Next summer, the Reformed Presbyterian International Conference (RPIC) will be held for the first time since 2016. Planning for the conference is well underway, and registration will open in the fall.

For those unfamiliar with the conference—or for those who find their memories hazy after seven years—let me give you a small encouragement to consider the worth of the international Reformed Presbyterian conference to your spiritual life, the life of your family, and the life of your congregation.

RPIC is an opportunity to practice the “one anothers” of the New Testament in the context of an international group of members you are connected to within the family of God.

The writers of the New Testament Scriptures include many exhortations of unity and community among believers, calling us to a life of commitment, deference, and love, especially toward those who are likewise adopted as sons and daughters of God by the work of Christ Jesus. At a conference of international believers, we experience opportunities to practice this kind of living in a unique, beautiful setting with a diverse group of people we do not get to see on a regular basis.

“Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you” (Rom. 15:7). “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16). “Be at peace with one another” (Mark 9:50).

RPIC is the only conference where laypeople from all presbyteries of the RPCNA are invited to gather, as well as from other Reformed Presbyterian churches around the globe. You will likely meet RPs from Australia, Ireland, Japan, Canada, Cyprus, Scotland, and other countries. You’ll have an opportunity to enjoy the fellowship that the body of Christ shares regardless of geography, and to partake together in mutual hospitality.

Understanding the work of Christ’s kingdom more broadly around the globe and experiencing friendship and unity among believers from many nations is a foretaste of heaven. If you welcome and greet saints from afar at RPIC, you will come away with a deepened connection to the global church.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thess. 5:11). “Stir up one another to love and good works” (Heb. 10:24).

RPIC is a time to be encouraged and built up in the Word of God. There are teaching times for people of all ages. The theme for the conference is “Glorifying God in Babylon,” and adults will have several sessions with our guest speaker, Rev. Warren Peel of Trinity RPC in Newtonabbey, Northern Ireland, who will preach and teach from the book of Daniel. You can look forward to encouragement and discipleship from God’s Word.

There will also be times for the missions and ministries of the church to share their experiences and entreat you for prayer and support. You can be encouraged by hearing about their work, but you will also be an encouragement to them as they share.

Even outside of structured sessions, whether in casual conversation, over an evening board game, on the basketball court, or in line for lunch, Christian fellowship abounds with encouragement.

“When you come together to eat, wait for one another” (1 Cor. 11:33).

First Corinthians 11:33 in context is speaking about eating together during the Lord’s supper, but it can appropriately illustrate the broader point of deference to one another in fellowship over food. At RPIC, mealtimes are an opportunity to share in Christian fellowship and joy. Sitting down to eat with good friends or new acquaintances is an experience of encouragement and hospitality.

“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another” (James 5:16).

Some of the most encouraging, meaningful, and moving times at RPIC are spent in prayer. Whether praying in solitude or in small groups, or in corporate settings with hundreds of hearts joined together, it is an awesome privilege to go before the throne of God on behalf of fellow saints. RPIC is an opportunity to practice “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…making supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18).

“Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Eph. 5:19).

Singing psalms with your brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world is a joyous activity. The sound of a thousand voices raising their praise to God will inevitably quicken your spirit and bring your mind to thoughts of singing the Lord’s praises in eternity. Here are men, women, and children of God from many nations, singing the Word of God to each other and back to God. It is glorious to participate in and experience.

In 2024, the schedule of the week will be altered from previous conferences. The last full day of the conference falls on Sunday, meaning that the week of fellowship, instruction, prayer, and worship will culminate on the Lord’s Day. Conference-goers will be able to worship together in praise and thanksgiving for the work they have seen God doing throughout the week.

The list of “one another” passages goes on and on. But the greatest of these.…

“Love one another” (John 13:34: 1 Thess. 4:9; 1 John 3:11; 4:7; 2 John v. 5).

RPIC is an opportunity to practice showing love to one another. Amid the fun activities, good food, faithful teaching, beautiful singing, and heartfelt prayer times, there will be lots of opportunities to show love to one another in Christ.

RPIC 2024 is only a few short months away! I encourage you to consider attending, so that you and your family might experience and practice the “one anothers” of the Scriptures in the context of so many brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world.