Dear Friends of the GRN,
I am delighted to announce that the Gospel Reformation Network is hosting a spring conference on May 5-6th for the purpose of encouraging biblical and confessional reform in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). Let me warmly encourage you to mark your calendars now, register, invite friends, and make plans to attend. It’s already shaping up to be a fantastic conference (see schedule on GRN website). Whether you are a teaching elder, ruling elder, or layperson, you’re not going to want to miss this spiritually engaging time of instruction, prayer, fellowship, and encouragement. All are welcome!
The conference theme is “O Church, Arise: A Passionate Plea for Biblical and Confessional Fidelity.” Our friends at Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Alabama are graciously hosting the conference. Most of you will know that Briarwood is the birthplace of the PCA. It’s where founding PCA teaching and ruling elders were valiantly resolved to be faithful to the Scriptures, true to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission. They stood firmly against the theological drift and cultural accommodation of their day. We, the GRN, are unreservedly committed to do the same.
The conference addresses will be presented by an array of faithful PCA pastors from around the country. They will communicate a clear vision for Reformed ministry; that is, a vision for cultivating biblical and confessional Presbyterianism in the PCA through courageous expository preaching, bold mission, faithful discipleship, godly leadership, and Lord’s Day worship constituted of the ordinary means of grace.
The “O Church, Arise” conference will be both “in person” and “livestreamed.” I want to encourage you and others from your church (and presbytery) to attend “in person.” In-person attendees will receive free books and resources from the GRN and Ligonier Ministries. You will also have the opportunity to stock up on excellent Reformed books through the book table, set up by our friends at Reformation Heritage Books. Lunch, dinner, and coffee breaks will allow you to reconnect with old friends, make new friends, and enjoy some renewing face-to-face fellowship with fellow believers (something we are all longing for these days!). If a lack of finances makes “in-person” attendance impossible, please don’t hesitate to inquire about our GRN partial scholarships, especially if you are a pastor or seminary student. We want to help you get to Birmingham.
We know that some of you will be unable to attend the conference in person, and that’s why we are offering an excellent livestream option for individual and group viewing. And here’s an idea to consider:
Pastors or small group leaders or seminary students could set up a screen in the sanctuary, fellowship hall, or at home, and host the conference virtually. This way, members of your session, congregation, or small group can enjoy a day-and-a-half of spiritual encouragement as you livestream the messages and make use of the times of discussion and prayer with your group. For groups of 4 and over the cost is only $100 total, and there are discounted rates for students. I hope that you will consider this option if you can’t attend in person. It would be wonderful to have PCA churches from all around the country tuning in via livestream!
For more information and to register please click here! Register today and join us on May 5-6th for the “O Church, Arise” conference. And please note that if you or your church is interested in contributing financially toward the GRN conference, you may send your gift to the Gospel Reformation Network, 105 River Street, Greenville, SC, 29601. We always appreciate your sincere prayers and generous support as we seek to humbly cultivate healthy Reformed and confessional churches in the PCA.
Your Servant, Brother, and Friend,
Jon D. Payne
