Around Town: David Bebbington, Africa’s Spurgeon, Strathcona Market …

I plan to take the rest of the summer off, following this weekly update. (And I recently realized that this month marks the fifth anniversary of Church for Vancouver.)

If, like me, you’re tired of hearing evangelicals described in the media only in terms of their relationship to Donald Trump, or even the United States, head out to Regent College next week to hear from British scholar David Bebbington. He will remind us of the British roots, and worldwide significance, of the evangelical movement.

Wikipedia does a good job of describing Bebbington’s role and significance:

Bebbington is widely known for his definition of evangelicalism, referred to as the “Bebbington quadrilateral,” which was first provided in his 1989 classic study Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s.

Bebbington identifies four main qualities which are to be used in defining evangelical convictions and attitudes:

• biblicism, a particular regard for the Bible (e.g. all essential spiritual truth is to be found in its pages)
• crucicentrism, a focus on the atoning work of Christ on the cross
• conversionism, the belief that human beings need to be converted
• activism, the belief that the gospel needs to be expressed in effort

Bebbington (along with Mark Noll and others) has exerted a large amount of effort in placing evangelicalism on the world map of religious history. Through their efforts they have made it more difficult for scholars to ignore the influence of evangelicals in the world since the movement’s inception in the 18th century.

(For an interesting comment on how the 30-year old definition is holding up, read Should we retire the ‘Bebbington Quadrilateral?‘ by John Fea, author of Believe Me: The Evangelical Road to Donald Trump.)

To hear directly from the man himself, though, you can choose between his week-long course (History of Evangelicalism, July 30 – August 3) or the three free public lectures he will participate in.

* ‘In Darkest London’: A Window on Urban Life & Mission in Darkest Victorian England (July 31, 7:30 – 9 pm)

This one is really Don Lewis’s show. The Regent College prof will introduce his new book, In Darkest London: The Manuscript Journal of Joseph Oppenheimer, City Missionary, but Bebbington will be there to respond to his lecture.

The book covers this ground:

A small hand-written journal kept daily by a door-to-door evangelist in 1861 provides a rich minefield for our understanding of urban mission in the midst of the desperate poverty of slum life. This lecture will unpack what life was like under such conditions, and the efforts made to proclaim the Christian gospel in this context.

* Architect of Modern Missions: The Achievement of William Carey (August 1, 7:30 – 9 pm)

Bebbington will address this topic:

William Carey has rightly been acclaimed as the chief architect of the modern missionary movement. Although others were active in spreading the gospel outside traditional Christian countries before Carey, his foundation of the Baptist Missionary Society in England in 1792 launched the organized effort to proclaim Christ in new lands. This lecture analyses the factors in his formation, the advantages he possessed in his ministry in India and the difficulties he faced before examining the results of his work.

* The Bible in Evangelicalism Today (August 2, 12 – 12:45 pm)

This lunch-time conversation will no doubt deal with some of the issues raised by John Fea (and many others):

This week’s discussion features Dr. David Bebbington and Dr. Paul Williams considering shifts in how evangelicals regard the Bible. In his 1989 book, Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s, Dr. Bebbington identified four qualities which mark evangelical convictions. Known as the “Bebbington quadrilateral,” these include biblicism, crucicentrism, conversionism, and activism. Dr. Bebbington and Dr. Williams will discuss whether, and to what extent, biblicism is still a defining contour of evangelicalism.

Africa’s Spurgeon

While we’re on the topic of evangelicalism, we will have a chance to consider it from another point of view this weekend, as we are being visited by pastor Conrad Mbewe, widely known as the Spurgeon of Africa.

At least as far back as 2003, Mbewe was being compared to the ‘Prince of Preachers.’ A World Magazine article began by noting that he “embraces the Baptist reformer’s love of preaching, writing and controversy.”

Christian History magazine described Charles Spurgeon, who presided over Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for several decades in the latter half of the 19th century, as “the finest 19th century preacher.”

