2022 Bible Teachers and Preachers (Advanced) Network
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The church is always at its healthiest where there is a passion for the preaching of God’s Word. Across the world there is a growing movement of church leaders and lay preachers who are committed to biblical, clear, engaging, and relevant Bible teaching and preaching. This movement transcends denominations and brings together people with a passion to feed the church and spread the Gospel through effective presentation of God’s Word.
This year’s Bible Teachers and Preachers Network will again be split into two levels. Each level will incorporate the dynamics of a learning community to enable participants to learn together and grow together as Bible teachers. Both levels are driven by a commitment to understanding not only the mechanics of Bible teaching and preaching, but also the theological heartbeat of effective ministry. They will share a passion for practical training as well as a determination to understand the Word and expound it clearly, relevantly, and engagingly in our European context.
All those who teach the Bible, (whether in a local church setting, on university campuses, or elsewhere, whether from the pulpit or not), are welcome to join us. While the primary focus will be on pulpit preaching, the principles of handling and communicating the Bible will apply in multiple ministry contexts.
The Advanced Track in 2022 will focus on preaching foundational narratives with a focus on Genesis. It is for those who have either attended a previous European Bible Teachers and Preachers Network, participated in the Year-Round Mentoring Preachers track, a Cor Deo preaching course, or a Langham Preaching seminar in Europe.
For those who have proven success in these areas and would like to be considered for the Advanced Network, please email ksaylor@euroleadership.org with a description of your background, experience in Bible teaching, and an explanation of why you would like to move up into the Advanced Network.
Prior preparation will be set for all applicants.
Applicants should be those who have either attended the European Bible Teachers and Preachers Network: Foundational Track or who have attended Langham Partnership Preaching conferences in their countries. The aim each year is to consider the challenges and opportunities presented by different biblical genres, building on the key skills gained in the Foundational Track.
Network Leadership
Network Speakers
Mike Chalmers is a mentor with Cor Deo, a ministry training programme, and is also UFM Worldwide’s Short-term Mission Coordinator. Previously, he was a Staff Worker in Wales with UCCF. He enjoys preaching and discipling and continues to support and encourage university students by speaking at… Read more
Andy Hamilton is originally from Northern Ireland but has lived in Italy for most of his life. Andy obtained a Master of Theology from Queen’s University Belfast through Belfast Bible College and a Doctor of Ministry degree in preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He lives in the… Read more
Steve Mitchell is part of the leadership team at Cornerstone Church in Swindon, a small church plant in the rapidly expanding north of the town. Steve is passionate about seeing God’s people equipped to share God’s Word no matter what context they are in. Previously, he worked in the IT industry… Read more
Nathan Nymeyer is the Vice President of Programming and Theology for the Forum of Christian Leaders, partner with the European Leadership Forum. Prior to his work with the Forum, Nathan served in a variety of ministry roles for 16 years, including 11 years in pastoral ministry. Nathan studied… Read more
Peter J. Williams is the Principal and CEO of Tyndale House, Cambridge. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he received his MA, MPhil, and PhD in the study of ancient languages related to the Bible. After his PhD, he was on staff in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of… Read more
Network Programme
Sunday, 22 May
Genesis is the launch pad of the biblical story: the story of creation, the birth of the human race, the introduction of sin, the origin of the nation of Israel and the first steps of God’s plan of salvation. Grasping the message of Genesis is the basis for all that follows. In this session, we will introduce the purpose, structure and themes of Genesis and prepare to study through this book in the coming days together.
The Genesis narratives are theologically driven, historically accurate, and artistically sophisticated accounts. The book begins with four events that have a global impact: creation, fall, flood, and the tower of Babel. In this session, we will consider how to read and preach these stories with exegetical rigor, theological depth, and genre sensitivity.
Monday, 23 May
In this session, we will explore how the key themes of the book (descendants, blessing, and promise) unify and characterise this central section of Genesis. Seeing how these themes unfold will set us on the right track to preach these narratives. We will also discuss some of the challenges of preaching extended biographies (Abraham) and complex characters (Jacob), and consider how to overcome them.
In this session, we will work in small groups to evaluate the narrative art of the Abraham and Isaac on Mt Moriah story. How is the writer communicating the account in order to move his readers? How can we effectively preach this story in our context?
Tuesday, 24 May
The book of Genesis ends with the familiar story of Joseph. Yet we will see that throughout the Joseph story much attention is also given to Judah. In this session, we will trace the remarkable transformation in Judah’s life. We will see that he goes from being a man driven by personal gratification to becoming the key figure in uniting the fragmented family. Furthermore, his family line becomes the royal line of Judah that culminates in Christ.
When we preach any book of the Bible, our desire is to point our listeners to God’s gracious plan of salvation fulfilled in Christ. So how can we preach Christ from the book of Genesis, from the first glimpse of Gospel hope in Genesis 3:15 to the royal promise of Genesis 49:10, with so much to see in between? It is just one book, but it is such a rich theological book that is well worthy of time in the pulpits of our churches.
Wednesday, 25 May
This combined session with both Bible Teachers Networks will offer a unique opportunity to hear and learn from Peter J. Williams as we bring questions to him about the plenary Bible teaching, as well as the rest of God’s Word too.
Preaching is not only about the message, but it is also about the context of the listeners. In this final session, we will think together about preaching in a time of change – whether it is international turmoil, or local adjustment, change is at the heart of many seasons of church life. How can we preach God’s Word in a way that will be heard by those who are living through uncertain times? We will also use some of the session to conclude the week together.