The New Testament plainly describes the church as a people who are “on the way.” We are those who are already part of, but have not yet arrived at our home in heaven. Even so, Scripture states with equal clarity that we are to pursue our God-given callings in this life. The spirituality of classic Christianity has always sought to steer this course of seeking to be the light of this world, while anchoring our identity in the world to come. This conference will address several Biblical principles and practices that help to orient God’s people who “are in the world,” but “are not of the world.” 

 

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Conference Sessions

Friday, September 19

Session 1: Wisdom:  The Way in the Wilderness   
In Proverbs the father warns his son about the power of seduction, which is presented in the persona of “Dame Folly,” while he pleads with his son to walk in “the fear of the Lord” and choose life—presented in the persona of “Lady Wisdom.” 

Saturday, September 20

Session 2: Heavenly-Mindedness:  Our Compass in the Wilderness 
Scripture presents a fundamental mindset which orients God’s people who “are in the world” but “are not of the world.” It reminds us to look up and put into perspective all things—both of heaven and earth.  

Session 3: Communion of Saints:  A People in the Wilderness  
“Building community” has become the newest inductee into the halls of church relevancy alongside other slogans of philosophy of ministry. Although building community is clearly a good thing, the question is whether it is the same thing as the “communion of saints.” 

Session 4: The Lord’s Day & Rest:  An Oasis in the Wilderness  
Finding rest on the Lord’s Day is as old of a time-honored principle as you will find, since the Lord God entered his rest following the work of creation and calls us to rest as well. What does this rest look like, and what does it have to do with our faith? 

Q&A Session

Lord’s Day, September 21

Sunday School – The “Means of Grace”:  Manna in the Wilderness 
Dr Troxel will be teaching Sunday School

Morning Worship – Psalm 73

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Conference Speaker

Dr. A. Craig Troxel 

Dr. A. Craig Troxel
Robert G. den Dulk Professor of Practical Theology 
Westminster Seminary California

Dr. Troxel has taught at Westminster Seminary California since 2019. In addition, he is currently a part-time associate pastor at Harvest Orthodox Presbyterian Church in nearby San Marcos. Formerly, he served as pastor of Bethel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Wheaton, Illinois (2007–19) and as pastor of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Glenside, Pennsylvania (1995–2007). His introduction to the ministry was by itinerating in congregations of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) in Wasilla and Fairbanks, Alaska. He taught systematic theology as an adjunct at Westminster Theological Seminary and ministerial studies at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He has also served as a faculty member for the Ministerial Training Institute of the OPC since 2002 and is presently a member of the OPC’s Committee on Christian Education. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society.

Dr. Troxel has published numerous articles in publications such as Westminster Theological Journal, Presbyterion, Fides et Historia, Calvin Theological Journal, Trinity Journal, Didaktikos, Unio cum Christo as well as New Horizons, Ordained Servant, Tabletalk, and Modern Reformation. He is the author of With All Your Heart: Orienting Your Mind, Desires, and Will Toward Christ (Crossway, 2020); What is Man? (P&R, 2010); and What is the Priesthood of Believers? (P&R, 2019). His research interests include pastoral theology, Reformed spirituality, the doctrine of the church, and biblical teaching on the heart.

Dr. Troxel and his wife, Carol, have five children and five grandchildren.

Education
BA Anderson University;
MATS Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary;
PhD Westminster Theological Seminary

Other Affiliations
Evangelical Theological Society

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Conference Handout

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Conference Recordings

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Next Year

2026 Cheyenne Reformation Conference

September 11-13, 2026

Speaker: Dr. Iain Duguid
Old Testament Professor
Westminster Theological Seminary

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