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Church Conferences

Part of the comprehensive plan of the 3535 Foundation involves organizing conferences that enable churches and associations to learn, discuss, and implement the principles of 1689 Ecclesiology.

The conference is tailored for pastors, seminary students, lay leaders, and everyday Christians. Our objective is to introduce the ideals of the 17th-century ecclesiastical debates to the modern-day 21st-century church. Each year, the topics covered will build upon previous discussions, gradually fostering an understanding of the theological concepts that shaped the 26th chapter of the 1689 London Baptist Confession.

During the conference, specific time slots will be allocated for congregations and/or associations to engage in discussions concerning the addressed topics. The aim is for the presenters to inspire the audience to develop a deeper comprehension of our beliefs, the reasons behind them, and their significance.

The conference will feature speakers who may not always agree on every theological point. However, the intention is not to engage in debates or determine “winners and losers.” Instead, the objective is to stimulate conversation, encourage questions, and promote further exploration through reading, with the ultimate goal of local churches and associations striving to faithfully reform their ministries in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Additionally, we plan to enhance the overall experience by offering fine dining and classical music to cater to the holistic well-being of attendees.

July 22-24, 2025

$99
Community Baptist Church (Fargo, ND)

We’re thrilled to announce that the 3535 Foundation will be hosting its second conference on 1689 Ecclesiology from July 22-24, 2025, in Fargo, North Dakota.

Next year’s focus will be the rise of 17th-century 1689 Congregationalism and the Reformed Baptist movement—an essential chapter in church history. Dr. Matthew Bingham, a leading voice on this topic, will be our keynote speaker, and we’re in the process of securing one or two additional distinguished speakers to enhance the discussion.

Matthew Bingham

Dr. Bingham joined Phoenix Seminary in 2024 after having served in both ministerial and academic contexts in the United States and the United Kingdom. Most recently, Dr. Bingham taught and held administrative leadership positions at Oak Hill College in London. Alongside these academic pursuits, he has served as a pastor in the United States and Northern Ireland.

Dr. Bingham is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and his research and writing focus primarily on the history and theology of post-Reformation England. He is the author of A Heart Aflame for God (forthcoming, Crossway), Orthodox Radicals: Baptist Identity in the English Revolution (2019, OUP), and numerous articles in peer-reviewed academic journals. He is married to Shelley and together they have four children: Amelia, John, James, and David.

– Queen’s University Belfast, PhD
– Princeton Theological Seminary, MDiv
– University of California Los Angeles, BA