About 90 people gathered at the recent annual Preaching Conference (22-23 September) at RTC. Over two days, attendees from churches around Australia and New Zealand, were stimulated by input on each part of the book of Genesis, and on the gospel promises that God made then and is fulfilling today. A good number of pastors and church members from the CRCA were also in attendance.
The keynote speaker was Rev. Paul Harrington. In his first session Paul demonstrated how the gospel has its beginning in Genesis. He considered how God’s majestic plan of salvation for all the earth finds its multi-faceted expression through God’s overruling work in Abraham’s life. This gospel focus echoed in all the presentations and was especially highlighted by Murray Capill's discussion of the Joseph narratives.
Murray Capill began this conference with a memorable sermon on Genesis 32:22-32, Jacob wrestling with God. Old Testament lecturer John de Hoog dealt with the often difficult, if not controversial, first three chapters of Genesis. Mission lecturer Phillip Scheepers helped people see by looking at Genesis 4-11 how we can preach God's message in a secular society, a world hostile to God and in rebellion.
Michael Raiter spoke at this conference on "Lively Communication". The content of his talk was backed up by the lively way he communicated. Michael will also be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Recharge Conference.
See photos of the Preaching Conference here.