When people ask me what this summer’s RP International Conference was like, I answer in a word: nurturing. My family and I returned home with that satiated feeling in our stomachs, Not the stuffed feeling that makes one want to sit on the couch and watch TV; rather, the satiated feeling that makes one feel energized, like a manner in the “set” position in the blocks.

This conference brought together two major themes that we must continually address—our godly heritage, and the Great Commission. Not only the speakers but the entire sweep of the conference brought home how precious is our godly heritage, our covenant generations, the fellowship of the saints. The attitude of people, the friendliness, the willingness to sacrifice on others’ behalf, the joy of seeing so many children, the sweetness of conversations with old friends and new acquaintances, all testified to those. That heritage is a strong point of this denomination.

Not only did we bask in the blessings of this heritage, but also we were reminded that the heritage never flies on autopilot. It must be intentionally picked up, assimilated, and passed on to the next generation. Where we have failed to do so, there is no time for excuses but only for action.

The second of the twin themes is one that fills us with less of a sense of accomplishment as a denomination. We need to pass along an emphasis on the Great Commission, but also we need to make some fundamental changes in ourselves that demonstrates that we, personally and corporately, view it as the high priority that Christ instituted. If we do take it more seriously, and rely on the certain promises of God’s grace and of the Holy Spirit, then for the next conference in 2004 we will see more new faces than ever, more backgrounds represented, more races, more cities, more nations.

As it is, the international flavor of the conference was a tremendous boost. Barriers of language and culture faded into insignificance as they gave way to unity. The stronger ties that have been made in the RP Church across oceans in the past four years became a catalyst for closer fellowship at this conference, and likely the momentum will not stop there.

So even if you weren’t able to go to the conference or didn’t wish to go, you will likely benefit from the greater unity that was fostered there and from the spiritual nurture and conviction that conferees brought home. And through conference tapes and the conference video (a first), through the reports and photos on the web (also a first), thousands of others who didn’t attend the conference have shared in its benefits. It makes one wish that RP International 2004 weren’t so far away.