Mbewe will be a keynote speaker at the Family Matters Conference this weekend (July 27 – 28) at Pacific Academy in north Surrey. Here is the description of the event:

“Fatherhood As Leadership” is the theme for this year’s conference. Fatherhood is leadership and leadership is responsibility. Anyone can become a father. But it takes someone special to be one. Each day, we make deposits in the memory banks of our children which ultimately shape their character and destiny. . . .

But this conference is not just for fathers. It’s also for mothers, uncles, aunties, grandmothers and grandfathers, etc. You too have a role to play in helping the men in your lives become better fathers. If you are a solo parent (especially single moms), you will greatly benefit from this conference as we discuss how you can enlist the help of other fathers, in the upbringing of your boys and girls. Single men and women who hope to one day be married and have children, will learn valuable lessons on parenting from this conference.

Mbewe is pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and the chancellor of the African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. (I have to admit that his visit warms my heart a bit, as I was saved in a Baptist church in Lusaka.)

Another notable speaker at the conference will be Nadia Stewart, well known in Vancouver as a video journalist on Global News. She will talk about forgiveness in the family:

Specifically, she will be sharing about her personal journey and process of forgiving her father after many years of anger, bitterness and resentment against him following her parents’ divorce. The Lord has healed her relationship with her father and is doing marvellous things in their lives. Praise be to His Holy Name.

Strathcona Artisan Market

The Strathcona Artisan Market will return for its second year, August 4 – 5,10 am – 4 pm on the 400 block Princess Avenue. (Just north of the Strathcona Community Centre).

The Strathcona Artisan Market is a resident-led economic initiative based in the Downtown Eastside/Strathcona neighbourhood. Their vision is to equip talented individuals to use their art as a primary or supplemental income source.

The outdoor street market offers an opportunity for low-income local residents to sell their creations (art, crafts, textiles and food) in a fun-filled, festival-like atmosphere. The booths are free of charge for the 40 vendors, and market organizers work with them to prepare for the market.

The Strathcona Artisan Market aims to make an impact that goes well beyond the income generated there. Some artisans have already used the market as a launching pad for their bigger ventures. One vendor, a single mom on income assistance, used the market to jump-start her catering business.

A busker stage will host local performers and there will be kids activities, including face painting and crafts. Four artist workshops will offer attendees the opportunity to learn from fine craftsmen/craftswomen from the Strathcona neighbourhood.

Sponsors for the Strathcona Artisan Market 2018 are Response Advertising, InLanguage Advertising, Vanbex Group Inc, Fortis BC and Vancity Credit Union.

There is considerable Christian involvement in the market, though it is not a Christian event, according to Greta Lin, marketing coordinator for the event. (She also works with Vancouver Urban Ministries.) With her on the team is Jamie Hellewell, who works with Servant Partners, which is listed as one of two delivery partners involved in the Stratchcona Artisan Market.

Jul 2018

Festival of Sacred Music (Sunday mornings) – July 8, 2018 - August 19, 2018 at 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Rosa Quintana Lillo: Heroes in the Seaweed – July 26, 2018 at All Day
Stars & Dark Matter: Quilts by Lois A. Klassen – July 26, 2018 - August 31, 2018 at All Day
Seeing God: Hans Boersma's Book Launch – July 26, 2018 at 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Family Matters Conference – July 27, 2018 - July 28, 2018 at 6:00 pm - 5:00 pm
David Ley: Postmodern Urban Spaces – a City Tour – July 28, 2018 at 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
Summer Community Day – July 28, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Ragtime Ramblers – July 29, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Bruce Longenecker: Beyond the Mysteries – Paul's Proclamation of the Mystery of God – July 30, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Flavours of Hope: Summer Food Market (Tuesdays) – July 31, 2018 - August 28, 2018 at 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Donald Lewis: 'In Darkest London': A Window on Urban Life & Mission in Darkest Victorian England – July 31, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Aug 2018

