One of the greatest ‘councils’ for the coining and defining of foundational theological terms was the Synod of Dort, which began in November 1618 and deliberated for eight months. This year sees the 400th anniversary of a dispute where the gulf between Arminianism and Calvinism was so clearly marked and concepts clarified for subsequent generations. Theologian and historian Dr Nick Needham gave two addresses on this event, the first of which dealt with the background and tensions of the memorable theological conflict and its risks.
The School of Theology of the Tabernacle has been held annually since 1976, with large numbers of pastors, Christian workers and church officers attending, together with many younger people seeking a more biblical and committed style of Christian life and service. In some years Days of Special Study on particular topics are held in place of the School.
Over the years both the School of Theology and Days of Special Study – in contrast to many other Reformed conferences – have focussed on topics of great relevance and concern to the contemporary church. These include the necessity of Gospel persuasion and regular evangelism, the importance of traditional biblical worship, the principle of the ‘working’ church, principal arguments in favour of Creation, the error of New Calvinism, the Baptist doctrine of the covenants, and the traditional system of Bible interpretation.
In addition to Dr Peter Masters, the Pastor of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, we have been pleased to welcome many international speakers over the years, including Dr Jeff Riddle, Dr Kurt Wise, Dr Vishal Mangalwadi and Dr Scott Aniol.
Recordings from recent Schools and Days of Special Study may be found via the link below, together with some rare lectures by the highly-regarded Bible commentator Dr William Hendriksen from 1979. [Please note that there was no School in 2020 owing to the coronavirus pandemic.]