The Birmingham Conference organised by the Christian Worship Trust held its first post-lockdown gathering on 18th – 19th March at Ebenezer Chapel, Old Hill, Birmingham.
Attendance was extremely encouraging, as was the wide range of ages represented. At the Friday night Gospel Rally, the chapel was almost full to capacity.
The Birmingham Conference, the first of which was held in 2010, is a two-day conference, primarily for pastors and their wives together with church workers, bringing together like-minded friends from all over the country and beyond.
This year’s ministry was ably provided by Malcolm Watts, Neil Pfeiffer and David Kay.
Neil Pfeiffer’s first lecture sounded out what has been one of the main emphases of the Christian Worship Trust, that is, to make a stand against present-day downward trends. He traced out the history and source of the present downgrade from the 18th and 19th Century attacks on biblical inerrancy. He noted those who took a stand against these trends, vilified at the time, but sadly vindicated by the catastrophic decline in the 20th Century, and continuing to the present day.
Neil Pfeiffer’s second session continued his theme of standing against the present downgrade. Here he focused on reverence in worship; countering the present trend towards informality, abandonment of both the regulative principle and the high spiritual and theological content of traditional hymns. These sessions were timely and persuasively sounded forth.
The Friday afternoon discussion session was led by Dewi Higham of Cardiff, on the theme of ‘Spirit Filled Preaching’. Many experienced pastors made valuable contributions; it was noted that, The Spirit moveth, where it listeth, the Spirit’s anointing should be sought to be upon our preaching. It was also commented that the personal spiritual walk of the preacher, including such obvious necessities as careful preparation and prayer, play an essential part in this.
During this time of discussion, the ladies held a separate meeting ably led by Mrs Ruth Kay.
Malcolm Watts gave his first lecture on the theme ‘Walking with God’. This session took up another emphasis of the Christian Worship Trust, that is, the need for experiential heart religion. His second session was entitled, ‘Christian Assurance, Ordinary and Extra-ordinary’. Here, Mr Watts powerfully and movingly delivered the essential puritan understanding of the doctrine of assurance.
At the Friday evening Gospel Rally, David Kay of Barnstaple preached a very clear gospel message based on Psalm 126, ‘The Lord, the deliverer of his people from the bondage of sin and death….’
A small band of workers provided excellent meals and laboured tirelessly to ensure all were served promptly and efficiently.
A fine bookstall was provided by Anne Newman of Purple Tulip.
The Christian Institute, the Bible League, the King Alfred School, the Christian Heritage Centre alongside the Christian Worship Trust were represented by displays and the provision of literature.
The Trust would want to express their sincere thanks to Pastor Tom Hayward and the members of Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, for once again so willingly hosting our annual conference. Next year’s Conference is scheduled to take place, God-willing, for Friday 24th – Saturday 25th March.
Roland Burrows