MAKING THE MOST OF BIBLE CONFERENCES

One of the traditions we have adopted as a family is attending Bible conferences together. In the last five years, we have committed to participate in two conferences every year. Conferences are not everything, but they are helpful and have a place. It is therefore necessary that we are intentional about making the most of them if they are to be of benefit. Let me suggest a few points to consider.

Go prepared & expectant to hear God speak

The whole point of conferences is to spend time together thinking through a specific topic of Scripture. It is therefore important that when you decide to attend a conference that you go prepared and expectant. Prepare your heart and mind to hear from the Word of God, but also expect that the Lord will speak to you. Pray to that end.

Participate & enjoy the singing

There is a blessing from hearing hundreds or thousands of people raise their voices in praise to God. Join in and enjoy it! It is a ‘foretaste of glory divine.’ While I love and appreciate what is called ‘special music,’ nothing beats congregations joyfully raising their voices in anthem to the Lord. Participate in the edification of one another.

Enjoy & foster fellowship

Conferences give us an opportunity to meet different people from different churches and places. They provide us with a rare opportunity to have a glimpse into what the Lord is doing in different places. Be intentional about connecting with different people; ask questions, and be amazed at how the Lord is building his church in many places in different ways. It helps you appreciate the fact that God’s work is not just your own little bubble; rather, it is global. So enjoy and foster fellowship.

Know the difference between a conference and the church

As good and as helpful as conferences are, they are not the church, and they cannot fulfill the purposes of the church. Conferences are not adequate to fully equip you for the work of ministry to the edification of the body. They are helpful and have a place, but they are not the church. I once heard someone explain the difference between conferences and church life by comparing it to the difference between going to a restaurant and a home cooked meal. A meal at a restaurant is not essential to your well-being, but it is nice and has its place every now and then. Home cooked meals on the other hand are what grow us, and therefore they are necessary. They are not always as spectacular and fancy as the ones at the restaurant, but they are steady, nice and healthy. So enjoy the conference singing, fellowship and preaching, but remember that those sweet, spectacular and special arrangements at the conference are not the normal way of life, so after the conference, go back to the ordinary way of life next Sunday and be thankful for mum’s home cooked meal.