As you know, the theme of this year’s Desiring God National Conference is “Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God.” As a life-long academician, this is a theme that is very important to me and one that is very timely as well. Perhaps you’ve wondered, “why this theme and why now?” There are several factors that have brought the centrality of this theme to the forefront.
1) This has been a hallmark of Pastor John’s ministry from the beginning, as he was a professor before he was a pastor. It’s understandable then that the desire to intimately know the Word of God and to think deeply about it so as to arrive at an understanding of him that transforms all of life has permeated his pastoral, speaking, and writing ministries all these years.
2) The need for training, educating, inspiring, and nurturing future leaders in the church has been present throughout his ministry life as exemplified by the seminary apprenticeship program he started during his first years at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
3) When the Lord called us to transform The Bethlehem Institute (TBI) into Bethlehem College and Seminary (BCS) two years ago, we felt the need to hold a special service dedicating this new institution to the Lord. This fall’s DG conference theme was chosen, in part, to significantly coincide with this special service.
In addition, Pastor John’s latest book, which will be released at the conference, also follows this same theme.
Therefore, in the confluence of these factors, we are holding Bethlehem College and Seminary’s Inaugural Convocation at Bethlehem Baptist Church’s downtown campus at 7PM Sunday evening, October 3rd, following the Desiring God National Conference. Dr. Albert Mohler will deliver the main address and Pastor John will be speaking also. Dr. Piper will be formally installed as chancellor during the convocation as will the president and faculty.
We would be honored and blessed if you would consider joining us for this culminating event—the inauguration of Bethlehem College and Seminary. Visit the BCS Booth during the National Conference to obtain a free ticket to the Convocation.
Register now for the Desiring God National Conference.
