A Decade of Biblical Fellowship: Reflecting on the 10th Word on the Wash Bible Conference
King’s Lynn came alive with spiritual energy as over 130 attendees gathered at the King’s Centre for the 10th anniversary of the Word on the Wash Bible conference. This milestone event, which took place on October 4th, brought together believers from across Norfolk and beyond for a day of enriching ministry and warm fellowship. The conference has become a cherished tradition in the region, providing an oasis of solid biblical teaching in an era when many churches have moved away from in-depth scriptural exploration. Participants journeyed from various communities, creating a diverse assembly united by their hunger for substantive spiritual nourishment and meaningful connection with fellow believers.
At the heart of this year’s conference was guest speaker Adrian Reynolds, the Associate National Director of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC), who delivered two powerful talks focused on the Old Testament book of Ezra. His first presentation explored the profound significance of rebuilding the temple following the Jewish exiles’ return from Babylonian captivity, drawing meaningful parallels to contemporary spiritual renewal. In his second address, Reynolds examined Satan’s tactical attempts to hinder God’s work, offering attendees practical insights for recognizing and overcoming spiritual opposition in their own lives. Many participants described Reynolds’ approach as “good, solid, pastoral preaching at its best,” appreciating his ability to make ancient text relevant to modern Christian living. The talks, which are now available on the conference website, exemplify the kind of accessible yet profound biblical teaching that has become the hallmark of Word on the Wash.
The origins of this beloved conference trace back to a shared concern between John and Kathleen Wallis, retired missionaries, and local vicar Robert Slipper and his wife Helen, who recognized a troubling decline in comprehensive Bible teaching within many churches. Their vision launched what would become a significant annual gathering for believers hungry for deeper scriptural understanding. From its inception, the conference has maintained a connection with the Keswick Fellowship of local conventions, with Jonathan Lamb providing substantial support throughout its development. This 10th anniversary celebration was especially poignant with Kathleen Wallis and several family members in attendance, honoring their foundational role in creating this spiritual resource. In a touching moment that bridged past and present, Kathleen received a beautiful bouquet in recognition of her and her late husband’s vision that continues to bear fruit in the spiritual lives of so many attendees.
Between Reynolds’ main addresses, attendees had opportunities to participate in focused seminars that addressed both personal spiritual growth and contemporary social issues facing Christians. Reynolds himself led a discussion based on his book “Sweet Dreams,” offering a biblically-grounded perspective on rest and sleep—topics often overlooked in spiritual conversations yet integral to holistic Christian living. Meanwhile, representatives from the Christian Institute provided critical updates on legislation currently moving through Parliament, including the Conversion Therapy and Assisted Dying bills, equipping believers to engage thoughtfully with these complex ethical issues. This balance of personal spiritual application and broader cultural engagement reflected the conference’s commitment to developing Christians who can live out their faith meaningfully in all dimensions of life. The gathering further enriched attendees’ experience through a variety of Christian organization displays and a substantial bookstall operated by “10ofthose,” offering resources for continued growth beyond the conference itself.
To commemorate this significant anniversary, organizers produced a special booklet chronicling the decade-long journey of Word on the Wash. This publication not only celebrated the conference’s history but also articulated its enduring mission: to encourage local Christians to deepen their love for Scripture so they might more fully love and serve the God revealed within its pages. This sentiment captures the essence of what has made the conference so impactful over the years—its unwavering focus on scripture as the gateway to authentic relationship with God. Through changing cultural landscapes and evolving church trends, Word on the Wash has remained steadfast in its conviction that substantive biblical teaching remains essential for vibrant Christian faith and effective witness in the world.
As the day concluded, participant feedback reflected deep appreciation for both the content and community experienced throughout the event. For many regular attendees, the conference has become an annual spiritual milestone—a day to recalibrate their spiritual compass and reconnect with like-minded believers pursuing depth in their faith. For first-time participants, the gathering offered a refreshing encounter with scripture presented with both intellectual integrity and pastoral sensitivity. Looking ahead, planning is already underway for the 2026 conference, with organizers committed to continuing the legacy of excellent Bible teaching that has defined Word on the Wash for the past decade. As churches and believers face increasing challenges in maintaining biblical fidelity in a rapidly changing culture, this gathering stands as a testament to the enduring power of scripture to form, inform, and transform those who engage with it seriously and communally.
