COMMITTEE ON CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FEATURE

The Subcommittee on Ministerial Training of the Committee on Christian Education plans to hold the next OPC Timothy Conference on February 7–10, 2024, in Oviedo, Florida. Confirmed speakers include pastors Chad Bond (Reformation OPC in Oviedo, Florida), Joel Fick (Redemption OPC in Gainesville, Florida), Reformed Theological professor John Muether, Westminster Seminary in California professor David VanDrunen, and CCE general secretary Danny Olinger. Reformation OPC in Oviedo is serving as the host church. Conference attendees will be introduced to a seminary environment and attend classes on the campus of Reformed Theological Seminary.

Mr. Bond will speak on the topic of the office of a minister, including its duties, responsibilities, and privileges. Mr. Fick’s topic is call to the ministry, with a special emphasis upon what it means to be called and how one might know that he has been called. Mr. Muether’s talk is on OPC history and pastoral ministry. Mr. VanDrunen will address the necessity and importance of a seminary education in preparation for ordained gospel ministry. Mr. Olinger will explain the process of becoming a minister in the OPC, from coming under care of a presbytery to being ordained and installed as a pastor.

Applying for the Timothy Conference

Those eligible for the conference are young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-one years old who are members of an OPC congregation and have been identified by their local session as having potential gifts for pastoral ministry. If there is a young man who has demonstrated godliness and giftedness, please consider approaching him about his willingness to attend. It is a wonderful way to meet others in the church, particularly those who are thinking about serving the Lord in some fashion. All expenses are paid by the Committee on Christian Education.

Applications for sessions to submit candidates can be found on OPC.org under “Christian Education.” Completed applications can be sent to Danny Olinger (danny.olinger@opc.org). The application deadline is November 18, 2023. Please consider helping us to heed the Apostle Paul’s words from 2 Timothy 2:2:

What you have heard from me . . . entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.