The third annual Godward Life Conference is right around the corner. John Piper once wrote, “A Godward life is a life lived for the sake of seeing and savoring and showing God in all things.” It is the sort of life that embraces the vision of 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” This upcoming gathering aims to fuel our joy in Christ and deepen our roots in God’s Word. Here are five reasons I am looking forward to Godward Life and invite you to join us September 27–28 in Minneapolis.
- A Timely Focus: The conference theme this year is “The Steadfast Soul: Enjoying Peace in an Anxious Age.” We live in uncertain, confusing, and troubled times, yet the Lord Jesus offers his people enduring peace, true contentment, and abundant joy. John Piper and teachers from Bethlehem College and Seminary and Desiring God will consider why we should not be anxious about anything but prayerfully and confidently seek first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:4–7). We will reflect on Job’s remarkable example of steadfastness through suffering (James 5:11). And we will meditate on a classic Puritan work on “the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.”
- God-centered Worship: I love to sing with God’s people, and there will be multiple occasions to lift our voices in prayer and praise to revel in the greatness and glory of our God. Graduates and students of Bethlehem College and Seminary will lead these Godward worship sessions throughout the conference. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3).
- Edifying Workshops: One of the truly unique aspects of Godward Life is the variety and quality of workshops. Participants may choose from twenty-two interactive workshops on topics such as on education, motivation, technology, social media, hospitality, novels, biblical theology, philosophy, writing, pastoral care, exercise, leadership, and more! Here are just a few examples:
- Escaping Both Idols of Technology with Desiring God Senior Teacher Tony Reinke
- Why Should We Trust the Gospels with Dr. Joshua Greever, Associate Dean of Seminary Programs & Associate Professor of New Testament at Bethlehem College and Seminary
- Caring for Anxious People: Addressing Body and Soul with Wisdom and Love with Brian Liechty, Pastor for Care and Counseling at The North Church
- From Camelot to Sherlock: Story-Forming the Moral Imagination with Dr. Betsy Howard, Assistant Professor of Literature at Bethlehem College and Seminary
- Work and Leisure in Christian Perspective with Mike Schutt, Executive Director of Worldview Academy
- Examine Yourself, Forget Yourself: How to Look Inward Well with Scott Hubbard, Managing Editor of Desiring God
- Inter-Generational Fellowship: Godward Life not only features outstanding content but fosters meaningful connections among attendees across the generations: students, parents, grandparents, pastors, teachers, church members. Meals are provided on-site to allow extended times of conversation, and along the way there will be special gatherings for prospective students, educators, alumni, and supporters of the Serious Joy Scholarship.
- Good Books: At Bethlehem College and Seminary we love to read great books, and our faculty write and edit books (including Dr. Andy Naselli’s recent book about reading). Conference attendees will receive a free book courtesy of Desiring God and will have the opportunity to pick up many additional titles at our onsite bookstore.
I invite you to pray for the upcoming Godward Life Conference and to consider attending this special gathering of the Christian Hedonist community. Let’s go Godward together.
Brian Tabb, Ph.D.
President
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Pray for the speakers and attendees of Godward Life.
- Pray for the prospective students attending Godward Life, that God would guide their steps.
- Pray for the full funding of the Alex Steddom International Student Fund.