Cedarville Magazine, Spring/Summer 2016

Biblical Authority Conference Emphasizes Biblically Healthy Churches by Bruce Traeger Cedarville University believes in the authoritative Word of God (Heb. 4:12) and the essential importance of the Church. From the Word we understand that Christ gave His life for the Church and sanctifies her, “having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (Eph. 5:25–26). Therefore, as a Christ-centered university, Cedarville focuses on that which is near to the heart of Christ, the Church. The best expression of the Church is local churches, represented by pastor/elder leadership and members that make up the congregation. To serve local church leadership and encourage them tominister with a thoroughly Bible- integrated approach, Cedarville University has co-sponsored an annual pastors conference with 9Marks Ministries. As noted in its mission statement, “9Marks exists to equip church leaders with a biblical vision and practical resources for displaying God’s glory to the nations through healthy churches.” Each year, the conference features one of the nine signs of a healthy church, as identified by 9Marks, which are Preaching, Biblical Theology, The Gospel, Conversion, Evangelism, Membership, Discipline, Discipleship, and Leadership. Through the conferences, each mark is presented by answering three key questions: § § What is it (the mark)? § § Where is it in the Bible? § § Why is it important? As you can tell, building ministry on a biblical foundation is the core mission of 9Marks and Cedarville, making this partnership a natural one. This year’s conference on November 9–10 will focus on Membership, the sixth mark. From the 9Marks website, “According to the Bible, church membership is a commitment every Christian should make to attend, love, serve, and submit to a local church.” This year’s speakers include Thomas White, President of Cedarville University; Jason Lee, Dean of the School of Biblical and Theological Studies at Cedarville University; Jonathan Leeman, Editorial Director of 9Marks; and Garrett Kell, Lead Pastor of Del Ray Baptist Church, Alexandria, Virginia. Cedarville University Church Relations and Events Services organize this conference each year. The mission of the conference is that “through biblical teaching and fellowship, the Cedarville University pastors conference will challenge, strengthen, and encourage ministry leaders as they serve their church and community.” For more information on Cedarville’s pastors conference or how the University can serve your church or connect you with the resources of Cedarville, please contact Bruce Traeger, Director of Church Relations, at traegerb@cedarville.edu or 937-766-7662. Bruce Traeger is Cedarville’s Director of Church Relations. Save the Date Nov. 9–10, 2016 cedarville.edu /9marks at Cedarville Cedarville Magazine | 7