Grace and Glory 8th-10th November 2007
The arrival of John and Carol Arnott back in the North East of England for a conference after an interval of nearly 10 years was always going to be a defining moment for the church but with “Catch the Fire Ministries” Duncan Smith preaching as well it became clear very early on that we would never be the same again.
The Grace and Glory conference co-hosted with John and Carol Arnott and Ken and Lois Gott was held over 3 days at Bethshan Church, Newcastle. The theme of the conference was evident in every session. The revelation of the father’s heart, the grace of forgiveness, your uniqueness in God and the demonstration of God’s love in signs and wonders were themes that God brought powerfully to the church.
Every session brought not only new revelation but powerful ministry that left us changed. Testimonies were part of every session and revealed the deep work the Holy Spirit was doing on our hearts. We watched every testimony excited at what God was doing.
“The demonstration of justice and grace was a major teaching” Rob L
“It was the beginning of a process. Forgiveness and understanding forgiveness is a gift that takes you into the grace level” Becky H
“Everyone is unique and everyone as an individual has to discover their worth in God” Jo L
“Knowing who you are and not trying to be someone else. Finding who you are, the reason behind this and using it for God’s glory” Corey K
“It changed my heart and mysteriously I don’t know when it happened. Daddy God came into my picture. I’m coming into the freedom of Daddy God” Dave M
“The session on intimacy- you can just “Be”, “Be still”, let Him love you and meet you.” Becky H
It is hard to describe a spiritual impartation but through the ministry of Pastor Ken Gott it was as though our hearts of stone were being melted as we learnt that our uniqueness in the hands of a merciful Saviour is His plan to change the world. We were taught to embrace our uniqueness in God and see what He will do. Testimonies were moving as those who had battled physical or emotional difficulties found their place in the body and realised their importance to God.
John and Carol Arnott are surely the spiritual authority on receiving and releasing forgiveness and breaking judgements. Though it may have been taught many times we never heard it taught this way with such obvious humility and tenderness. Carols teaching on forgiveness from the heart was a challenge to everyone. Her testimony of restoration with her mum was incredible. John’s simple illustration of forgiving and moving up to the grace level where we expect to remain in His presence was exceptional.
Duncan Smith is a man of great fun. He relishes the relationship with his heavenly daddy and is always expecting the miraculous. His relationship with God is infectious and the ease with which he demonstrates the miraculous to the church releasing everyone to “go and do it” is exciting. In one meeting we saw 36 people with physical healing. Each healing was ministered not from the platform but by each of us to one another. As we were taught the principles of receiving healing we saw miracles. Then the challenge came “go out and do it and see His kingdom come”
Every evening session was something special and the worship with Luke Finch was some of the most powerful worship we have heard. Luke pushed through the heavenlies to set the spiritual temperature for the ministry of “Grace and Glory”. The number of youth jumping, shouting and dancing at the stage was inspirational. The infectious enthusiasm spread to the whole conference. Spontaneous laughter, freedom and real joy were released in each session. Surely the church will never be the same again. The challenge now is to be grasped to take the supernatural out where we live and work and see His Kingdom come in the United Kingdom.