Last October, over 130 people came from all over Norfolk for the 10th Anniversary Word on the Wash in King’s Lynn. The popular day conference provides an opportunity for Christians to gather for faithful and relevant bible teaching, worship, and encouragement.
Word on the Wash began with the desire for good Bible teaching in Norfolk. Retired missionaries John and Kathleen Wallis were the driving force alongside local vicar Robert Slipper and his wife Helen. The first Word on the Wash was held in 2015.
Organiser Graham Pickhaver said: “From the beginning it has always been part of the Keswick Fellowship of local conventions with Jonathan Lamb being a great support.”
Last year’s speaker was Adrian Reynolds (pictured above), Associate National Director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, who gave two talks on the book of Ezra.
“Between the main addresses there was a choice of seminars with Adrian discussing his recent book, Sweet Dreams, a biblical perspective on sleep and rest, and the Christian Institute who gave updates on current moral and ethical issues.
“It was a good day as many expressed, ‘Here was good, solid, pastoral preaching at its best’.”
A Tenth Anniversary commemorative booklet was published which gave a history of the event and a list of past speakers. “It also gave hope for the future as the need for good, biblical ministry is in such demand in these days where it is often so badly neglected in many places. The gospel will always remain the power of God to salvation to those who believe,” said Graham.
The 2026 event will take place on Saturday October 3 at the King’s Centre in King’s Lynn.
“This year we will be welcoming Luke Foster, lecturer at Oak Hill. With local church ministry and theological teaching experience, Luke will be giving two talks, using 1 John, with the title ‘The sight that saves. Look back and belong. Look up and be changed.’
“There will also be a choice of two seminars. Luke will be looking at the importance of William Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament from the original Greek into English as 2026 is the 500th anniversary of its first publication in England. Elaine Storkey, well-known broadcaster, theologian, and sociologist, will be dealing with the challenges of idolatry and post-truth and how Christians can both remain faithful in a post-Christian culture and response biblically to it.”
Several Christian organisations host stalls at the event with a substantial bookstall run by 10ofthose.
“We look forward to not only welcoming a good number of Christians from across the area but also friends who may not yet be believers but who would like to find out more. Hope to see you there,” said Graham.
Dates and speakers for a further two years have been announced. The 2027 speaker will be well-known theologian and pastor Dr Andrew Ollerton. In 2028 the Rev Robert Slipper, vicar at Terrington St Clement Parish Church and a part of the original Word on the Wash team will be speaking.
Ten years in, and with speakers confirmed through to 2028, Word on the Wash is stepping confidently into its second decade.
Both of Adrian’s talks from last year’s events can be found on the Word on the Wash website along with details and booking for Word on the Wash 2026.
www.wordonthewash.org.uk
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