Every now and then, I attend a conference both as a means of personal spiritual refreshment and as a pastor, it serves as a kind of continuing education opportunity. I’ve been to different conferences with different emphases, and in every case I’ve come away both more encouraged and better equipped in my faith and walk with God. I write this because conferences are not just for pastors or people in full time ministry. There are a host of great opportunities out there for anyone to get away for a few days (often to a new or different location), sit under some great teaching and engage in fellowship with other believers that often develops into new friendships.
I want to recommend a few conferences that I’ve attended, in case you want to take advantage of any of these. Cathy and I have gone together, and it has been a wonderful getaway for us that also strengthens our faith together. I’ve also gone as a personal retreat on my own. If you’ve been to a good conference that you’d like to recommend, post a comment and let people know of that opportunity.
Here’s a few recommendations and descriptions of upcoming conferences. Click on the title of the conference for more information:
The Sovereignty of God: In the Shadow of the Almighty — Sept. 7-8, 2007 Charlotte NC (This is sponsored by Ligonier, the ministry of Dr. R.C. Sproul. It is a great teaching conference with R.C. and other well-known pastor/teachers speaking. There’s also one in the spring in Florida)
Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints — September 28-30, 2007, Minneapolis, MN (This is sponsored by Desiring God, the ministry of Dr. John Piper. A great time of worship and teaching as well as good fellowship — Minneapolis is a beautiful city to visit outside of winter).
Running Scared: Fear, Worry & the God of Rest — November 2-4, 2007, Valley Forge, PA (This conference is sponsored by the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation with speakers like Paul Tripp and Ed Welch. Usually focused on a particular counseling issue and addressing it from a thoroughly biblical and gospel-centered perspective.)
A Weekend To Remember – Family Life Conference — October 19-21, 2007, Durham NC (This is a wonderful marriage enrichment weekend put on by Family Life ministries. If your marriage needs a little fine-tuning or even a complete overhaul, this is a good place to start.)
