Conference: 2026 - Online Conference

An early member of FEET (the Fellowship of European Evangelical Theologians), James (‘Jim’) Packer divided his lengthy Christian ministry between living in England and Canada. He achieved global fame through his classic work Knowing God and contributed to Evangelical self-reflection through his wide-ranging public ministry and numerous publications.

2026 marks the centenary of his birth and provides an opportunity to reflect upon some of his most significant contributions. Consequently, this mini conference explores some of the most important aspects of his ministry, led by those who knew him well as a friend.

At 7 pm (CET) on Friday, 27th February, the first session will include:

• Recorded in 2016, Jim Packer will introduce himself and his perceptions of the heart of his ministry
• Dr Jim Houston, founder of Regent College, Vancouver, and life-long friend, will share his own reflections. Now 103, Houston gave this tribute at Packer’s funeral in 2020
• Reflections will be given by her son, from Lady Elizabeth Catherwood, a fellow student at Oxford with both Packer and Houston (and daughter of Martyn Lloyd-Jones)
• Rev Barry Grimster, former rector of St. Peter’s, Woking, who studied under Packer in both Bristol and Vancouver, and shared a warm relationship with him, will explore his role as a pastor and mentor
• Prof. Joel Scandrett will conclude the session by offering some reflections on his work with Packer on the use of catechesis – a subject very close to Packer’s heart

There will be an opportunity for discussion, and the session should conclude by 9 pm.

On Saturday 28th February at 10 am (CET), the final session will include:

• A paper by Dr Christopher Catherwood, which explores the impact of Packer’s Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God on evangelical praxis
• A paper by Dr Stephen Dray, which examines Packer’s understanding of the nature of the Bible and its interpretation, both subjects upon which Packer frequently commented. Both Catherwood and Dray were friends of Packer for many decades.
• The conference will conclude with an address by Packer himself, given to the student community at Regent College on his eightieth birthday.

Again, there will be an opportunity for discussion.

The Conference can be accessed on both days in Microsoft Teams:
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Meeting ID: 390 030 570 099 18
Password: TM27HD7Z

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