There are tons of worthwhile, high-profile conferences going on all over the place.  And with the plethora of big names and big events, there’s the likelihood that we may overlook and miss out on some smaller events with as much or more punch for our spiritual lives and ministries.  Big isn’t always better.  Faithful is always the measure.  So, it’s a joy to highlight two conferences coming up in the next couple months that feature godly, faithful pastors serving the body of Christ.  If you’re looking for fellowship to go along with the word, check these out:

New Life Bible Conference (Vernon Hills, IL)

One of the high points of my year each year for the past four or five years has been the annual New Life Bible Conference held in Vernon Hills, Ill, just outside of Chicago.  Pastor Louis Love and the saints at New Life are among the most joyful, hospitable, Spirit-filled folks you’ll ever want to fellowship with.  And each year my wife and I look forward to this spiritual shot in the arm.

Truth in advertising: I have the privilege of being one of this year’s speakers.  So, you might think I’m biased.  But here’s another brother’s take on the conference.  Bottom line: Come and you’ll be encouraged.

This year’s theme is “In Christ Alone: The Supremacy of Christ in the Book of Hebrews,” featuring several expositions of the book of Hebrews.  Can’t wait for June 17-19th.  I hope you’ll make plans to meet us there.

You can find audio from the 2009 conference on evangelism in the book Acts  here.

Atlanta Area Pastors’ Conference

If you’re in the Atlanta area, you’ll want to check out this conference!  With the list of faithful pastors and speakers, this should be a great time in the word and practically helpful.

Bob Kellemen at RPM Ministries offers a gracious review of Glory Road: The Journeys of Ten African-Americans into Reformed Christianity.  Kellemen is a good student of African-American theology and church history and offers a warm critique of Glory Road.

For my part, I think Glory Road could be one of the most important, helpful, and encouraging books published in the last ten years on African-American Christianity.  I think its warmth, humor, honesty, and theological integrity

could be a winsome tool in capturing the hearts of many people who have not come to know the wonderful truths and history of the Reformed tradition.  If you haven’t read this book, rush out and make it a stocking stuffer or New Year’s read.  It’ll reward you.

HT: Phoenix Preacher

This year’s theme was “Spreading the Gospel,” expositions from the Book of Acts. Audio is here. As is the case every year, the fellowship was rich and refreshing.

The conference talks included:

A Kingdom Mandate (Acts 1)
Thabiti Anyabwile

The…Holy Spirit (Acts 2)
Anthony Carter

Exclusivity of Jesus(Acts 4)
Hensworth Jonas

Purity in the Church (Acts 5)
Thabiti Anyabwile

…Church Planting (Acts 13)
Anthony Carter

The Blessings of Opposition (Acts 16:19-40)
Hensworth Jonas

This year, Sis. Evelina Thomas joined us and blessed us in song. Here’s a sample, “There Is A Fountain Filled with Blood,” a song that stunningly enough she had never sang before. Enjoy!

Next year’s theme is “None Better Than Christ: The Supremacy of Christ in the Book of Hebrews”. Carter, Jonas and myself will be returning, Lord willing, along with our dear brother Redditt Andrews, Pastor of Soaring Oaks Prebyterian Church in Elk Grove, California.

Don’t miss next year! Make this one of the spiritual investments you make in your life and church!

When I’m around him my face and heart do this A LOT!

In a couple weeks’ time, it’ll be a joy to be with bro’s Carter, Louis Love, Hensworth Jonas, our wives, and all the saints at the New Life Fellowship Bible Conference. This year’s focus is on evangelism in the book of Acts. Six expositions combined with a lot of fellowship and iron-sharpening-iron dessert conversations at fancy restaurants like Denny’s.

If you’re in the Vernon Hills, IL or greater Chicago area, come check us out. For my wife and I, it’s a highlight to our year. You’ll find your soul lifted.

For the past couple years, June has been one of the sweetest months of the year for my family and me. The Lord has granted us the opportunity to attend the New Life Bible conference in Vernon Hills, IL (outside Chicago) and fellowship with the saints of New Life Fellowship Church. To call them “good people” would be an understatement. The Love family (that’s really their sir name) is the first family we’ve ever met that as a family convicted us of our relative joylessness through their almost non-stop joking and laughter. They’re a rare combination of deep, serious commitment to big truth and overflowing joy in life. You come home from the New Life conference and your face is tired because you’ve been laughing for 3 or 4 days straight!

Anyway… for those interested, Lou has gotten around to posting the conference audio. If you see Lou, don’t mention CP time!