Congregational Studies Conference
Conference Secretary: Rev. Peter Beale
A Congregational Studies Conference is held in March each year to learn from the history of Congregationalism.
Studies Conference 2009
The 2009 Congregational Studies Conference was held at Oldbury Congregational Church on Saturday 14th March. The speakers and subjects were:
Rev. Dr Ian Shaw: Andrew Reed (1768-1862): Preaching, Pastoral Work, and
Social Concern
The paper will explore the range of ways in which this evangelical Congregationalist responded to the acute urban needs of the East End of London, and will consider key lessons for current ministry practice.
Dr Ian J Shaw was in pastoral ministry in Manchester for eight years, before taking a PhD in Church History at the University of Manchester. From 1996 to 2008 he was lecturer in Church History at International Christian College, Glasgow. Since 2008 he has been working as the Director of the international Research Student Scolarship programme for Langham Patnership.
He is the author of The Greatest is Charity: The Life of Andrew Reed, Preacher and Philanthropist, and will have copies to sell on tye day at a reduced conference price of £10, a discount of almost 50% on the retail price.
Rev. Gordon Cooke: The Cambridge Platform (1649)
Ask many Congregationalists about the Cambridge Platform and they will either shrug their shoulders or make a weak joke about a part of Kings Cross Station. But the Cambridge Platform, signed 360 years ago, was a transforming event in the life of New England Congregationalism. How does it relate to other Statements of Faith held by us today and is still relevant to serious issues that concern our churches?
Gordon Cooke has been Pastor of New Inn Congregational Church, Pontypool, since 1995. He also lectures part time in Biblical Studies at Wales Evangelical School of Theology, and is the author of The God of Glory Thunders. He has given two papers at past conferences, on the Doctrines of Adoption and of The Atonement.
Dr Tony Lambert: Robert Morrison (1782-1834), first Protestant missionary to China
One man’s utter confidence in the Lord saw the pioneering of Protestant mission work in China and the opening of an entire nation to the gospel, with Morrison as his chosen instrument. Morrison translated the first Chinese Bible, baptized the first Chinese believer, ordained the first Chinese pastor. His lifetime of service paved innovations in education, literature and medicine in China, which he saw as an integral part of the Christian gospel." (Natalie Lai, OMF Australia) Dr Lambert will also give an update on the current situation in China.
Tony Lambert graduated in Chinese Studies at London University, and served in the Diplomatic Service from 1971 to 1982, including periods at the British Embassies in Tokyo and Beijing. In 1982 he and his wife joined the Overseas Missionary Fellowship, where he is Director for Research for Chinese Ministries. He has written The Resurrection of the Chinese Church and China’s Christian Millions.
Conference Papers & Tapes/CDs
Copies of Conference Papers from 1981 - 2008 are available to purchase. Tapes/CDs dating from 1989 are also available. Please see the Publications Page for further details and how to order.