Regen: John Neate & TBA – August 1, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
David Bebbington: Architect of Modern Missions – the Achievement of William Carey – August 1, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
ACTS Seminaries Open House – August 2, 2018 at 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
The Bible in Evangelicalism Today – August 2, 2018 at 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm
Darin Martin Travel West Tour 2018 – August 3, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Decoding Jordan Peterson's '12 Rules for Life' – August 5, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Geoff Claridge Quartet – August 5, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
South Van Sports Camp – August 7, 2018 - August 10, 2018 at All Day
Alzheimer Café Vancouver – August 7, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Fear Not Meetings – August 8, 2018 - August 11, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Regen: Tasha & Moses Masitha, with Regen Band – August 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Midsummer Celebration with Ezra Kwizera – August 10, 2018 at 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Heart of Giving: The Giving of Art (Friedrich G. Peter) – August 11, 2018 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Palo de Rosa – August 12, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Kingdom Life Community Church Soccer Camp – August 13, 2018 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Pacific Grace MB Church Soccer Camp – August 13, 2018 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Men’s Bible Study and Prayer Group – August 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Regen: Jason Ballard & Worship Central – August 15, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Pro-Life Student Symposium – August 16, 2018 - August 19, 2018 at All Day
Book Launch: The Church in Surrey and White Rock – August 17, 2018 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: Super Trumpets – August 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Kickers Soccer and Arts Camp – August 20, 2018 - August 24, 2018 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cycling for Seafarers – August 25, 2018 at All Day
Memorial Concert Honouring Ellen Wang – August 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Mike Smalley: Just One – August 25, 2018 - August 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: Wild Blue Herons – August 26, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Christian Friends of Magan David Adom Israel (CFMDA) – August 29, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Regen Conference – August 30, 2018 - September 1, 2018 at All Day
Israel Ambassador Danny Aylaon: Insight and Analysis of Israel and the Middle East – August 30, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
FaithTech Vancouver Summer Social Meetup – August 31, 2018 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Sep 2018

Revival Langley Conference – September 1, 2018 - September 3, 2018 at All Day
A New Creation: Henri Nouwen's Vision for Planet Earth – September 1, 2018 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Day of Prayer for Climate Action – September 1, 2018 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Downtown Eastside Churches Joint Gathering – September 2, 2018 at 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Jazz Vespers: David Sinclair & Keith Bennett – September 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The First Adult Retreat – September 4, 2018 at All Day
God Bless the Broken Road – September 7, 2018 at All Day
Rise Up Healing Conference – September 7, 2018 - September 8, 2018 at All Day
Emily Chambers with Alex Flock – September 8, 2018 at 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Living Above Our Limitations – September 8, 2018 at 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Book Launch: April Yamasaki – Four Gifts – September 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Classic Vocal Group uAngel Voice – September 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Gospel Night 2018 – September 8, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Jazz Vespers: L.J. Mounteney – September 9, 2018 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Colleen McLaughlin Barlow: Whale Dreams - Opening Reception – September 12, 2018 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Edith Krause: Adam/Adamah - Opening Reception – September 12, 2018 at 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dennis Danielson Book Launch Lecture – September 12, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 8:45 pm
Inaugural Lecture: Mapping the Uncharted World of the Aramaic Dead Sea Scrolls – September 13, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
MCC Festival for World Relief – September 14, 2018 - September 15, 2018 at 5:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Community Table Winemaker's Dinner – September 14, 2018 at 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Don Bartlette – September 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Smith Fraser Duo – September 14, 2018 at 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Chapel UBC – September 14, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Freedom Session: Leadership Training – September 15, 2018 at All Day
COLAB Youth Leaders Summit – September 15, 2018 at 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Dr. Iain Provan: The Reformation and the Right Reading of Scripture – September 15, 2018 at 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
MinistryLift: The Coach Model – September 15, 2018 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Jemal Damtawe Book Launch – September 15, 2018 at 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
How Great Thou Art: The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Performed by Steve Elliott – September 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
The People vs Kinder Morgan – September 15, 2018 at 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm