The rising generations in the UK are growing up in a world that has said “goodbye” to the idea of God. In the media, through their education, and in the culture, they have been told repeatedly that the idea of God is old fashioned, irrelevant and out of touch.
Although the numbers who profess to be purely atheist are relatively small, for all practical purposes many live and think with no reference to, or thought of God day by day, and are hardened to any suggestion that there may be something more to life than biology, genetics and physics.
Professor John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University is no stranger to the cut and thrust of high-level debate with the new atheists. But he is the headline speaker at this year's Evangelists' Conference, and will stimulate our thinking about how to reach out with the Gospel to the less committed atheists in our hard-hearted world. John’s keen mind and deep insight into the questions of science, religion and the modern mindset will help us all as we seek to engage with those for whom the very idea of God is just a vague memory. It promises to be an inspiring and insightful day.
In addition to the main sessions, there are practical seminars exploring different ways we can engage with atheists in the mission of the local church. David Robertson and Martin Ayers discuss how to do one-to-one evangelism with atheists. Iain Morris presents a new video presentation on science and religion that many may find useful in outreach. And Tim Thornborough explores some of the issues around dealing with doubt in children and young people in church.
The conference runs twice - once at All Souls Church in Central London on Tuesday 7th October; and on Thursday 9th October at Holy Trinity Platt in Manchester.
This is a conference not just for those who would call themselves “evangelists,” but for anyone who has a role in promoting evangelism in the local church. Come with a team from your church to enjoy the stimulation, encouragement and refreshment that this conference will bring.
For further details and to book, please visit The Good Book Company website.
Tim Thornborough is the founder and Publishing Director of The Good Book Company. He is series editor of Explore Bible-reading notes, the author of The Very Best Bible Stories series, and has contributed to many books published by The Good Book Company and others. Tim is married to Kathy and has three adult daughters.