The UK Ministers’ Conference is an annual event where men gather from a variety of ministerial vocations to worship God and sit under the preaching of his Word.

*We will shortly be announcing speakers and sessions for our 2025 ministers’ conference*

What is Man?

From its very first chapter, the Bible makes it clear that human beings are unique within the created order. More than this, it defines our uniqueness by saying that we – both male and female – are made in the image and likeness of God himself (Gen 1:26–27). The implications for this in terms of understanding our identity and recognising our responsibilities in life, are traced upwards to God and our relationship with him.

The post-Enlightenment era, in which we live, has reshaped and redefined our self-understanding as a race; and, despite its claim to usher in new freedoms, it has created a level of confusion, angst and social disintegration not witnessed before.  Many Christians have been left floundering as to how we should respond.

Hence the theme for this year’s Ministers’ Conference. We as pastors have a unique responsibility, not only to lead our congregations towards a deeper knowledge of God; but, as Calvin so astutely points out, to a deeper knowledge of ourselves as well. This is the very essence of ‘wisdom’ in its purest form.

Our prayer for the conference is that as we are reminded of this great reality, we will be better equipped and emboldened to instruct our people more effectively.

Conference Programme

Monday, 15 April

5.15 pm Opening Address (Mark Johnston)

8.15 pm Man in Creation, Under the Covenant of Works (Ligon Duncan)

Tuesday, 16 April

7.25 am Conference Prayer Time

9.15 am Body and Soul: Living Beings (Bill James)

11.15 am Man the Worshipper of God (Matthew Roberts)

5.00 pm Glorify God in Your Body (Stafford Carson)

8.15 am Man in Rebellion, under Judgement (Ligon Duncan)

Wednesday, 17 April

7.25 am Conference Prayer Time

9.15 am Body and Soul: Living Sacrifices (Bill James)

11.15 am Man the Lover of God (Matthew Roberts)

5.00 pm Global Updates

8.15 pm Man in Redemption, under the Covenant of Grace (Ligon Duncan)

Thursday 18 April

7.25 am Conference Prayer Time

9.30 am The Resurrection of the Body (Stafford Carson)

11.00 am Closing Address (Dan Peters)

Speakers

Ligon Duncan

Ligon Duncan is Chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi, and the John E. Richards Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology. Ligon and his wife Anne have two adult children.

Bill James

Bill James worked in the pharmaceutical industry before training as a pastor. After 26 years as a pastor at Emmanuel Church, Leamington Spa, he was appointed Principal of London Seminary. Bill is married to Sharon, and they have 2 children, and 6 grandchildren.

Matthew Roberts

Matthew is the minister of Trinity Church, York (IPC). He grew up in St. Albans, near London, and came to faith at an early age. He married Kate in 2002 and they have three children.

Mark Johnston

Mark is minister of Groomsport Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Northern Ireland. He has written a number of books, including ‘This World is Not My Home’ (Banner), and serves on the Banner of Truth board. He is married to Fiona and has two grown-up children.

Dan Peters

Dan Peters (BTh. Edinburgh Theological Seminary, MTh. Edinburgh Theological Seminary) is the minister of Newcastle Reformed Evangelical Church. He previously served as the assistant minister of Cambridge Presbyterian Church and has also lectured at Edinburgh Theological Seminary.

Stafford Carson

Stafford was formerly Principal and Professor of Ministry at Union Theological College, Belfast. He has been moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.

FAQs

Who attends?

The UK Ministers’ Conference is arranged for men who are (or who have been) in pastoral charges, or who are theological students in training for the ministry, and for men who are serving in missionary work at home or overseas. Please do not apply if you do not fit into one of these categories.

Where is it located?

Yarnfield Park, Yarnfield, Stone, UK

Situated in the village of Yarnfield in Staffordshire, and easily accessible from the M6, Yarnfield Park is a purpose-built conference centre and is well-equipped with modern facilities, has an excellent standard of catering, super-fast internet, and an on-site Costa coffee shop. Attendees will also have access to the nearby sports centre.

Accommodation is in ensuite bedrooms, each equipped with a desk, tea and coffee making facilities, and super-fast wi-fi. Towels are provided. As in previous years, a fully-stocked Banner book room will be open throughout the conference.

Arrival

Unless special arrangements are made, no one should arrive before 2.00pm on Monday. Registration of conference members will be from 3.00pm to 4.45pm in the atrium. Thereafter keys can be collected from reception. The full address for the venue is Yarnfield Park, Yarnfield Lane, Yarnfield, Staffs, ST15 0NL. The nearest railway stations are Stoke and Stafford. Please visit yarnfieldpark.com for further travel information.

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