Created on Tuesday, 26 June 2012 18:33

Bala 2012

Two weeks before the conference, I finally got around to returning my booking form. A combination of weariness at the end of a year of ministry and the thought of the long journey from South to North Wales had made me uncertain about whether to go or not. Thank you to Steffan Job for his gentle, yet persistent, e mails for it turned out to be a conference to savour.

This year the main speaker was Paul Mallard and he took us through Revelation 4-7 over three sessions. These messages were insightful as an example of preaching from the book of Revelation as well as fascinating in the explanations that were given. Yet, the most memorable part was how invigorating it was to sit under the preaching of the gospel. It was so refreshing and encouraging to hear more about Jesus!

The rest of the conference was a combination of lessons from history, the present and from around the world. These ranged from matters of pastoral care through to insights into evangelical and not so evangelical ecumenism. Of particular encouragement was the missionary session. As we were taken through the experiences of the Slavic churches through a season of persecution, a time of outpouring and now a time of apathy towards the gospel, I couldn’t help but be moved in amazement at the sovereignty and power of God as well as humbled by the faith and commitment of God’s people.

Add to this the times of fellowship with other pastors and this turned out to be a worthwhile conference. Next year I will be returning my booking form a bit more speedily.