Banner of Truth conference
One of the first things to go into my diary for a given year are dates for the next Banner of Truth ministers’ conference. This was my seventh occasion to attend Leicester, and once again it did not disappoint. I have returned to my labours refreshed and helped.
Fellowship: There is something immensely beneficial about being with 350 like-minded men, facing the same challenges, frustrations and opportunities and in the same great work of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. The atmosphere at the Leicester conference is always warm and welcoming.
Food – for our bodies: We are waited upon and fed within an inch of our lives.
Football: During the afternoons there is free time. A group of us younger ministers (and some older ones) spend time on the football pitch. This year it was England vs. the Rest of the World, with the scores 9-4 on the first day and 3-5 on the second.
Food – for our souls: Within this atmosphere of rich fellowship we gather around the Word of God to be stretched, taught and encouraged. Every session was beneficial.
Gerrard Hemmings spoke from John 3:16 of the love of God in the gospel. This was followed by a mammoth run through the Bible by Sinclair Ferguson as he demonstrated that Christ is conqueror.
John MacArthur gave three instructive sessions on ‘The Shameful Cross’ from 1 Corinthians 1:18 – 2:5. Alun McNabb exhorted us to follow Christ in key areas of life and ministry. Iain Murray spoke on John Newton, and Ian Hamilton reminded us from Ephesians 1:16-23 that we need to know more of God.
The conference ended on a high note as Steven Curry reminded us that the best way not to lose heart in the ministry is to contemplate the sufferings of Christ (Hebrews 12:3).
Daniel Grimwade
