Dr. Brent Sandy, of the Bible department at Grace College and Seminary, would like to call attention to the upcoming meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society. Here is his notice and invitation:
A stimulating conference for pastors and teachers will be held in Valley Forge, PA, Wednesday – Friday, Nov 16-18, offering the most up-to-date insights into theology and biblical studies.
This annual conference of the Evangelical Theological Society draws approximately 2,000 people from around the world and consists of members presenting their current research. ETS is an organization of teachers and pastors who are conservative Christians, evangelical, and committed to the Bible as the Word of God.
There will be over 300 presentations to choose from throughout the three days. Topics include inerrancy, creation, prophecy, spiritual formation, apologetics, open theism, theophanies, the crucifixion, the resurrection, archaeology, missions, suffering and martyrdom, divorce and remarriage, gender issues, social justice, the problem of evil, capital punishment, Islam, intelligent design, etc.
More than 50 publishers will have displays of their books, most being offered at 50 percent off.
Several theologians from Grace College and Seminary will be present and presenting their research. For the full program go to www.etsjets.org, scroll down on the left panel and click on Meetings, then click on 57th Annual Meeting.
Membership in ETS is $30 per year and includes JETS (the journal of the society). Full members must have the minimum of a Th.M. ( = an M.Div. plus at least an additional year of seminary), but associate membership is open to anyone who is in sympathy with the mission of the society.
Registration for the meeting in Valley Forge is $60. (Note: next year’s meeting will be in Washington, D.C, Nov 15-17, and the year after in San Diego, Nov 14-16).
Here’s what a few pastors say about attending ETS:
“I will be going to this year’s ETS meeting with four of our staff (another one cannot go because of being at a youth pastors’ seminar). I like getting away and thinking theologically and then talking, debating, interacting with the staff about the different papers we hear. It’s a refreshing getaway from the routine of day-to-day ministry.”
–Chip Heim
“The Evangelical Theological Society is the body of scholars most representative of our biblical convictions in the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The pressing issues in Bible study, theology and church life are presented in its monthly Journal (JETS) and in workshops at its Annual Meeting. Even an associate membership brings you the Journal and lets you enjoy all the sessions of the annual meeting—except voting. And if you are retired, the fee is only $15 a year—an offer you can’t afford to refuse. I recommend it!”
–Russ Ogden
“Since leaving academia to return to the pastorate in 1984, the edification opportunity I have missed the most was the constant theological interaction that occurs on a campus setting. At coffee breaks, lunches, faculty meetings and other gatherings we, like iron, ‘sharpened one another.’ The Evangelical Theological Society has been the most significant remedy for me in this. I try to attend regional meetings every year and the national meeting whenever feasible. I highly recommend ETS annual meetings.”
–Don Shoemaker
“I have thoroughly enjoyed attending the National ETS meetings in 2003 and 2004. The papers that are presented are stimulating and thought-provoking. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet godly scholars who love God’s Word and are deeply committed to it. As one who ministered in the local church for 20 years, I believe pastors can benefit from this experience.”
— Jeff Gill
Information on joining ETS and making a reservation for the meeting in Valley Forge are on the website: www.etsjets.org.
Brent Sandy says, “I’d love to see lots of FGBC ministers at the ETS meeting in Valley Forge. I have a free banquet ticket for the first FGBC minister who makes a reservation and contacts me!”