The Conference was organised by Pastors Boyce Seleni and Angus McKee. This was the first APC Conference in East London – indeed one of the pastors, who had been in ministry for over 30 years, gratefully commented that this was the first local conference in all his time as Pastor which was aimed at meeting his needs.
The theme was “The local church – its nature and its leadership”. Angus McKee, Pastor of Beacon Hill Baptist Church in East London, opened with an exposition of Acts 6: 1-7 on “Keeping the focus on the Church”. Irving Steggles, Pastor of Birchleigh Baptist Church, Kempton Park, spoke twice on “The nature of the local church” and Ronald Kalifungwa, Pastor of Lusaka Baptist Church, Zambia, spoke three times on “Leadership in the local church”.
Some of the 25 or so Pastors who attended came from considerable distances, a few travelling in daily and others staying the night. Many were pastoring in lonely rural situations and valued the fellowship and help in teaching – they were particularly keen to apply the truths taught in their situations. The vibrant question sessions after the main talks and in the formal Q and A session showed the real problems being faced on the ground. It was particularly moving to hear of those pastors who were not allowed to lead in their churches because of powerful figures who wanted to retain control. We all longed for biblical churches and to be able to support each other in fellowship to attain this.
We thank God for the provision of a good meeting place in the church in Duncan Village, where we were well fed. The Conference was provided free of charge to delegates, thanks to generous sponsorship for the catering by Sola 5. The free books for the Pastors could not be available at the Conference but are being sent on. We thank God for the sponsoring publishing houses and churches overseas.
Click here to listen to audio messages from our previous conference(s)
