Grace is probably the most precious word in the Bible! Grace is the virtue that most exalts God. Grace is the word that distinguishes Biblical Christianity from every other religion. Grace is the reason God saves us. Grace is the truth that does most to bring joy and liberty in Christian living. Grace is the greeting of Christians. Grace is the strength through which God sustains us. Grace should therefore not only be at the heart of our preaching but also that which shapes every part of our ministries. We are all prone to become: despondent, discouraged, joy-less, proud and even harsh and at such times what we need is a fresh appreciation of the grace of God. Brian Edwards will minister to us to bring us a fresh glimpse of God’s glorious grace and help us not only to appreciate afresh the largeness of both “universal” (or “common”) and “saving” grace but also encouragement to minister in the light of it. Brian was minister of Hook Evangelical Church in Surrey for twenty-nine years. He is the author of over 16 books including Grace – Amazing Grace. He was last with us at SEMS in 2007 when he spoke very helpfully on the life and ministry of John Newton.
As the gospel is carried across boundaries, the question of the relationship of gospel to culture becomes a pressing one. To what degree does the missionary attempt to enter into the experience of the people to whom he has been sent? In the translation of the message, what local terms are acceptable? What form should worship take in the new cultural setting? In recent decades the term contextualisation has been used to describe the process that goes on in both thinking and action. In this seminar we will look at contextual approaches to gospel ministry in South Asia but also discuss how such approaches may be relevant in the Western world and in particular to gospel work in our own mission fields in Sussex where the same contextualising principles can be applied. Mark has taught Missions at WEST since returning from Nepal, where he was involved in evangelism among the Newar people of the Kathmandu Valley. Nepal's Tribhuvan University awarded him a PhD for his study of the social and ritual life of the city of Lalitpur. Mark and his wife Becky from the USA have five children. He is a member of Freeschool Court Evangelical Church, Bridgend and the editor of the bhaktivani.com web site.
We're working on an exciting programme for next year. Check back for more details soon.