The cross of Jesus is the central point of Christian theology. The cross of Jesus is central to the gospel. Jesus dead, buried, risen and appeared is a summary of the gospel that Paul preached from 1 Corinthians 15.

While I don’t think that a pastor’s conference is the forum for an evangelistic rally, I feel disappointed how often I’ve heard the gospel of Jesus’ death for sins articulated. The cross of Christ is the starting point for everything in Christian life, theology and ministry.

The music has focused more on the doctrine of God than the doctrine of Christ. I want to sing and affirm the marvellous truths about God that we’ve sung, but feel that the conference has been lacking in cross-centred, Christ-exalting songs.

There is an incredible danger in assuming the gospel. The gospel is only ever one generation from being lost if we continue to assume it and not effectively pass it on. A pastor's conference is the place where the gospel needs to keep being clearly proclaimed in order for our ministries to continue to keep the main thing the main thing.

"Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel..." 2 Tim 2:8