BWA Congress 9 - a big finish

A big Congress needs a big finish.  And they don’t come much bigger than Dr Lance Watson (R), Senior Pastor at St Paul’s Baptist Church in Richmond Virginia.  Big not in size, but in impact. 

I couldn’t even begin to describe the sermon because such sermons, preached by African American preachers are a combination of oratory, theatre, drama, performance, exposition, application and inspiration.  And that is probably only the half of it.

A stupendous sermon on Acts 3 and the story of Peter and John going up to the temple when they heal a beggar waiting there. 

Such preaching needs a cultural context – and that context is a congregation that moves into the rhythm of the message, a congregation that rises and falls with the cadence of the preacher’s voice, instinctively stepping into the rhythm of response. 

But way above and infinitely beyond all these things, there is also the power of God at work.  If we ever reduce preaching to cerebral presentation of the great truths of the Bible (and we regularly do) then we have reduced the word of God to something dry as dust.  Listening to someone like Lance Watson reminds us that preaching is of the heart and not just the mind.  And I am in no doubt that many hearts were touched this morning. 

And so the Congress drew to a close with a wonderful video invitation to come to Durban in 2015.  I know that Jon Clark, one of our BMS staff members had a hand in preparing that, and it was superb. Which leads me to offer this thought, albeit a UK-centric one, but still valid for all that.

The production team was largely the same team that we have been blessed in having for several years now at the Baptist Assembly.  They produced the BWA Congress in 2005, Youth Congresses in Hong Kong and in Leipzig, the BWA 400 celebrations in Amsterdam in 2009, now Hawaii, and who know where else next. 

They are an exceptional group of skilled and talented people.  Coming to Hawaii might sound glamorous but once you’re in the shell of the building, its just hard work for days on end, often 16-18 hours a day.   This is what produces the end result.  So, at the risk of missing names (and if I do I’ll add the others later) well done to Steve and Jon, Martin and Jon, Daniel and Jackie, Paul and Steve and CJ...

As people head back to the different corners of the globe, many of my hopes have been realised.  The stories that came from Vietnam, China, Haiti, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas have reminded us of the blessings and the hardships of the church.  Times of learning have been significant. Conversations have been hugely fruitful.  Many will return having known God's blessings.

And a final thought is for the BWA staff who will rightly reflect on what I believe has been a very successful Congress.  They have served us well and Neville Callam and his team have earned the right to draw breath before their thoughts begin to turn to South Africa in five years time.

David Kerrigan

Comments

[Catriona]

Thank you, David, for your reports on the congress which have brought it alive for those of us unable to be there. Coming back from a week's holiday it was a great joy to read through your accounts and feel somehow connected.

Safe journey home - and hopefully a little R&R for you too.

[David Kerrigan]

Thanks Catriona - made me appreciate the task of a journalist, logging stories every day - not easy! Glad you enjoyed the Great Glen too - every bit as beautiful as here.

[Juliet Kilpin]

Superb commentary and reflections David. Thank you for taking time to think and write. A glimpse into the privilege of meeting people from across the world and scheming together with and for the kingdom of God. An incredibly valuable and humbling time for you all I am sure.

[David Kerrigan]

Thanks Juliet - it has indeed been a good week. Incidentally, I found this clip of Lance Watson on YouTube - worth a glance. This isnt the Congress but it will help you catch a glimpse of his extraordinary gifting - http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en-GB&v=3az8T4INw_E

[Sonia Jackson]

Thanks David for all your updates... Great to read of all the goings on - and who knows maybe in Durban!?

[helen]

I had the privilege of being at the 2005 Congress in Birmingham. Unfortunately, Hawaii was a bit too far away and too expensive. I had been hoping to catch up via the internet - I know the evening sessions from Birmingham were available via videostream on the internet for a few months after the event. Did they do this for Hawaii? And if so, can you give me the website (cause I can't find it)?
Thanks

[David Kerrigan]

Helen, try http://www.bwacongress2010.org and you'll see links that will help you. The DVDs and/or CDs have to be bought though, they dont appear to be available for online watching.

[Betina]

I HAVE THE DVDS AND / CDS, how can we get the written message of Rev. Lance can it be post for down load.

[David Kerrigan]

Betine - sorry but I dont know how you get the text. David