Redeemer Conference

I was reminded this morning by a dear brother that pastoral ministry is difficult. This may sound trite or at least obvious, but it seems to me that it is something we all too easily forget.  If we are striving to love people well, really involving ourselves in the stuff of their lives rather than retreating to the safety of an ivory tower, then we should expect to be hurt, disappointed, frustrated, and sometimes abused.  We should also remember that chief among our ministry difficulties is our own battle with indwelling sin.  Our own shortcomings, mistakes, and ruling idolatries can weigh us down, make us weary of the fight, and drive us into deep despair.  It is only by the constant remembrance of the gospel that we can see God’s light when our circumstances feel horrible.  God allows all the heartache, both in terms of how others sin against us, and how we sin against them (and the Lord) — he allows it all to demonstrate his loving, indefatigable pursuit of our sanctification, really of our rescue.  How humbling to know that the Lord is so interested in our rescue that he is willing to go to such great lengths to make us like Christ.  It is his love for us and his passionate commitment to express his love for us that allows us not to become weary in the battle.

Since we started the Redeemer Conference for Pastors a little over two years ago, we had a vision for cultivating an atmosphere of honesty and transparency among the pastors.  We all stumble in many ways (Jas 3:2).  Pastors fight the same battles as the people in the pew.  We often just put on our game face, suck it up, and get on with ministry.  Many of us don’t feel free to share our struggles with our congregations, for good and ill.  We have designed our conference to be a safe place for pastors to fight the good fight of faith together – with the encouragement of thoughtful messages and warm fellowship.

It seems to me that this year’s subject matter is particularly conducive to achieving our aims.  Our keynote speaker, Dr. Ed Welch of Westminster Theological Seminary and the Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF), whose wise application of the gospel to the problem of depression will be the centerpiece of our time together.

The conference is open to all pastors, elders, deacons, seminary students/pastors-in-training, and small group leaders – really, anyone involved in a ministry of care and shepherding in their local congregation.

As usual, the food will be great, the gifts modest, and the fellowship rich. 

Bob Glenn

Pastor of Preaching and Vision