Our Vision
The focus of this conference is on the gospel message, which is at the very heart of our ministry as Baptist churches. We minister in a culture where, even in Bible believing Baptist churches, the word gospel has become so vague as to mean almost anything done in the name of Jesus.
Our desire, in putting on this year's conference, ‘Gospel-Centred’, is to refocus and refine our clarity on the gospel message that has been, ‘once for all delivered to the saints.’. As Paul states, in 1Thessalonians 2:4, it is a message we, ‘… have been entrusted with’ - the unchanging message of the power of God for salvation. It’s a message that doesn’t change with the times or with cultural opinion. It is this gospel which we want to spotlight and delight in, over the course of the weekend.
J.I. Packer used to say that good theology always rises up in great doxology – in other words: the goal of good doctrine is great worship. That brings me to a second goal for the conference: we desire that the gospel focus will not remain at the level of dry theory alone - but will lead to a time of great refreshment as minds and hearts are united in deeper worship of the God of the gospel. That is the second goal we have for the conference.
There is one more goal for this conference: AMBER is made-up of churches and Christians who have determined to hold firmly to the word of God and be faithful to sound doctrine. Many, in our society today, are doing what Paul warned would happen: “… (T)o suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Timothy 4:3,4)” In such a climate, an unwavering commitment to truth can leave one feeling quite lonely. We desire this conference to be a place of fellowship and refreshment. We desire that like minded churches would be encouraged to know that they are not alone, but are serving, side by side with others who share the same convictions, the same commitments, and the same confidence - that the Lord will be faithful to build His Church.
The AMBER team and Maranatha church welcome you and your church to join the conference.
We would love to see you there!
Speakers
Recovering our clarity, Renewing our Passion
The Association of Ministers for Baptist and Evangelical Renewal (AMBER) is an independent association of likeminded pastors and churches who have covenanted together to work for renewal in our lives as ministers and in our churches. We are distinctively Baptist, rooted in a rich confessional heritage, and warmly evangelical which means that we prize the gospel of Jesus Christ and seek to establish it at the very centre of our lives and mission.
Norm Derkson
President of AMBER
Lead Pastor, First Baptist Church
Calgary, AB
Michael Lorusso
Editor and Communications Director for AMBER
Pastor, High River, AB.
Shaun Martens
Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church,
Calgary, AB.
Edgar Unrau
Lead Pastor, Calvary Baptist Church
Chemainus, BC.
Garth C. Plamping
Lead Pastor of Asquith Baptist Church,
Asquith, SK.
Keith Falconer
Lead Pastor, Maranatha Baptist Church
Abbotsford, BC.
Elroy Senneker
Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church,
Calgary, AB.
Travel Info
Hotels & Stay
There are various hotels that are 10 minutes or less from the church. Click here for a list of hotels and motels.
Limited housing is available with the Maranatha Baptist Church family. This housing is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ride Share
If you are coming from out of town, it would be our pleasure to to pick you up from the airport.
Ride shares are also available if you wanted a ride to the church, back to your stay or for sight-seeing
About Abbotsford
If this is your first time in Abbotsford, and would like to know more about the city and what to expect, click here.
This link is a useful resource to plan your trip, stay and must-see places.
Upcoming Events
Thu, May 16AbbotsfordMay 16, 2024, 5:30 p.m. – May 18, 2024, 12:01 p.m.Abbotsford, 3580 Clearbrook Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2T 5C1, CanadaWe minister in a culture where, even in Bible believing Baptist churches, the word gospel has become so vague as to mean almost anything done in the name of Jesus. The focus of this conference is on the gospel message, which is at the very heart of our ministry as Baptist churches.