Some personal reflections

by David Dewey

My first HEBA ministers’ conference in 2009 came just three weeks after my induction at Chester Road: everything and everyone was new. This time around – a year on – and I had the advantage of being able to put at least a few names to a few faces, even if it wasn’t always the correct name to the correct face!

Like others, I came because it is the ministers’ conference – a chance for renewing and deepening fellowship and friendship. However, the chosen content and main conference talks proved to be a real bonus. I thought I knew most of what there was to know about First Peter, having spent three months immersed in this short New Testament letter on a sabbatical some years ago. But both Elaine Storkey and Joe Kopolyo brought their own particular perspectives which shed new light on the Scriptures. My only complaint was that I would have preferred a seminar format, especially for Joe’s talks, so there could be some open discussion on how we can properly handle and apply cultural perspectives on Bible interpretation.

Another highlight was the social evening. I am not generally a party animal and prefer to get down to the serious business of a conference rather than spend the time being entertained. But the evening was pitched just right and wonderfully therapeutic in its own way, even if our team didn’t win the quiz.

Personally, the conference came at just the right time, after a busy Christmas and an even busier start to the New Year. With some careful time management, I was able to come to Swanwick with services for the following Sunday already prepared. So at least the free time on Tuesday afternoon could be spent as it should be spent, perfecting the art of absorbing the contents of a good theological book intravenously while actually being asleep. I think they call it meditation!