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Affinity Theological Conference 2007

Date Added: 01 Feb, 2007

If you think your minister’s applications & well intended messages are getting rather dull and predictable you could do worse than send him off for some special studies to enrich his thinking processes & feed the flock. You might say “but we give him a book allowance to do that”. Yet that’s no replacement for active discussion & debate with top-class Christian thinkers of our age to stimulate the brain cells.

Where would you find 80 ministers & Christian thinkers drawn together from as far afield as Aix-en-Provence, Pennsylvania, Illinois and islands off the coast of Scotland? And from such widely diverse traditions as the Free Church of Scotland to house based fellowships in Loughborough to an Apostolic Church in Eastbourne?

The answer is at an Affinity Theological Conference in High Leigh, Hoddeston, near Harlow, Hertfordshire. This biennial event took as its theme for 2007 'The Forgotten Christ'. The idea was to look in depth at certain parts of the doctrine of our Lord’s Person that are commonly neglected in this generation.

Papers are sent out over Christmas to those attending so it is a conference in the best sense of the word. Participants are expected to study these papers beforehand to enable them to engage in discussion, with the speakers simply introducing their own topics for 30 minutes. After this we break into small groups of ten, addressing various questions. Each group reports back in a plenary session, with the speaker having the opportunity to respond.

This year’s papers were on:

• The Chalcedon Statement on the relation between the 2 natures of Christ. • The Psychological or Inner Life of Christ. • Christ's Cry of Forsakenness. • The Ascension & Heavenly Ministry of the Lord. • Christ as the Last Adam & Life Giving Spirit. • The Christology of the book of Revelation.

Often the papers came to life as they were introduced by the speakers, making one want to re-read the papers. This was especially the case when Rev. Philip Eveson, principal of the London Theological Seminary opened up the compassion & conflicts felt by our Lord, for our sakes, that He might become a faithful High Priest for our sakes.

The other speakers were

• Andrew McGowan, Principal of Highlands Theological Chairman • Paul Wells, Professor of Systematic Theology , Faculte Libre de Theologie Reformee, Aix en Provence. • Matthew Sleeman, Lecturer in NT studies & NT Greek, Oak Hill College, London. • Dick Gaffin, Professor of Biblical & Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Pennsylvania, USA. • Greg Beale, Professor of Biblical Studies, Wheaton College, Illinois, USA.

Affinity must be congratulated for gathering such a proficient team with such a high degree of theological insight & experience in ministry. The high level of debate in the plenary sessions was rather daunting at times, but the small groups regularly ensured that even the most theologically deficient & youngest believers could make a worthwhile contribution. The sessions encouraged a thoughtful & humble approach to Holy Scripture, whilst every endeavour was made to probe God’s truth as far as He has revealed Himself in various matters of faith.

As well as the formal sessions the mealtimes provided times of warm personal fellowship as we interacted & learned of one another’s situations, challenges & encouragements. At one time or another I personally spoke with two Anglican ministers, another ministering within the free Church of England, & then another who had left the Church of England ministry after 18 months labouring in Wales. The majority were from free evangelical churches of one flavour or another, but all were made to belong, especially those who attended for the 1st time. It was good to renew fellowship with several men from AECW churches from both north & south Wales, although the conference was just a little too large to talk with every one of them individually.

The final session was a panel discussion of various topics. The most revealing question that brought forth most instructive replies was “what did each one do to maintain a level of contact with unbelievers, outside the study?” Answers ranged from membership of weekly chess clubs to working at a more intensive level with recovering alcoholics.

The Conference was a most inspiring time and may the Lord encourage each present to diligently search the scriptures that the full riches of our Lord Jesus Christ may be brought before the Lord’s people, those purchased by His own precious blood.

I warmly commend such gatherings in the future.