded by Bill to be assured that "Emmanuel protects, provides and is ever present!"
Geoff Thomas immediately stimulated those present by insisting what revival is about today, and the truth - living out the New Covenant in the Lord Jesus Christ! He alone is the authority for building His church. Geoff also mentioned Romans 1, with regard to Paul's beliefs, his life and his evangelistic zeal. Rome had experienced a season of activity and growth because of a widespread awareness of sin and a hunger for the Word of God. Theological and practical opposition, including deviation from Scripture, can be expected, but should not be tolerated. If we truly believe that God will pour out His bowls of wrath then we can also believe that by meeting together we are upholding the view that revival is always a possibility, as we continue to wait on God in holding this conference together. Since sin abounds, let us continue to pray that God will provide an awakening ministry from somewhere, through someone at some point!
Geoff took the opportunity to remind everyone that three things happen in a revival:
- There is a felt presence of God
- Every member is filled with the Holy Spirit - the life of God
- People around, whether it be family, friends or neighbours - all kinds of people who had previously served sin - are converted
There is no merit due to meeting certain conditions. It is Christ who causes such blessings to flow through the love of God. Revival is a sovereign act of God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit acting with authority and divine freedom! This is an effective work when it happens and God’s people have an ongoing responsibility to live holy lives, by His power. We waste no time if we pray for a lifestyle that loves spiritual things such as:
- Reading the Bible every day
- Spending time hearing the Word of God
- Meditating on God's Word
- Self-examination
- Christian fellowship
Believe in God’s promises and ask that He would give the Holy Spirit in building more of the divine character within. Will God recognise Jesus in you? Is He changing you from the inside? Finally, Geoff reminded everyone that "Christian affections" means "love." We are all in different places spiritually, and we need reviving!
During the programme, there was time for daily prayer gatherings early in the morning and a more "open" session, ably led by Peter Mackenzie - our new chairman. The special session this year focused on John Newton (born 1725). Stan Evers had prepared well and gave a most interesting and stimulating presentation with numerous photos, and findings, that he had been able to acquire. He certainly brought Newton's pre-conversion life out for all to see - and appreciate - how God had transformed such an ungodly man. Amazing grace indeed!
The conference continues to give our God no rest by assembling like-minded believers under the Word of God in order to bring a prayerful and deep-rooted concern for reformation and revival. The numbers in attendance have, in recent years, remained fairly stable and consistent at around 60.
Readers of my report are encouraged to take some time to review the full messages on our website and YouTube pages. (Apologies for some loss of sound in a few cases which could not be avoided.)
Next year's conference will be held, God-willing, 16-18 November 2026 at a new location near Northampton. Speakers will be Jeremy Walker, Andy Christofides and Norman Hopkins.
Please see the website for further details and booking during 2026.
