What Inspired Alistair Begg to Host Basics?

Dear Friend,

The Eclectic Society was founded in 1783 by several Anglican clergymen, the most famous of the early members being John Newton, hymn writer of “Amazing Grace.” The Society came together for the express purpose of deepening their fellowship in the Gospel and encouraging one another to be faithful to it. In the history of the Church, similar gatherings of Christian fellowship and unity in the Gospel have proved to be of eternal significance.

Why mention this now? After all, that took place almost as far back as the founding of our United States of America!

The answer is simple: When our Basics Conference for pastors and church leaders began in 2000, it originated with a similar purpose. I had read the book In Search of Excellence and had been intrigued by the author’s observation that the best-run American companies had at least one thing in common: They did the basics well most of the time.

That got me thinking about how this approach could be applied to things that may not be easy but that are straightforward—for example, hitting a golf ball, or even marriage. Neither is easy, but in essence, both are straightforward and call for a steady commitment adhering to the basics. In terms of marriage, no romantic trip to Hawaii will compensate for neglecting the foundations. (A friend just sent me a humorous note suggesting that three of the hardest things to say are “I am sorry,” “I forgive you,” and “Worcestershire sauce”!)

A third venture that fits this framework is surely pastoral ministry. In church leadership, there are no dull days. Some are disappointing, others may be delightful, few are dramatic, and all are humbling. C. H. Spurgeon encouraged his students along these lines:

If you seek humility, try hard work; if you would know your nothingness, attempt some great thing for Jesus. If you want to feel how utterly powerless you are apart from the living God, attempt especially the great work of proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ, and you will know, as you never knew before, what a weak, unworthy thing you are.

So our plan is to take Basics on the road! This year in September, we’ll be hosting Basics 2026 in Southern California. Our aim is to make Basics not only a time to encourage pastors in their ministries, but also, like the Eclectic Society, an opportunity for fellowship in the Gospel. If you’re in ministry or church leadership, let me warmly encourage you to attend. Registration is now open at basicsconference.org, and there are discounts for students if you’re in seminary or exploring a call on your life to shepherd God’s people.

Few pastors I know would complain about suffering from a surfeit of encouragement! So, let me encourage you to make it possible for your pastor to attend in September by inviting the members of your congregation to gift his registration and travel expenses as an indication of your gratitude for his faithfulness.

I remain thankful to each of you for every letter and email you send encouraging me to run the race, keep the faith, and finish the course for the sake of the Gospel.

Our book offers this month are gems! Christ Our All: Gaze at Him is a collection of fourteen brief readings that point you to rest in the love and peace of Christ. The two-book set from John Flavel, a Puritan minister, is drawn from his classic work The Fountain of Life and is a set you won’t want to miss adding to your library.

Enjoy these summer days, and come and visit us if your travels bring you to Northeast Ohio.

With my love in the Lord Jesus,

Alistair