Building Cross-Cultural Competence Through Holistic Discipleship
Loving others and communicating respectfully across differences isn’t easy—sometimes it’s not even something we want to do. It’s far more comfortable to stay in circles of sameness than to engage those with different beliefs, backgrounds, and perspectives. In this breakout session from TGC’s 2024 Women’s Conference, Vanessa Hawkins explains how growing in cross-cultural competence is not just helpful for communication—it’s a key part of our spiritual formation as disciples of Christ.
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Fighting the Good Fight (2 Tim. 4:6–22)
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, Ligon Duncan urges pastors to recover the centrality of the pastoral epistles—1 and 2 Timothy and Titus—as foundational guides for faithful life and ministry. He critiques two persistent errors in the Western church: theological liberalism, which changes the message to suit culture, and methodology divorced from theology, which compromises ministry effectiveness. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, Duncan exhorts pastors to endure, study diligently, build gospel community, and finish the race with faithfulness rooted in God’s grace and presence.
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Pitfalls and Parodies of Gospel-Centered Ministry (2 Tim. 2:14–3:9)
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, K. Edward Copeland examines 2 Timothy 3:1–9 to address the dangers of self-centeredness, superficial godliness, and a diluted gospel in the last days. He warns that misdirected love—where people prioritize themselves over God—will infiltrate even the church, leading to a form of religion that lacks true power. Copeland calls pastors to reject performance-based ministry and instead faithfully proclaim the truth of the gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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The Pattern of Sound Words (2 Tim. 1:13–2:13)
In this keynote from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, Philip Ryken opens 2 Timothy to remind pastors that faithful ministry flows from the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. With encouragement from Paul’s example and the courage of Onesiphorus, Ryken calls ministers to hold fast to sound doctrine, endure criticism, and entrust the gospel to others. He urges weary pastors to find strength in Christ’s resurrection and assurance in God’s unwavering faithfulness—even when their own faith feels weak.
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Unashamed Courage in the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:1–12)
In this keynote message from TGC’s 2009 National Conference, John Piper unpacks 2 Timothy 1:1–12 with a powerful call to “fan into flame” the gift of God, urging believers to live with courage, love, and self-control. He highlights the role of grace and the Word in strengthening us to speak and suffer for the gospel without fear or shame. Drawing from Paul’s example and Timothy’s sincere faith, Piper encourages pastors to feed the flame of God’s calling through deep dependence on God’s power and purpose.
The Gospel Coalition Podcast features keynote and breakout sessions from our national, regional, and women's conferences. We exist to equip the next generation of believers, pastors, and church leaders to shape life and ministry around the gospel.
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