Jude 2026
Biblical Manhood & Womanhood
The proven biblical patterns for men, women, and children, designed by God for a life of purpose, stability, and blessing, are rapidly and foolishly being abandoned in favour of a new, secular way of living. These shifting cultural and social fashions, fuelled by social media and influencers, are shaping the rising generation. Once, it was feminism; today, we face new ideas like 'toxic masculinity', 'gender fluidity' and a host of other competing ideologies. Young people are thinking, "why should I get married?", "why have children?" or "why fix my identity?". Sadly, the inevitable consequences of living only for self, inevitably lead to brokenness, loneliness, emotional pain, and unhappiness. These issues affect the church and our witness to the world. We need to examine these new philosophies objectively, understand them and stand firm on biblical foundations.
Keynote Address - The Secularisation of Gender & Identity
Pastor Oliver Wyncoll will introduce the day and open up our theme. Biblical and clearly defined roles for men and women have recently been blurred or abandoned in favour of identical roles and responsibilities. Numerous self-defined genders have emerged, leaving chaos and confusion. We have unwittingly returned to the era of the Old Testament Judges, when each did what was right in their own eyes. We have created an 'anything goes' society. However, it is becoming clear that secularisation has not led to the anticipated liberation of women hoped for but instead resulted in loss and suffering for our rising generation and society at large. Our wise Creator God has provided a timeless and perfect blueprint for men and women. Surely there is now a pressing need to 'Return to Biblical Manhood & Womanhood'.
Sessions
1. Christ the perfect man: the foundation for every believer
Rev. Malcolm Watts will help us to understand that our God given identity, our clear purpose, in a fallen world, we must naturally turn to the only perfect human being who has ever lived, the Lord Jesus Christ. He alone can and has defined how we should live, what we should aim for, and what our priorities ought to be. In this uplifting and Christ-centred message, we will strive to 'put on' the true Christ, to 'learn from' Christ, and to 'imitate' His perfect humanity. We start where we must, as we "consider Him". Only Christ has the power, authority and wisdom to lay down the pattern for each of us to follow.
2. The Difference the Bible makes
Rev. John Thackway will speak on "The Difference the Bible makes". Through the centuries, since the Bible was printed and started to be circulated widely, it has had an enormous impact in shaping societies. When nations have turned to the God of the Bible, they have become upright, compassionate and strong. But when "truth has fallen on the streets", societies have quickly collapsed, and an inevitable moral decline has set in. Protestantism and the Bible transformed Western Culture, partly through having a clear and cohesive pattern for Manhood and Womanhood. Whilst the West has lost its 'cultural bearings' with so many unbiblical and ill-conceived ideologies, could we be reaching a turning point?
3. Biblical Manhood & Womanhood in a 'post-Christian' secular society
In this practical session, Pastor David Kay will examine how modern ideologies are shaping views on marriage, courtship, and family life. The biblical call for young believers to desire marriage and, where possible, establish a family is being overlooked, delayed, or dismissed in favour of independence, thinking, "why should I bind myself when I can be free to travel and pursue my personal pleasures?" However, when marriage is pursued and a home is built, the natural balance between church, work, and family can be forgotten in favour of a focus on personal pleasure and 'bucket-list' ambitions. How can we rediscover an ordered family life one where the Lord is honoured, children are taught and loved, and a father provides protection while a mother offers care and nurture?
4. Modern Ideologies undermining Biblical Manhood & Womanhood
In this session, Pastor Darren Cadapen will examine the variety of new and sometimes not so new ideologies, and consider their impact. It is increasingly evident that the adoption of new gender-driven ideologies is causing significant harm to society. These ideas represent a departure from God's divine blueprint for life and are clear evidence of the 'fruits of rebellion' against Him. Tragically, the truth is being deliberately suppressed. This rejection of God's holy ways is contributing to widespread medical and psychological issues, the repercussions of which will be many broken and damaged lives.
5. Sanctification: Biblical Manhood & Womanhood
To conclude this year's conference, we will seek exhortation and encouragement as Pastor Jonathan Northern identifies some of the common besetting sins that seem to be encountered by men and those that are often encountered by women. He will then highlight the importance of developing and practicing the opposite positive virtues, as each believer is enabled by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to grow in godliness and grace as we live the Christian life in a challenging age.
Panel Session
In this year's panel session, we draw on both extensive Pastoral experience and the insights of a former GP to explore the challenges faced by believers in guiding and supporting children and adults in a 'woke' society. We will touch on topics such as transgender issues, same-sex attraction, critical race theory, and many more, engaging with written questions from conference delegates to facilitate an open and honest appraisal of these topical issues.
Speakers for 2026
Pastor Darren Cadapen
East Dulwich Tabernacle - London
Pastor Cadapen has been the Pastor of East Dulwich Tabernacle, South London, since 2015. He previously worked for the Trinitarian Bible Society on the editorial team. He has spoken at Jude several times and is one of the organising committee members for Jude.
Pastor David Kay
Whiddon Valley Evangelical Church - Barnstaple
David Kay has been the Pastor of Whiddon Valley Evangelical Church, Barnstaple, since 1993.
He previously worked as a Scripture Reader for SASRA and has worked in the NHS as a Mental Health Nurse and Lecturer.
The Rev. Malcolm Watts
Rev. Watts pastored Emmanuel Church, Salisbury, for over 50 years prior to his retirement in 2022. He has authored several books and now lectures at the Salisbury Reformed Seminary.
The Rev. John Thackway
Emmanuel Church - Salisbury
Rev. Thackway has been the Pastor of Emmanuel Church in Salisbury since 2022, having previously pastored Holywell Evangelical Church, North Wales for over 30 years. He is also the current Editor of the Bible League Quarterly magazine.
Pastor Jonathan Northern
Baldock Baptist Church - Baldock
Pastor Northern is the founding Pastor of Baldock Baptist Church, Hertfordshire, and has pastored there since it was formed in 2003. He is also a farmer and one of the organising committee members for the Jude Conference.
Pastor Oliver Wyncoll
Providence Baptist Chapel - Bedford
Pastor Wyncoll has been the Pastor of Providence Baptist Chapel, Bedford since 2020, having previously had a career in business and finance. He is one of the organising committee members for the Jude Conference.
Pastor James Buss
Mount Zion Baptist Church - Ashford
Conference Chair
Pastor Buss has been the Pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Ashford since 2021, having previously served in HM Armed Forces. He is one of the organising committee members for the Jude Conference.
Pastor (Dr) Tim Ramsbottom
Jireh Particular Baptist Chapel - Attleborough
Q&A Panellist
Dr Ramsbottom has been the Pastor of Jireh Particular Baptist Chapel, Attleborough since January 2025. Prior to this, he worked as a GP in Bedfordshire.
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Jude 1:21
