Fleeing single digit temps to balmy lower 40’s, we arrived at the G3 (Gospel, Grace, Glory) Conference at Pray’s Mill Church of Douglasville, Georgia as it was winding down for Thursday evening. We chatted with Jonathon Beeke who was manning the RHB and PRTS tables. The theme of this first-time conference was “The Gospel: Message and Mission.” Speakers were David Miller, Steve Lawson, Tim Challies, Chip Thornton, Jon Payne, Voddie Baucham, Paul Washer, Donald Whitney, and my husband, Joel Beeke.
Friday was a packed 14-hour day. Resounding themes repeated in convincing words were: We are wretched sinners and God is perfectly holy; Jesus Christ is at the center of the gospel; God’s grace is seen in His people in biblical and church history, and God receives all the glory. The 750 attendees came from far and near: California, Wisconsin, Michigan, New Brunswick, and more.
Dr. Steve and Anne Lawson
We had lunch with our dear friends, Steve and Anne Lawson. He is very energetic in his preaching of the gospel, in his pursuit of biblical knowledge, and in his appreciation for friends. She is a beautiful, gracious mixture of Christ- focused love and Southern hospitality.
The panel discussion seems to be a highlight of any conference, with nuggets of wisdom coming from David Miller on scripture memorization and inerrancy, Paul Washer on evangelizing unbelievers, Tim Challies on controlling technology, Voddie Baucham on choosing a spouse, Steve Lawson on expository preaching, and my husband on family worship. Pastor Josh Buice and his helpful motivated members organized a conference in which the searching addresses edified many, especially the many pastors in attendance. The conference concluded at noon Saturday.
We then went to the home of long-time friends Dr. David and Ann Hall. He has been the pastor of Midway Presbyterian Church for about 10 years. Their three children all got married in the space of 13 months in 2011–12, and now they are anxiously anticipating the arrival of their first grandchild any day. Sunday morning, my husband attended their men’s prayer meeting and breakfast and spoke to the men on “Following God Fully.”
Midway Presbyterian’s Sanctuary
At the morning service, he preached in Midway’s beautiful new sanctuary from Luke 22:24–38, “Who Can Meet All Your Needs? Jesus Christ’s Precious Office-bearing.” As he followed David around after church and I followed Ann, it was obvious to see their love for their people by how they interacted with them and pastored them.
With Dr. Jon Payne
Our final stop was Grace Presbyterian Church, pastored by another good friend, Dr. Jon Payne. He and his dear wife Marla have two children, Mary Hannah (age 9) and Hans (age 7). These young promising musicians played their violin and cello beautifully for us. My husband preached from Hebrews 12:1–2 on “Endurance: Running the Best Race.” It is a blessing to return to churches where you have ministered before, and to hear of past blessings and how lives have been impacted. Observing my husband, I see that these are the real wages of the ministry.
God bless you in all your work!
I’m liking the beard!
Jenny Jansen
Indeed, this conference was a blessing to both my wife and myself. I appreciate all the messages and personal time the Beeke’s shared with those in attendance. A special thank-you to Mary for her encouragement in family worship.