Our 2017 Theology Conference will be held February 1-3 on the campus of Trinity International University. For our preconference session, we will address the important topic “Genesis and the Age of the Earth: Does the Bible Speak Definitively on the Age of the Universe?"

“We believe in one God, Creator of all things,” we profess in our Statement of Faith. This is a summary of the Bible’s teaching on the doctrine of creation: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” (Gen. 1:1); “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good,” (Gen. 1:31); “the heavens declare the glory of God” (Ps. 19:1); and “all things were created through him and for him” (Col. 1:16).

While affirming God is the Creator of all things, does the Bible speak definitively on the age of the universe? Does affirming inerrancy mandate a certain hermeneutic? Does our hermeneutic require a certain interpretation of the early chapters of Genesis? Additionally, what is the relation between our biblical conclusions and science? And how do we as believers who affirm the inerrancy and authority of the Bible carry on these discussions as theologians and scientists in the context of the local church?

An Academic Debate

C. John Collins, Professor of Old Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary, and Albert Mohler, President, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, will shed light on these issues in a debate format. They will address these issues and answer the question, with Collins answering “no,” and with Mohler answering “yes.” After the debate, we will address the implementation and application of these matters in the context of a local church, providing guidance to pastors and leaders as they think about, navigate and lead through these discussions.

More specifically, it is one thing to carry on this discussion, even a debate, in an academic setting. Collins and Mohler will present their positions, and do so strongly along with their differences, and then warmly shake hands and it is done. They will return to their respective denominations and local churches who likely see things similarly.

A Local Church Discussion/Debate

However, it is another matter when these views are held by two elders in the same local church. In these situations, how are these matters discussed and debated among elders with differing views, strongly held, with proponents of one view claiming adherents of the other view deny biblical inerrancy? How should pastors lead this discussion before it becomes a debate? How should the approach differ if one already is in the midst of debate, disagreement and conflict?

Although it is easier to lead in the former setting, many will find themselves in the latter situation. Most do not consider the importance of this discussion until after it has become an issue with sides and positions sharply drawn. Pastors, elders, leaders and churches need help and guidance to know how to think about, navigate and lead through these issues in the context of their local church ministry.

In our final concluding session of the debate, we will include a case study of this debate from the context of a local church for attendees to discuss in small groups. It is important that we think about and learn from one another before it becomes an issue in the local church. As part of this time, we will also learn from one another: how would/will you respond to the situation presented, how will you prevent it from happening, how will you guide the discussion, how did you respond if you experienced something similar, what resources do you recommend, what is going well, what did not work, what counsel would you give to fellow pastors and leaders, among other questions. We will also provide a list of resources so attendees have some materials to help in guiding and leading this discussion before it becomes divisive.

You can read more about the Conference, the speakers and the schedule here. Please register here. Plan to attend, and plan to bring other staff members, elders and/or leaders from the church.