HISTORY
During the first Covid lockdown in 2020 a group of like-minded independent Reformed Baptist Pastors, from the UK (who meet regularly in a fraternal) were in contact with other likeminded men from across the world. On account of the restrictions in place throughout much of the world during Covid, it was decided that a three-day online seminar should be broadcast from the UK in September 2020.
This was originally intended primarily for a specific audience. However, many in the UK became aware and interested in attending online and the broadcast was viewed in many different parts of the world.
MARRIAGE CONFERENCE
Later in 2020, during further lockdowns in the UK, it was felt a second conference should be arranged. This second conference was intended to focus on the UK scene and address the pressing issue of Marriage and Family. The objective was to supplement the regular ministry of the local churches by focusing on a particular subject that could be addressed more extensively than might ordinarily be the case in Pastoral ministry.
Marriage and Family life have been under attack for many years in Western Society and the unusual circumstances brought about by the Covid lockdowns brought to light the strain even some Christian marriages were experiencing. So it was decided that Biblical teaching on this subject should be the theme of the January 2021 conference.
This conference had to be online only, but was again watched in many countries live and after the broadcasts. The long term plan remains for any future conferences to have both a physical and online attendance.
MENTAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
For the 2022 Jude Conference it was felt needful to hold a conference that looked into mental health issues. This third Jude conference focused on the UK scene and sought to address mental health problems made more acute during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. The aim of the conference was to help both church leaders and congregations approach mental health from a thoroughly biblical perspective rather than from a secular humanistic psycho-therapy angle.
Some of the topics tackled included dealing with children with mental health and related problems as well as dealing with those mental health challenges that may have been a result of a sinful lifestyle rather than medical reasons.
Like the two previous conferences online attendees hailed from several countries across the globe.
AFFECTION FOR THE LOCAL CHURCH CONFERENCE
For the 2023 Jude Conference it was felt needful to hold a conference that considered the issue of the decreasing affection for the local church by many believers across the board. God's Word positions the Local Church 'front and centre' in God's timeless plan to redeem His people and perfect the Saints. However, it's position has been relegated in recent years as due to powerful digital technologies and "internet church" , the global pandemic and a widespread rejection of all forms of authority in society.
AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY OR CULTURAL SURRENDER
The 2024 Jude Conference shall consider the issue of Christianity and culture in the light of the alarming pressure being put on churches, families and societies at large to confirm or face some form of punitive action, censure or disapproval. Worryingly the Church of Jesus Christ is silently slipping into compromise with some churches toning down their message to suit the political climate. As more and more people begin to surrender to culture their is an urgent need to continue leaning on God's timeless truth.