The 2019 Birmingham Conference was held on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd March in Ebenezer Chapel, Old Hill,Birmingham. Up to 90 people gathered to hear ministry from Timothy Nelson (Ballynahinch), Mark Stocker (Southampton) and Tom Yates (Devizes), and to meetand encourage one another.
The conference is arranged by the committee which publishes the Christian Worship hymnbook, and the differentiating principle upheld by it is a resolute commitment to traditional reverent worship, and an eschewing of the new worship principles, as exemplifiedby the Contemporary Christian Worship movement. On the second day of the conference committee member Pastor John Thackway provided us with a helpful history of the Christian Worship hymnbook and associated ministries – the conference, the young people’s summer camps (which have been singularly blessed), and a new January retreat. It has been, he said, one of the wondrous works of God in our time.
Godly Leadership
Timothy Nelson is Principal of his denomination’s Bible College and spoke twice on “Godly Leadership”. His first address covered the need, nature and nurturing of godly leadership. He described the chaos which follows its absence, and the biblical warrant for such leadership. It is characterised by dedicated servanthood, an acknowledgement of divine sovereignty, and an acceptance of deep suffering. His own commitment to the training of future leaders came through in his call on us to not only lament the lack of godly leaders, but to pray for such to be raised up, to carefully watch for men with leadership potential, and to nurture such. His second address covered the four charges presented in Paul’s epistles to Timothy under the headings of Conflict, Colleagues, Character and Communication.
Lessons from Corinth
Mark Stocker spoke twice on “Lessons from Corinth”. His first address showed how Paul began his first epistle by directing his hearers to the gospel message and method. God has deliberately chosen to use a message and method that the natural man despises; by this he shows that it is not the wisdom of man that saves, and yet through it he saves the vilest of sinners. Although our manner of preaching is important, we must be those who rely on the Word and the Spirit alone. The second address set out key truths for the local Church from 1 Cor 3.5-17. The Church is likened to a field, and although God’s faithful servants plant and water, it must be God who gives the increase. The Church is also a building – specifically, a temple for God. Although we cannot create a Church, we can have a great influence on how it develops. We must be careful not to build with wood, hay and stubble – for example, by seeking numbers rather than true conversions.
At the Friday evening Gospel Rally Tom Yates preached on “The Dying Thief”. Having described the wonderful change that came over that man, he concluded with the question – Which criminal are you like?
As in previous years, the men and ladies separated on the Friday afternoon. The men’s fellowship was led by Dewi Higham (Cardiff). A recent survey – thestateoftheology.co.uk – highlighted the biblical illiteracy of our generation, including many professing Christians. How then should we be? Points raised in the discussion included the need for compassion, winsomeness, doctrinal clarity, and vital fellowship with God. The ladies’ fellowship was led by Sue Stocker, and she described the way God brought her to himself and has led her since then.
The whole conference was most profitable, and our thanks are due to the speakers, the catering team (who provided excellent meals), and our gracious God, from whom all blessings flow.
John Armstrong