Event Review: The Institute of Expository Preaching (Phoenix, Arizona)

So this blog article is somewhat different. It will focus on an event and my thoughts on it. 

I’ve been wanting to go to The Institute of Expository Preaching for some time, but each time the conference was going on, it was in another state, which would restrict me to flying. But finally the conference happened near me, as a Californian. I have a friend at Grand Canyon University, so I decided to take an entire week off, stay with my friend at his dorm, and then go to the conference.

The conference began with a slight disappointment; the shipment of books never arrived. The books must have been held up at the port. Just blame evil Covid. Anyways the conference itself was very enjoyable. 

Steve Lawson in the pulpit is a serious man, sober minded, and driven to preach what he needs to preach. This conference was more of his teaching side coming out. It was a glimpse into what TMS is like under his teaching, particular the Mechanics of Expository Preaching class, which lectures are available on TMS YouTube channel. I have watched those lectures, but having Lawson in the class physically is quite different. 

The focus on the conference was the building of an expository sermon. Funnily enough as Lawson flew to Arizona, he forgot his notes on the plane seat, so he jotted quick references in his hotel room the night before. It all added to the uniqueness of this conference in particular. As said, I’ve wanted to attend one of these for awhile, so when the opportunity availed itself I snatched up a ticket quite quickly. 

When Lawson is in a relaxed environment, in a room full of pastors, elders, and church leaders, he is quite funny. One example stands out. As we were fellowshipping outside the auditorium during a short break, nearing the end of that he came outside to call us in. He called us into the auditorium, and cautioned us to not trip on our skirts. I just found it humorous, him calling a bunch of men, ladies. Just funny. 

The conference itself was instructive. I didn’t learn too much that I already hadn’t theoretically already knew. Doing my own studies and watch Mechanics of Expository Preaching. What was impressed on me was the imperative of true biblical preaching in this wicked and perverse generation. Preaching is considered by some to be the highest calling a Christian man can have and thus it has the highest requirements and duties. The preachers guides the church’s worship service. What I probably enjoyed most during the conference was the teaching, and maybe more so the fellowship with other like minded brothers. There were even a few women, but 95+% were men, considering Lawson was teaching, and those who follow Lawson are generally complimentarian. 

The biggest lesson I learned from this conference is the importance of an Expository ministry. Everything in one’s ministry and their world and life view must be grounded by the Word and driven by glorifying God. 

I would encourage men in preaching roles in there churches to go, but also those who are elders, and lay leaders. Similarly to the Shepherd’s Conference, The Institute of Expository Preaching is focused on building the church by providing somewhat of a safe haven for ministry training and discipleship. It’s very encouraging to be people focused on the same thing: the glory of Christ shown in commitment to the ministry of the word.