The National Olympics Memorial Youth Center was the site of General Conference Biblical Research Institute Bible Conference hosted by the Japan Union Conference in Tokyo, Japan February 1-4, 2015. It is an extensive campus. The weather was bright, cold, and windy. Over 100 pastors, retired pastors, and Theology students gathered from across Japan.
The speakers from the General Conference Biblical Research Institute were, Dr. Anthony Kent, Dr. Radisa Antic, Dr. Norman Satelmajer, Dr. Bruce Bauer, Dr. Choi Chong, Dr. David Ripley, and Lynn Ripley, MA Min. The Japan Union Conference office leaders and staff worked very hard to make a very well organized program.
Dr. Anthony Kent from the General Conference Ministerial Department shared a devotional message “A Converted Peter.” He also offered two presentations on the work of the pastor “When a Pastor Is a Pastor” and “Finishing Well.”
Dr. Radisa Antic from Neubold College shared three presentations: The Issue of the Universal Sunday Law,” “Jesus Going Behind the Veil: Hebrews 6:19,20,” and, “Human Suffering in the Book of Job.” He also shared a devotional message on Psalm 23.
Dr. Bruce Bauer from Andrews University Seminary offered three presentations: “The Challenges of Adventist Mission in the 21st Century,” “Presenting Christ in a Non-Christian Context,” and, The Acts of the Holy Spirit.”
Dr. Choi Jong Geul from the Nomok Nature Observatory in Koreapresented “Fossils Speak Out about Noah’s Flood.”
Dr. David Ripley, NSD Ministerial Secretary shared a presentation “Specialness, Urgency, and Expectancy and the Culture of the Church.” He also offered the closing devotional message from the book of Haggai.
Pastor Lynn Ripley, NSD Assistant Ministerial Secretary offered a presentation “Leading A Missional Church.”
There are several goals of the GC BRI Bible Conference. One goal is to strengthen the practical and Theological ministry of our pastoral leaders in Japan and encourage them in their day-to-day ministry efforts. Another goal is to strengthen the faith and understanding of our Seventh-day Adventist message. Still another goal is the refreshing of the pastors on how to understand the Bible and the doctrinal truths that provide the foundation of the message we to share with our world and to remind pastors of the importance of sharing those essential messages.
The pastors were encouraged to not only share with the world themselves, but to present the messages given at the Bible Conference to their church members who should be invited to be a part of the ministry in their churches and communities across Japan. We believe this Bible Conference will bless the ministry of the pastors for many years to come.
Article by Lynn Ripley, Director, NSD Shepherdess Ministries