Most of us are familiar with the term “postmodernism.” It began as a movement in mid-twentieth century Western architecture, but quickly spread its tentacles to literature, art, philosophy, and sociology. While postmodernism is difficult to define with precision, the main feature of this constellation of ideas is that truth and meaning are not absolute. Even more concerning is the fact that any statements of absolute truth are viewed by postmodernists not simply as unenlightened, but dangerous.

     The gospel is on a collision course with such thinking. Jesus told us that he is “the way, the truth, and the life.” His words are exclusive and absolute, the very opposite of postmodernism. The question for Christians today is, “How can we communicate the absolute claims of Christ in a world that no longer believes in absolutes?”

     Our 2022 Missions Conference is organized to answer this question. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. J. Ligon Duncan III, the Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary, as our speaker for this year’s conference. He has addressed the challenges of postmodernism in venues around the world and will provide us with rich, accessible teaching. It will be a joy to have him minister to us!

     This conference is one of the highlights of our church calendar. As always, we will be welcoming many of the missionaries we support for home fellowship, hearing about their ministries, and supporting them in their work. We look forward to seeing you here on Oct 19-23 for our 2022 World Missions Conference!

Gabriel N.E. Fluhrer, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor

The Siscos are serving at the Grace Vancouver Church, in Canada. Abel is serving as the Music and Discipleship Director, and Misha and their children are serving the church and city. Please pray for our members and now mission partners as they serve their City in British Columbia.

Andy is the pastor of Grace Church Stirchley, Birmingham, England, since the start in 2007. Andy trained as an engineer before God called him to church planting. He also trains and coaches church planters in Birmingham as part of the church Birmingham Church Planting collective. He is married to Jo and they have 2 children; Ffion (13) & Josh (11).

Antonio Coppola is the pastor of Covenant Waterfall Presbyterian Church, a church plant in the western suburbs of Durban, South Africa. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian and Reformed Church of South Africa. He is also the manager of the Mukhanyo Durban Advanced Learning Centre, the only Reformed theological college in the city. Prior to this, Antonio studied his M.Div. at Westminster Seminary California. During this time he served as a pastoral intern at New Life Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Escondido, California, for three years and was involved in its church plant in San Diego. He also was on the pastoral staff of St. Agnes Anglican Church, Kloof, South Africa for nine years.  Apart from being passionate about preaching the gospel, he loves hiking in the glorious South African outdoors, family, friends, reading, history, and great food.

Ashley Baldwin serves as the Area Director for Mission Increase Chattanooga. Ashley has been serving and leading in the nonprofit sector for over ten years. Through her work, she has developed a passion for strategic, sustainable, and relational generosity between ministries and champions. Ashley graduated from Covenant College with a BA in Philosophy and Religion. She is a Ministry Venture graduate, Brock Fellow and Gotham alumni. She spreads the liberating message of generosity through her volunteer work with Generous Giving and The Generosity Trust. Ashley resides in St. Elmo, is married to her college sweetheart, Ben and is a proud mother to her two young treasures Ellie and Declan. In her free time, Ashley enjoys coffee, good books, hosting friends in her home or making new family memories.

Until joining the First Presbyterian staff as Missions Pastor on October 1, Randy served with his wife Joan as senior coordinator of the New City Network and as the Coordinator of Urban & Mercy Ministries
under Mission to North America. He is Pastor Emeritus at New City Fellowship Chattanooga, the church he planted and pastored from 1976 to 2012, and is a retired Army Reserve Chaplain. Served a church in Nairobi, Kenya for two years, and written two books: Merciful and Insufficient and.  He is married to Joan and have four children and fifteen grandchildren.

Some conference events will be available live on this webpage and also:

• YouTube Channel (great option to watch in the comfort of your living room using your smart TV
• Church app
  
• Church website
• Facebook
• Vimeo
  

Childcare is open during all conference events, except during the Home Meetings. To assist the nursery staff in planning, we ask that you please register your child.