This year brings the 34th annual School of Theology at the Tabernacle, the largest reformed conference of its kind in the UK, with many pastors and Christian workers attending.
The main theme of School of Theology 2009 will be the urgent need for a restoration of dedicated and persuasive evangelistic communication, which has become comparatively rare in reformed churches today. At a time when the bombardment of atheism has reached a crescendo and when people are anxious about their homes, jobs and financial security, our leading priority should be evangelistic zeal and competence. The primary issue on which we focus will be the manner, style and content of messages to both adults and young people, calling them to see their need and come to Christ. Alongside this, we will consider current detractions from the Gospel that conspire to overthrow its clear proclamation, and there will also be stimulation for pioneers and those engaged in Sunday School ministry.
Is, then, this year’s School of Theology exclusively for preachers? Certainly not, because every office bearer and member of an evangelical church needs clear views on what the preaching objectives of the church should be, and how the Truth should be preserved. And all should be involved, whether through youth or Sunday School classes or personal witness, in calling the lost to Christ, and praying for effective evangelistic ministry, by the blessing and power of the Holy Spirit. May this prove to be a ‘milestone’ School of Theology for the encouragement of churches everywhere, to the glory of Christ and the winning of lost souls.
