Report on the Second Conference on Practical Theology

On Feb. 7, 2009, guests came from far and wide to hear Rev. Barry York of Sycamore RPCNA in Kokomo, IN, deliver three addresses under the heading of “The War for Poverty”. Lecture one focused on God being a Divine Warrior leading His people is spreading mercy, poverty laws in the OT law, those who oppose Biblical mercy, and the church and mercy. There was no lack of information to had, and the groundwork was effectively and persuasively laid for the rest of the day.

After a short coffee break, the attendees re-convened for the second session on the role of office-bearers in mercy ministry. Rev. York set forth the need for a shared vision in the church, as well as the responsibility of pastors to cultivate eagerness to remember the poor, use the pulpit to herald the prophetic cry to care for the poor, leave the study and exegate on the poor, (that is, to take a hands-on approach), and to put wheels on the pulpit ministry. He then called elders to re-visit their qualifications for office in light of the topic, open their hearts and homes to the poor, develop session guidelines for helping the needy, and give themselves to mentoring men. Finally, deacons were exhorted to remember that the heart of their calling is serving, to meet needs in the congregation, work on long-term solutions for the poor, and become an expert on congregational and local resources.

Lunch was then had at local eateries, with much to talk about and much left to look forward to. Rev. York’s third lecture reminded all church members to examine their lives in the context of God’s courtroom and His examination of our ministry to the poor. They were powerfully reminded of God’s indictment of Israel’s false religion in Isaiah 58, then given a number of helpful tips towards cultivating a mercy mindset.

First RP would like to thank Rev. York for all the hard work he did for the conference, it certainly showed in the excellent quality of the lectures. They’d also like to thank all those who attended, and the many members who helped with the work done that day. Our prayer is that it’s more than a conference, and that we put words into action.