Greetings in the Name of Christ,

Rocky Springs Presbyterian Church in Harrisville, PA, is planning to hold a CRT conference on September 24^th, 2022.

The rise of CRT teachings broadly in society and in many churches across the country has led to many questions and concerns. Some are adamantly against Critical theories, others say that they can be used as a tool for gospel ministry. Prominent Christian leaders, such as Tim Keller, John Piper, Al Mohler, and Ligon Duncan have supported or shown sympathy for some of the teachings; others, such as John MacArthur, Voddie Baucham, Tom Ascol, and James Coates are greatly concerned about them. Christian ministries, colleges, and local churches debate their merits – with each “side” claiming Scriptural support.

Some of you may have just learned about these theories, especially during the wake of the killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement that followed. Others of you may have become familiar with these teachings many years ago. Whether we are aware of it or not, all of us are influenced by the Critical Theories. Consequently, we believe that gathering together to learn more about the Critical Race Theory will be very helpful to the continuing ministry of God’s Church in our area. The conference speakers will address questions such as these: Where did Critical Race Theory come from? Is it Biblical? Should we reject it altogether? Are there truths to glean from the theories? Is it a gospel issue? Is it another gospel?

We have decided to limit the conference to the topic of Critical Race Theory, though there are multiple Critical Theories, including Critical theories for gender, law, education, economics, religion, entertainment, energy, health, politics, the environment, military, and more. The Critical Theories form a worldview. Furthermore, we have decided to invite speakers who are like-minded, rather than give a survey of views. Therefore, we have reached out to various people who are speaking and writing about CRT. Scott Allen, Jesse Gistand, and Jon Harris have eagerly agreed to come to our area to inform and to guide us on this matter.

Scott Allen is the President of Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA), a ministry that focuses on global missions, community development and poverty alleviation, and worldview training and discipleship. See disciplenations.org. He has written several books over the years including:

• Why Social Justice Is Not Biblical Justice: An Urgent Appeal to Fellow
• Christians in a Time of Social Crisis
• A Toxic New Religion: Understanding the Postmodern, Neo-Marxist Faith that
• Seeks to Destroy the Judeo-Christian Culture of the West
• Rethinking Social Justice: Restoring Biblical Compassion
• As the Family Goes, So Goes the Nation

Pastor Jesse Gistand is the Senior and founding Pastor of Grace Bible Church in Hayward, CA. He is also the host of “Way of Grace,” the pulpit ministry of Grace Bible Church, which airs weekdays at noon on KFAX AM 1100. He can also be heard Mondays at 5:00 PM on the KFAX AM 1100 live talk show “Life Line” engaging with callers and addressing life’s issues from a biblical perspective. Pastor Gistand speaks regularly about CRT. See grace-bible.com.

Jon Harris is an up and coming author and speaker. He has done careful historical research about the origins and development of CRT and its influence on the Evangelical church in America. Jon also has a podcast called: Conversations That Matter, found at: worldviewconversation.com.

His two books are:

• Social Justice Goes to Church: The New Left in Modern American Evangelicalism Christianity
• Social Justice: Religions in Conflict.

Scott is a grandparent who has worked directly for many decades to provide biblical justice to the needy and oppressed; Pastor Jesse is an African American pastor who ministers to the minority community in his area, and Jon is a young husband and father who gives us a historical/academic view. These various backgrounds will provide us with a broad understanding of CRT.

We are planning for a one-day conference beginning at 9 am until 4:30 pm (registration begins at 8:30). A catered lunch will be provided. The conference fees are $35 per person, $20 for students ages 13 through college, and 12 and under are free (a nursery will not be provided because of our limited venue). We also will include the ability to livestream the conference with a donation request for each person who logs on.

As God’s Church in our area seeks to navigate the many changes in our culture and to face the many challenges to the gospel, we pray that this CRT conference will assist all of us. We do not desire to be harsh and divisive, rather to be informative and unifying. May God bless and strengthen His Church in our area.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Scott L. Fleming

You can learn more at: https://crtconference.rockyspringschurch.org/