April 10-11, 2026 | Chilliwack, BC | Free Registration
Are you looking for a deeper understanding of God’s sovereignty? Wondering how Reformed theology addresses life’s biggest questions? The Confessing the Faith Conference is designed for pastors, church leaders, and Christians who want to grow in their knowledge of biblical truth and historical orthodoxy.
Join us April 10-11, 2026, as we examine Chapter 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: God’s Decree. This isn’t just another theology conference—it’s an opportunity to understand the God who governs all things for His glory and your good.
What Is Confessing the Faith Conference?
Confessing the Faith is an annual Reformed Baptist conference that works systematically through the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, examining one chapter each year. We believe the historic confessions of the church aren’t dusty documents for academics—they’re living guides that help us understand Scripture and know our God better.
Since our inaugural conference in 2024, we’ve gathered believers from across North America to study:
- 2024: Chapter 1 – Of the Holy Scriptures
- 2025: Chapter 2 – Of God and the Holy Trinity
- 2026: Chapter 3 – Of God’s Decree
Each year, we bring together leading Reformed Baptist scholars and pastors to provide rigorous theological teaching in an accessible, worshipful environment. The goal isn’t just to fill your head with knowledge—it’s to fill your heart with love for the God revealed in Scripture.
Why God’s Decree Matters Now
In a world that often feels chaotic and random, the doctrine of God’s decree provides profound comfort and stability. Chapter 3 of the 1689 Confession addresses one of Christianity’s most important truths: nothing happens by chance.
As Pastor Jim Butler explains in the announcement video above, “What we face or experience in this present world is not random, it’s not haphazard, it’s not fate, it’s not impersonal forces working behind the scenes—it is the God described and defined in Chapter 2 that governs all those creatures and all their actions.”
Understanding God’s decree means understanding that:
- Every detail of your life is ordained by a loving, sovereign God
- Your suffering has purpose and meaning
- God’s eternal plan guarantees the salvation of His people
- Nothing can thwart God’s purposes for His glory
This doctrine isn’t cold determinism—it’s the foundation for Christian hope, worship, and assurance. When you grasp that the God who ordains all things is the same God who loved you enough to send His Son, everything changes.
Who Should Attend This Reformed Baptist Conference?
Pastors and Church Leaders
If you shepherd God’s people, this conference will equip you with deep theological understanding and practical wisdom for teaching the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. You’ll also benefit from networking with like-minded pastors and leaders who share your commitment to biblical truth.
Church Members
You don’t need a seminary degree to attend! The conference is designed so that faithful church members can understand and apply these truths. Even if you only grasp a portion of the content, you’ll leave with a deeper love for God and His Word.
Those Exploring Reformed Theology
Curious about Reformed Baptist beliefs? Wondering what the 1689 Confession teaches? This conference provides a welcoming environment to learn from seasoned teachers while surrounded by a community of believers who will gladly answer your questions.
Anyone Wanting to Know God Better
Ultimately, this conference is for anyone who wants to understand the Bible more clearly and worship God more fully. Whether you’re a lifelong Reformed Baptist or just beginning to explore confessional Christianity, you’re welcome here.
Meet the 2026 Speakers
We’re honored to host three exceptional speakers who combine scholarly rigor with pastoral warmth:
Dr. James Renihan
Dr. Renihan serves as President of the International Reformed Baptist Seminary (IRBS), where he has trained pastors and church leaders for decades. He’s a recognized authority on the 1689 London Baptist Confession and a gifted teacher who makes complex theology accessible. His sessions will provide the theological foundation for understanding God’s decree in its historical and biblical context.
Dr. Richard Barcellos
Dr. Barcellos is Professor of New Testament Studies at IRBS and pastor of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Palmdale, California. He brings both academic expertise and pastoral experience to his teaching. His work on covenant theology and biblical interpretation will help attendees see how God’s decree connects to the whole counsel of Scripture.
Pastor David Charles
Pastor Charles serves a Reformed Baptist congregation in Toledo, Ohio, and will provide pastoral reflection on the doctrine of God’s decree. His session will focus on practical application—how this doctrine should be taught, embraced, and lived out in local church ministry.
Learn more about the International Reformed Baptist Seminary, where Dr. Renihan and Dr. Barcellos serve: www.irbs.org
What to Expect: Conference Format and Experience
Rich Theological Content, Accessible Presentation
Each speaker will present 45-60 minute sessions diving deep into God’s decree from biblical, historical, and practical perspectives. Don’t worry if you’re not a theology expert – everyone will learn and be blessed.
