Description
Adventist … Apostolic … Assemblies of God … Baptist … Brethren … Charismatic … Church of England … Congregational … Eastern Orthodox ... Evangelical … Jehovah’s Witness ... Lutheran … Methodist … Mormon (Church of LDS) … Newfrontiers … Pentecostal … Presbyterian … Quaker … Roman Catholic ... Salvation Army … United Reformed …
Why are there so many denominations and groupings?! Where did they come from? Does it matter which we belong to? And how do we explain when our friends ask us? Practically, how do we relate to those from other backgrounds: are we friends or foes?! In this year’s HYAC conference we’re asking “What’s with all the churches?”.
In our opening session, Phil will take us through the storyline of the Bible and identify the ‘fault lines’ – major Bible events and teachings where different interpretations have led to different denominations with their distinctive interpretations.
Over our next two sessions, Ed will trace the story of the Christian church, particularly since the Protestant Reformation and here in the UK, answering the question “How did we get here?”. The reasons are not just theological but also political and sociological.
After that, Andrew will introduce the idea of theological triage: not all differences are equally serious. When should we agree to differ, and which are the hills to die on? This will lead into our group studies, considering specific situations where we might interact with Christians from a wide variety of backgrounds, or the challenge of settling into a new church after going to university or relocating for work. What are the Biblical principles and practical and pastoral wisdom for navigating differences?
Finally, on Sunday, we’ll be back in the Bible: Kiran will be encouraging us towards unity from Ephesians, and Phil will close with Old Testament Biblical case studies to round off our conference.
As in previous years, there will be plenty of opportunities for Q&A, time to sing and pray, great food, a fully-stocked bookstall, plenty of games and activities, and the chance to chill, make new friends, or even check out London.
