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Great God of Wonders: the God who is, and the God who acts
Join us for the Affinity Theological Study Conference in March 2025, where we'll explore the doctrine of God amidst today's uncertainties. This Study Conference coincides with the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, reaffirming timeless truths about God. Featuring esteemed speakers and fostering genuine dialogue, this conference invites all, from pastors to laypeople, to delve into the rich theological discourse of our great God of wonders. Secure your spot now and join us as we marvel at the wonder of God's nature and actions.
What stands out as the most crucial, captivating, and essential subject for all individuals, especially for Christians? Without a doubt, it's the exploration of God. In 1855, a twenty-year-old C.H. Spurgeon astutely emphasised that the proper focal point of human inquiry isn't humanity itself, but rather God. His insight rings true to this day and forms the cornerstone of our forthcoming Affinity Theological Study Conference, where the spotlight will firmly be on God.
We are living through a period of increasing uncertainty, trouble, chaos, and fear. What was once taken as truth regarding society, authority, human nature, and even the fundamental concept of truth itself is now being openly questioned, often in a hostile and destructive manner. The church is not immune to the effects of this upheaval. Therefore, we must return to the most fundamental questions of all, starting with a contemplation of God himself: who God is and how he acts.
Coincidentally, the year 2025 commemorates the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea – a pivotal moment in history where the most fundamental questions about God were publicly settled, providing a sturdy foundation for centuries to come. The theologians who gathered at Nicaea were not introducing anything new; they were simply giving careful expression to all that the triune God had revealed about himself in his word.
With the same humble and teachable spirit, we will explore the great doctrine of God together during the 2025 Study Conference. We warmly invite you to join us at King's Park Conference Centre in Northampton from Wednesday 5th to Friday 7th March.
Our speakers, God willing, will be Mostyn Roberts, Bob Letham, Tom Brand, Steve Duby, and Michael McClenahan. What sets our conference apart is our commitment to genuine dialogue; ample time is allocated for both collective discussions and smaller group interactions. The Study Conference is open to all, including pastors, laypeople, men, women, and theological students.
Don't delay; reserve your place today and be part of this enriching theological exploration.
Conference papers and speakers
Our topics and speakers this year will be (titles and synopses are subject to change):
Paper 1: The Power and Personhood of God
Explore how God's infinite power, intricately linked to the tri-personal nature of God, governs His actions. This goes beyond a mere comparison of might and right; it delves into the essence of God's nature, where doing what is right is inherent. Speaker: Mostyn Roberts – Pastor, Welwyn Evangelical Church, Hertfordshire, UK.
Paper 2: Faith and Reason: Reflections on Belief in God
Delve into the usefulness of classical proofs of God's existence and their role in guiding belief. Reflect on whether such proofs serve as tools for bringing people to faith or as aids for mature believers. Speaker: Bob Letham – Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at the Union School of Theology, Bryntyrion, Wales, UK.
Paper 3: The God of Unchanging Glory: from Nicaea to Hegel and Back
Examine the concept of 'passibility' in relation to divine immutability and simplicity. Discuss how divine expressions of emotions such as pity and compassion align with the understanding of God as a Father. Speaker: Thomas Brand – Ministry Director, Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, and Chairman of Affinity.
Paper 4: The Weaknesses of Christ: Their Theological and Pastoral Significance
Explore the theological and pastoral implications of Christ's human experiences and emotions. Consider Christ's voluntary submission and its implications for His knowledge of the divine will. Speaker: Steve Duby – Associate Professor of Theology at Phoenix Seminary, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA.
Paper 5: Plurality and Pretence
Evaluate recent discussions on the doctrine of the Trinity and the authority behind certain assertions. Examine the significance of 'triadic patterns' and concepts such as Social Trinitarianism and perspectivalism. Speaker: Michael McClenahan – Principal and Professor of Systematic Theology, Union Theological College, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.
Conference Format
Papers will be circulated to conference members in advance so that they can spend time reading them before the event. At the conference, each contributor will introduce his paper and highlight the main issues, after which there will be time for questions and small group discussion. The final day concludes with a plenary question and answers session involving all the speakers.
About the venue – King's Park Conference Centre
The Theological Study Conference provides a unique opportunity for theologically rich engagement and deep discussion with other Christians.
King's Park has become a favourite venue for many conference groups in recent years, including the Study Conference. Its facilities are excellent and Northampton has good rail and road links to London and Birmingham for those flying in from other parts of the UK.
Rooms are designed to ensure a comfortable night for all, every one of the rooms has ensuite facilities.
All rooms are en-suite and there is a sports arena and tennis centre on site which attendees may use for an additional charge.
Will you join us?
The distinctive thing about this Conference is that we genuinely confer – a large amount of time is spent in discussion in small groups as well as together. This Study Conference is open to all and especially aimed at church and ministry leaders, theological students and Christians who want to engage with current issues with a deeper theological understanding.
The needs of the hour are very great, and this will be a great opportunity for us to have fellowship together as well as to encourage each other to seek the Lord, so that he will come in power to bless his church in the years which lie ahead. We can't wait to see you!