Catalyst Day Three 2025

Simon Arscot

The first two days high standards were kept up on day three. Simon Arscot did well on the Lord's Supper, not straing too far in either direction on its importance. Christopher Ash was very good again on the psalms, this time on what Christ would have learned of evil and judgement. Jason Heliopoulos ended well with a reminder of the basics. It is not about you, minister, but about God and your people. Some nice illustration once again. The day began once again, however, with Sinclair Ferguson, who stands head and shoulders above us all with his vast knowledge and great spiritual acumen. His final subject was Christ Conqueror and High Priest. Just superb. Do check these messages out especially those by Dr Ferguson when they appear on YouTube soon on the IPC Catalyst channel. (If Simon looks rather youthful it's because I forgot to snap him this time and have used a pic from a previous year!).

Catalyst Day Two 2025

Ash

So more of the same on the Wednesday. Dr Ferguson was superb as he drew our attention to the founder of our faith (the archegos) and our worship leader. Well illustrated and theologically deep, it was a privilege to be there. The others were up to speed to - an excellent paper on the Sabbath from Simon Arscott, more good stuff on the Psalms from Christopher Ash (this time with a focus on the church) and then an encouraging last session from Jason Heliopoulos on the importnace of friendship, taking Paul and Calvin as exemplars. As ever, good to chat to people.Good to see the lollipops and cornettos available in the afternoon.

Catalyst Day One 2025

Heliopoulos

Ferguson

It is good to be at the Catalyst conference in Ealing with our Presbyterian friends once more. In this tenth yearthey have stuck with their tried and tested formula of four speakers across three days, beginning as ever with Sinclair Ferguson. He spoke on the person of Christ from Hebrews 2:5-9 making some excellent points about Hebrews and how the whole Bible undolds fom Genesis 3:15. We need to help our congregations see Jesus through "Emmaus Road preaching".

Simon Arscott was the second speaker of the morning, on Christ's presence in the sermon from Matthew 23:34 making goodd use of a book by Hugh Martin on the subject recently republished. (I couold have had a free copy if I had booked earlier). Scribes bind and loose from the text and that brings Christ near to the congregation.

In the afternoon it was good to hear Chritopher Ash on Christ in the psalms once again. Our final speaker, one new to me was Jason Heliopoulos on gratititude. Good day with over 300 present.

Affinity Meeting 2022

A little while ago I recevied a communication from Affinity, an umbrella organisation that we belong to as a  church. The email informed me that now they are a cio they were obliged to hold an annual meeting and I was invited to attend either in person or online. It seemed like an obvious thing to attend - and in person as it was being held in North London not far from where I live (at the Highbury Centre). Anyway, I went along last Monday and as it turned out I was the only one to turn up in person apart from the committee! There were also eight online. (In the deep and distant past I served on the BEC committee that predates this one). It was good to hear Graham Nicholls and others reporting on the various activities (finance, Foundations, the coming theological conference, media opps, etc). I knew several of the committee and enjoyed meeting more of them. They even stood me a meal, which was kind. Affinity is a great idea and it was good to touch base afresh.

BTW theyve just revamped their website. Check it out here.

IPC Catalyst Conference Day 3

Our final day was inevitably unable to top the previous two days but the standard was still excellent. It has grown hotter by the day and despite the kind supply of lollipops that has brought its challenges. Sinclair Ferguson spoke on knowing Christ from Philippians 3, again very helpful. I have heard him speak of the conversion of Paul before but it was good to hear again. I don't think I have heard the rich young ruler allusion before. John Landry Cruse spoke on our response in worship - the importance of being there, of leaning in and then on singing. Good stuff. (I liked his two hymns that we sang.) After lunch (yet another pizza I confess) we had Jonty Rhodes on Christ the King who triumphed over sin, Satan and death and now rules over the church and the world. The final session was from Simon Arscott on church polity. He began with Isaiah 9:6 and did well on the whole, although for me as a Baptist, it seemed he rather assumed the meaning of Acts 15 and ruling elders. Thomas Witherow gives Independents a three out of six apparently in his recently republished book (one of several given away at the conference). I think he was being mean there and we could take a four or a five. Presbyterians meanwhile probably only deserve a theoretical six.

So great three days of conference - mind stretching and warm (in every sense). Loved the opportunity to speak with attendees - mostly Baptist and Welshmen but not exclusively. Many thanks to the organisers. I plane to back next year, God willing.

PS The videos of the conference are up. See here.