Fellowship and Unity
One of the conference’s greatest blessings is the fellowship with other believers who love the doctrines of grace. You’ll have opportunities during breaks, meals, and informal conversations to connect with pastors, church members, and Christians from across North America. Many attendees have testified that the relationships formed at Confessing the Faith have been as valuable as the teaching itself.
Worship and Application
This isn’t merely an academic exercise. We gather to worship the God whose decree we’re studying. Expect your heart to be stirred toward greater love, trust, and obedience as you see God’s character more clearly.
Schedule Overview
- Friday Afternoon/Evening: Sessions begin Friday afternoon 1pm and continue into the evening
- Saturday: Full day of teaching, concluding 12:30pm
- Meals: Optional catered dinner available ($40) with opportunity to fellowship
Conference Details and Registration
When and Where
Dates: April 10-11, 2026
Venue: Free Reformed Church, 45471 Yale Rd, Chilliwack BC
Registration (FREE)
Conference registration is completely free, whether you attend in person or join via livestream.
What’s Included:
- Access to all teaching sessions
- Conference workbook (provided to all registrants)
- Fellowship meals and refreshments
- Access to conference recordings afterward
Optional Add-On:
- Catered dinner: $40
Can’t Attend in Person? Join the Livestream!
We understand that travel isn’t possible for everyone. That’s why we offer a free livestream option. You’ll receive the same conference workbook and full access to all sessions—you just won’t have the in-person fellowship (though we hope you can join us in future years!).
Accommodations
Traveling to Chilliwack? We have families in our church who are eager to host out-of-town guests for the weekend. This is a wonderful opportunity for extended fellowship and a chance to break bread together with local believers. Click here to request accommodation, and we’ll match you with a host family.
Travel Tip: If you’re flying in, we recommend Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) rather than Vancouver. It’s much closer to Chilliwack and more convenient for ground transportation.
Register Now
Don’t wait—register today to secure your spot and receive your conference workbook:
www.confessingthefaith.ca
Preparing for the Conference: Study Resources
Want to dive into Chapter 3 before April? Both of our pastors have taught comprehensive Sunday School series on God’s Decree that you can listen to now:
Pastor Jim Butler’s Teaching on Chapter 3:
Pastor Cam Porter’s Teaching on Chapter 3:
These optional teachings will give you a solid foundation and help you get even more out of the conference sessions. They’re also excellent resources for personal study or small group discussion.
Why Confessing the Faith? The Vision Behind the Conference
The name “Confessing the Faith” comes from Jude 3, which urges believers to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” This isn’t 21st-century innovation or 16th-century Reformation novelty—it’s first-century apostolic truth.
The 1689 London Baptist Confession represents the careful, biblical thinking of our spiritual forefathers who wanted to articulate what Scripture teaches about God, salvation, the church, and Christian living. When we study this confession, we’re not replacing Scripture—we’re letting the wisdom of faithful Christians help us understand Scripture more clearly.
As Pastor Cam Porter explains, “We want to understand historic, doctrinal, biblical, confessional Christianity. The vision of the conference is to improve our understanding of historical orthodoxy and the precious truths of the Christian faith.”
This conference also serves the cause of unity among Christ’s churches. While Christians may disagree on secondary matters, we rally around the essential truths we hold in common. Confessing the Faith brings together believers from different backgrounds who share a commitment to the doctrines of grace and the authority of Scripture.
Join Us April 10-11, 2026
Whether you’re a seasoned student of Reformed theology or just beginning to explore what the Bible teaches about God’s sovereignty, we invite you to join us April 10-11, 2026.
You’ll leave with:
- A deeper understanding of God’s character and purposes
- Practical wisdom for Christian living
- New friendships with like-minded believers
- Greater confidence in God’s sovereign care over your life
- Resources to continue studying and growing
The doctrine of God’s decree isn’t abstract theology—it’s the foundation for how you face suffering, make decisions, raise children, do ministry, and worship God. It matters for every single day of your life.
Register today at www.confessingthefaith.ca
We can’t wait to worship and learn together as we explore the depths of our great God’s sovereign decree.
Have Questions?
Visit the conference website. You can also explore more theology resources and submit your own questions at www.freegrace.ca/ask.
